If you find yourself on the wrong side of the law and are facing criminal charges in Suffolk County, Long Island, hiring a criminal attorney is something to take seriously. An experienced TRIAL attorney may be able to minimize the effects these criminal proceedings have on your life moving forward. Getting the right attorney is key and may be the difference between serving jail time or going free. If you find yourself in need of a criminal defense attorney, keep the tips below in mind when it comes to choosing an attorney that is right for you.
Make Sure You Hire a TRIAL Lawyer to Defend You…
Look around
You may be tempted to hire the first lawyer you come across, but you should avoid this temptation if possible. While this person may ultimately end up being the best lawyer for your situation, you should still take some time to research several lawyers first before settling on one. It’s the same process you would typically use for purchasing many other goods and services, so why wouldn’t you do the same for something as important as your freedom?
For example, many people demand they be allowed to test drive before purchasing a car. You should do the same when it comes to hiring a lawyer, so make sure any lawyer you meet with understands you are in the early stages of finding a lawyer that is right for you. This is quite common in the legal profession, and any attorney you meet with should understand. Any lawyer who has an issue with this probably isn’t one you want representing you, so if this happens you may want to scratch them off your list.
Reputation
Try to find a lawyer who has a good reputation. Don’t be swayed by flashy promotions. You must do your homework first to get a lawyer who has your best interests in mind. Some of the top criminal attorneys aren’t even in the Yellow Pages. They get plenty of clients through referrals from previous clients and publicity earned from their expertise and reputation. So once you have a list of lawyers you are considering, be sure to check out reviews online from previous clients to get a better idea of the quality of work you can expect.
Personality
Two personality traits you should require of any criminal defense attorney you hire are honesty and aggressiveness. When your freedom is on the line, you want someone who’s going to fight as hard as they can to protect your rights. Consider your initial meeting with potential attorneys as a trial run and pay attention to how they make their argument for why you should hire him or her.
Attorney fees
Before choosing an attorney to represent you, you must first understand how they expect to get paid. Some lawyers charge a flat rate for their services while others bill by the hour. If a lawyer you are considering can’t explain these options to you in a way that makes sense, he or she probably isn’t the kind of lawyer you want representing you. When this information is explained properly to you, you will be better able to make an informed decision. When informed properly and clearly, you’ll be able to make a decision that is most beneficial to you and not the law firm.
We Take Criminal Defense Seriously
Call The Law Office of Naiburg, Obedin and Weissman if you or a loved one has been charged with a crime in Suffolk County, NY. We will go over the facts of your case and make sure you are getting the best legal defense possible.