According to the Minnesota Uniform Crime Report, there were 24298 serious criminal offenses committed during 2018. Plenty of people, some of whom have never encountered the legal system, need a criminal defense lawyer.
Whether you are being investigated for a crime or have been charged, you probably need to select a lawyer as soon as possible. However, there are so many attorneys to choose from. It can be difficult to know who to trust with your case and your future.
Starting the search
There are many areas of law and many different types of lawyers who handle them. So you want to find someone who has experience in criminal defense law. You should look for a lawyer who has worked on cases like yours and is well acquainted with the judges, prosecutors, and local court procedures. Start by asking family members, friends, or someone you trust for referrals. Attorneys who practice in other areas of the law are also a good source. Ask about the attorney’s professional skills, but also how the individual feels about him or her personally.
If you are uncomfortable discussing your situation with people you know, there is a great deal of information available online. Remember, however, that not all information found online is trustworthy, but there are many reliable sources. The American Bar Association has state-specific state information. Also, there are many professional associations, both nationally and in your area that specialize in criminal defense. State bar associations, including the Minnesota State Bar, often offer certification in criminal defense.
You may wish to consider whether the attorney has experience in the courthouse where the defendant’s case is pending. While the same state laws will apply, procedures may vary from one court to another. The prosecutor may have a specific plea bargaining policy in regards to a particular defense. Attorneys familiar with the local area also know the police officers and how they perform at trial.
Next steps
The legal system is complex, and some lawyers focus on certain types of offenses, such as federal crimes, drunk driving, drug offenses, or violent crimes. Once you’ve reduced the list from all lawyers to a short list of criminal defense attorneys, how do you choose the right person for you? Here are some tips on the next steps.
You can contact the lawyer disciplinary agency in your state to confirm that an attorney is a member in good standing or has not been publicly disciplined. You can also check a lawyer’s ratings online at Martindale.com. The directory shows practice profile data on attorneys in the U.S. and Canada. These provide objective peer review assessments of a lawyer’s professional ability and ethics, which may help if you are choosing between two equally qualified candidates.
After narrowing the search to a one or two criminal defense lawyers in your area, make an appointment for a consultation. However, if time is short, it may be possible to get some information by phone. At your first appointment, bring along a summary of your case, including details about your arrest, the charges, and who else was involved. This consultation may help you better understand the charges, available defenses, potential plea bargains, and possible consequences. While a lawyer may discuss possible outcomes, he or she cannot guarantee a definite outcome.
Ask questions
Be prepared with a written list of questions and take notes during the consultation. Given the circumstances, you may be upset or nervous, so it is easy to become confused or forget details. Important questions to ask during this initial consultation include the following:
- Experience. You want to make sure that the lawyer you hire has experience in the area of law in which you require assistance. How long have they been in practice? How much of their caseload is dedicated to handling your type of legal problem? What is their track record of success? Do they have any applicable certifications or participate in legal associations? This is a rigorous process. Less than 3% of all registered attorneys in Minnesota are certified specialists in their field.
- The legal team. Some lawyers work by themselves. Others have paralegals or may outsource some of the work to other lawyers. Who else would be working on your case? What are their functions and their rates?
- Potential costs. It is important to understand how your attorney charges. What are the fees? How are you charged for non-lawyer services? Are there other fees or costs, such as filing fees, copy fees, etc. How often will you be billed? Your attorney should provide you with a written fee agreement. Read it carefully and ask any questions you may have.
- Communication. How will the lawyer update you on developments in your case? If you have a question, what is a reasonable response time? How does the lawyer generally communicate with clients? What is the best method for you to communicate with them?
The personal factor
In addition to questions about your case, you want to make sure you and your attorney are a good fit in regards to personality. After meeting a prospective lawyer, ask yourself questions such as:
- Does the lawyer explain things in a way that I understand?
- Is this someone I am comfortable with?
- Does the lawyer seem to be concerned with my situation and see me as more than just another criminal case?
- Does the lawyer appear to be a person who works well with judges, prosecutors, and, if necessary, jurors?
You need the best criminal defense attorney
Each criminal case is unique. Your lawyer may be able to find the factors and arguments that would benefit your case. He or she must have a thorough understanding of the state laws. For example, criminal law cases often rest on the issue of whether evidence may be admitted into court. Therefore knowing and working with evidentiary rules is essential.
Being charged with a crime is traumatic. You need an experienced and compassionate criminal defense attorney by your side. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact attorney Kevin DeVore at 651-435-6500 or contact us online. At DeVore Law Office, we are here to help you.
Posted 16th August 2019 by DeVore Criminal Defense