Criminal defense lawyers are often the last line of defense for individuals accused of criminal charges. They often have to testify in court, and they have to be able to explain the legal facts that led to these charges.
Unfortunately, not all criminal defense lawyers are created equal. Some of them may do a great job defending your case, but others may need to be up to par regarding the technical aspects of their career. Here are some qualities you should look for when hiring a lawyer:
Proven record
A criminal defense lawyer must have a solid track record of success in court. Plenty of attorneys can win cases, but if they do not have a winning record, there is little reason for anyone to hire them. If your attorney has never won a case, this could indicate that they are inexperienced or not qualified for the job.
Experience
Experience is essential when it comes to hiring a lawyer. If you have never been in trouble with the law, you might feel that you do not need an experienced criminal defense lawyer. However, the truth is that you need an experienced attorney from the Shrader law firm who can help guide your case through various stages of the legal process and keep your interests at heart throughout the entire process. A good criminal defense attorney will also handle paperwork efficiently, so their time is not wasted on mundane tasks like filling out forms or making phone calls.
Communication skills
An excellent criminal defense lawyer will be able to explain in layman’s terms what is going on with your case and what options you have available for moving forward with your case. That allows you to understand what type of sentencing you might face if convicted and where your best chances lie for acquittal or plea bargain.
Knowledge of the law
Criminal defense lawyers must know how the laws work in your jurisdiction. If you are in a state like Florida, where multiple statutes govern different kinds of offenses, then your lawyer must know which statute applies in your case. If they do not, they will be unable to represent you properly throughout your trial and beyond.
Compassion
Lawyers who display compassion for their clients are more likely to win their cases than those who do not. An excellent criminal defense attorney will spend time getting to know their client and understanding their situation before deciding how best to represent them in court. This type of attorney is also more likely to avoid charging fees or taking other actions that could negatively impact their client’s case or future dealings with them as an attorney.
Transparency
Your criminal defense lawyer must be transparent about any information that may impact their decision-making process on your case. That can include previous cases they have worked on and any other information that might affect their ability to win your case or keep it out of court altogether. They must also provide updates on where things stand in your case throughout each phase of processing.