What To Search For In A Criminal Defense Lawyer?
A criminal defense lawyer fulfills several important roles during a criminal case. She or he defends the person charged with a crime. In simple words, they will speak on the client’s behalf.
With that in mind, let us see what to look for in a criminal defense lawyer.
What Does A Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?
Criminal law is a complex body of state and federal legislation. Each state often sets its own definitions and punishments for state crimes.
Most of the crimes are state crimes. Exceptions include causing damage to federal properties or inflicting injuries upon a federal employee.
Schedule A Consultation With One Of Our Attorneys Now!
If you are thinking what does a criminal lawyer do, the answer is, he fights the case to offer you justice. Since the average person doesn’t understand criminal laws, you will need a fine lawyer will come to your rescue.
An individual may represent himself during criminal trial proceedings, but the consequences of having poor legal representation can definitively hamper your case.
Serious crimes can lead to long prison terms so it’s important to have someone knowledgeable about the law to argue on your behalf. Here’s what a lawyer can do to help you:
A. Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Service Pre-Trial
Criminal defense lawyers assist clients throughout the criminal justice process, including during the pre-trial. Some people retain a lawyer during the investigation period of the crime before getting charged.
This happens if someone is a suspect and has reasons to believe the other party might charge them.
In such instances, the criminal defense lawyer might help instruct the individual while getting questioned to ensure the suspect doesn’t divulge any privileged information.
A lawyer will also help convince a court to drop charges against you based on insufficient evidence.
For instance, in most cases, a police officer doesn’t have sufficient probable cause before making your arrest. Getting to the bottom of this is only possible when you know how to choose a criminal defense attorney.
Criminal defense lawyers have a nuanced understanding of probable cause as it is specifically defined within each jurisdiction, including yours.
In most cases, the attorney can show the officer may not have had probable cause to investigate the alleged crime scene and make the arrest. In such cases, the case may get dropped before the trial even starts.
Apart from that, a lawyer can attempt to persuade the court to reduce the bail or waive it completely. Keeping this in mind you must know how to find a good criminal defense lawyer.
B. Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Service At The Trial
Criminal Defense lawyers also assist clients during the trial. They can analyze the case, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the case. From there, you and the attorney can collaborate to come up with defense strategies.
The lawyer can discuss the pros and cons of pleading guilty when a plea bargain might be on the table.
This is the time the lawyer assists with the standard steps of a criminal trial, from jury selection to providing opening statements, and to questioning witnesses.
Even if the trial doesn’t go in your favor, the criminal defense attorney assists you in the appeal process.
How To Choose A Good Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Wondering where to find a good criminal defense lawyer? Here are some tips to get you started.
- Hire by word-of-mouth referrals – any friends who are lawyers or lawyers in other fields. They might refer you to some good lawyers or at least refer someone knowledgeable who can then refer you to someone with skills related to your case.
- Search the internet – the lawyers who pop up first may not be the best. They could be the ones who invested the most money in ads. Yes, this shows they have good business acumen, but not necessarily good trial chops.
- The amount of money a lawyer charges doesn’t guarantee services – the amount a lawyer charges doesn’t always correlate with excellence. Most lawyers find out what their client does for a living and charges them accordingly. High charging lawyers may not be the best choice.
So, to learn how to hire a criminal defense lawyer, you must keep these tips handy.
Finally, how can you decide which lawyer is best for you? Common sense. Do they return your calls promptly and all the time? Do they listen to your queries patiently? If all your answers are yes, then know you have found the right one.
Schedule A Consultation With One Of Our Attorneys Now!
We Get Results
$800,000.00
Personal Injury Truck Accident
$695,000.00
Industrial Personal Injury
$500,000.00
Drowning Personal Injury drowning
$350,000.00
Personal Injury Car Accident
$250,000
Personal Injury Track Accident
$250,000.00
Personal Injury Car Accident
$250,000.00
Personal Injury Personal Accident
$140,000.00
Personal Injury
$125,000.00
Bed Bug Personal Injury
$100,000.00
Car Accident Personal Injury
$100,000.00
Car Accident Personal Injury
$100,000.00
Car Accident Personal Injury
$85,000.00
Car Accident Personal Injury
Natalie K
Mr. Stephen Mashney was my lawyer in a recent case. Throughout our discussions he identified all the possible outcomes in… Read more “Natalie K”
Basil I
I used A1 Accident Lawyer when I had my auto accident and was very pleased with their top notch service.… Read more “Basil I”
Evelyn C
Mr. Mashney of A1 Accident Lawyer a terrific attorney. I had to meet with Mr. Mashney regarding a construction issue… Read more “Evelyn C”
Edna E
I had to deal with some legalities just recently and called up Sammy Mashney since he is just a few… Read more “Edna E”
White B
A1 Accident Lawyer is everything a law firm should be. They combine conscience with competence, principle with professionalism. When speaking… Read more “White B”
Lyna N
Had a great experience with Mr. Mashney. He was very professional and gave me good advice. He took my concerns… Read more “Lyna N”
Yasser A
I strongly recommend the support of the A1 Accident Lawyer for both business and individual legal matters. within at least… Read more “Yasser A”
Fadi A
I don’t know where to start. Mr. Sami has been my Attorny for years. He is loyal, intelligent and wonderful… Read more “Fadi A”
Mike A
I would like to thank attorney Stephen Mashney for his exceptional work in handling my case. He and his staff… Read more “Mike A”
Emmanuel V
I was a student in need, and Stephen resolved my problem. I was so concerned with the cost because I… Read more “Emmanuel V”
Zainab E
A couple years ago I was in a car accident that was extremely life changing to the point where I… Read more “Zainab E”
Cidney W
Good business, very satisfied, they always call and update you with concerns from your Case, very professional and honest”
Maria V
The best Law Office in Orange County. The staff it’s always cordial and very attentive with me all the time… Read more “Maria V”
Adam J
Professional, helpful, honest. In the few times I have needed legal advice, the team here has gone through lengths to… Read more “Adam J”
Sam A
A1 Accident Lawyer firm has been handling all my business legal matters since 1999. They set up my corporations, review… Read more “Sam A”
Rusty H
Out of all the attorneys that i have had to use mr mashney is the best.when i had a problem… Read more “Rusty H”
Jasmina S
Mr. Mashney is the best! Definitely recommend him to anyone in need of legal help. He’s very honest and truly… Read more “Jasmina S”
Jad I
My license was suspended after I received a ticket for crossing a double yellow line on the freeway, being in… Read more “Jad I”
Andre A
Sam (Stephen) knows immigration laws, and the staff are very helpful and resourceful. I got a great value for the… Read more “Andre A”
Araceli A
I have to say they are amazing. Extremely professional and helpful. I have always seen lawyers as people just out… Read more “Araceli A”
Snehal K
Stephen and Sherie have helped me on multiple occasions with my minor legal issues. I’m grateful for their assistance.”
Nezar A
Picking a lawyer to represent you is extremely difficult. Fortunately for me, I was referred to A1 Accident Lawyer by… Read more “Nezar A”
April H
The A1 Accident Lawyer, did an excellent job with my case. Their team (specially Sherie) were extremely helpful, they answered… Read more “April H”
Serennaa B
We came in regarding a judgment on my boyfriends credit and an order for garnishment we weren’t sure what to… Read more “Serennaa B”
Melissa G
After I was rear-ended on the freeway and totaled my car, it was a real dilemma for me. The damn… Read more “Melissa G”
Berlin F
After getting into a car accident A1 Accident Lawyer helped me the whole way through. They kept me informed on… Read more “Berlin F”
Mike R
If you’ve been hurt in an accident and you are considering finding an injury claim lawyer to get any compensation… Read more “Mike R”
Mohamed K
I have been looking for a legal consultation regarding a matter and i started looking online for an office to… Read more “Mohamed K”
Omar H
A1 Accident Lawyer helped me tremendously in the times I needed legal action taken. This firm has there priorities organized,… Read more “Omar H”
Tarek A
This lawyer is really trustworthy because he gave us the advice without knowing us. I really recommend him. He is… Read more “Tarek A”
Byron C
Mr Mashney and his entire staff are the most professional and responsive team I have ever encountered in his fields… Read more “Byron C”