Criminal conviction pose severe consequences, which could hang over your head for the rest of your life. The conviction record could deny you promotions and a chance to secure a scholarship or join certain organizations, among other considerations. These consequences can significantly minimize your chances of success in life. This is why you should hire experienced criminal defense lawyers from the Law Office of Nayib Hassan whenever you face criminal charges to ensure a favorable outcome.
Criminal defense lawyers know the legal complexities and can thoroughly investigate your case, help you understand the charges and penalties you’re facing, and develop a strategic defense to secure better results. Nonetheless, not all lawyers can deliver to your expectations, if not better. That’s why you must employ due diligence to ensure you hire the best. But what makes a criminal lawyer the best? Here are three items to include in your checklist to help you pick the right lawyer.
Experience
It’s not that a fresh graduate can’t adequately represent you, but the truth is, nothing beats hands-on experience. This is more so as you navigate the complex legal procedures involved in criminal cases, where a single misstep could land you in considerable trouble. As you consider the experience, don’t make the mistake of simply checking how long a lawyer has been around. You need to ensure the lawyer actively represents clients, and most importantly, in the line of defense, you need their services.
Here is an example. You could be facing identity or mail fraud, but your chosen criminal defense lawyer might specialize in DUI. They are still criminal defense lawyer, but their specialization areas might mean they don’t have enough experience to handle the complexities of the case. Check the years the lawyer has and the number of clients they’ve successfully represented in criminal defense matching your case’s requirements. This way, you’ll be certain they have the skills and resources to defend you effectively.
Communication
Communication is everything in criminal defense cases. You need a lawyer who clearly communicates, making it easy to identify your responsibilities in the defense process. You’ll also have an easier time following up once you pick a lawyer readily available to communicate. It is not just about availability and means of communication, though. It is also about how you feel about the lawyer. You need a lawyer you feel confident talking to since it is critical that you disclose everything about your situation to facilitate a strong defense. If a lawyer isn’t eager to listen to you, ask questions, and provide detailed answers, you’d be better off looking elsewhere.
Reputation
Imagine hiring a lawyer who is facing criminal charges or dealing with disciplinary cases such as due to unprofessional conduct like corruption or cutting corners. Would they prioritize themselves or you? That’s a recipe for disastrous criminal defense proceedings. You need a professional who’ll offer the best services, an area you can easily address by establishing their reputation. It’s easy to do this today owing to the many online reviews and rating services. Google reviews, Yelp, and other independent review websites allow you to gather unbiased opinions about a lawyer. You can also consult the State Bar Association website and see if the lawyer has had or has ongoing disciplinary issues. Only select a criminal defense lawyer with a huge pool of positive user testimonials and a healthy star rating, ideally, at least a 4.5/5 star rating.
The right criminal defense lawyer can help you avoid damaging consequences like jail time, hefty fines, and a tainted record. With the above pointers, you’ll have an easier time browsing through the options and finding the best criminal defense lawyer in Miami.