Most people don’t have the phone numbers of criminal defense attorneys on speed dial as they see their services as almost inconsequential. However, you’ll rely heavily on these legal professionals when you face a criminal charge, such as DUI or theft.
While this might be a brilliant idea when you need legal respite, there’s one aspect you must consider — making the right pick. With tons of criminal defense attorneys in Alameda County, making a selection might seem overwhelming at first.
Below, we’ll run you through the tips required to find a criminal defense attorney in Alameda County that’ll be with you from start to finish, ensuring you win your case. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Criminal Defense Attorney Defined
Just before we head into the employable tips to factor in when picking a criminal defense attorney in Alameda County, CA, it’s important we get some insight into the job description of these professionals.
Simply put, a criminal defense attorney is a lawyer that specializes in attending to criminal charges against individuals or firms.
That said, it’s pertinent to note that there are two primary forms of criminal defense attorneys: the private defense attorney and public defense attorney. While the former operates in a definite jurisdiction, litigating for firms and private individuals, a public defender represents those who can’t afford their attorney.
The first thing criminal case attorneys do is to conduct due diligence on facts and evidence available against their clients. Thereafter, they proceed to find loopholes within the case.
Competing fiercely with their opponent (prosecutors), a criminal defense lawyer has to present a rock-solid case devoid of errors to bolster their clients’ winning chances.
However, when prevailing legal circumstances don’t favor the client, their negotiation prowess comes to the fore.
Depending on the prosecutor’s leniency, they can seek reduced sentences, bail, and criminal charges. Due to the saturated calendar prevalent in most courthouses, deal-making has become the norm. That said, when both parties can’t reach a deal, the case goes to trial.
While you might think that a criminal defense attorney’s job lies in the courtroom only, they also provide crucial support to their clientele, giving them the will to carry on, regardless of what happens.
If you’d want all these attributes in a criminal defense attorney in Alameda County, CA, read on as we’ll be looking at tips you can employ to seek out the best.
Picking the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer
Now that you’ve gotten up to speed with the services of criminal defense lawyers, you might be itching to know what tips you can employ to get the best of the lot.
Here’s a list of considerations to make before engaging a criminal defense lawyer:
● A Good First Impression
First impressions are everything. Therefore, before you choose a criminal defense attorney, the first thing you’d need to do is ensure that they’re accessible. Did they pick up the phone when you called? If they didn’t, were they quick to call back, explaining their absence?
Criminal charges are serious legal issues. The top criminal defense attorneys understand this, and thus, they offer 24/7 support to meet your every need.
Thus, if you make that first call and they don’t get back to you in record time, you might want to set your sights on something else.
● Criminal Law Specialty
While it’s not compulsory for a criminal defense lawyer to practice criminal law exclusively, the perfect fit must have a sturdy background in this legal arena. So, if you head to an attorney’s site and can’t find expertise in criminal law, look towards others options.
Why?
Attorneys who specialize in criminal law are your best bet to go past the hoops presented by the prosecution if your case goes to trial.
● Check Revered Sources
If you’re unsure about the criminal defense lawyer, you might want to sift through the Internet for compelling insight into their services. However, it’s vital to understand that some sources on the World Wide Web churn out false content.
To avoid false information in its entirety, visit reputable sources like The State Bar of California. Here, you can look an attorney up and see if they’re ideally suited for your criminal case.
Now, you can tell if you’d like to take the next step with a particular criminal defense attorney.
● Mastery of the Basics
While you might not be a genius in legal jargon, ensure your chosen attorney of criminal defense has some insight into the fundamental aspects of your case. They should be able to simplify the facts surrounding your criminal case and give you a rundown of possible penalties.
If a purported criminal defense attorney is incoherent in their explanation, that’s a tell-tale sign that something’s off. The best criminal defense lawyers will explain the subject matter clearly and succinctly.
● Check for a Definite Fee Structure
The top criminal defense law firms are straightforward in their dealings, including pricing. Thus, before hiring a lawyer for criminal defense in Alameda County, CA, ensure they have a definitive fee structure.
While you might want to save funds, a criminal defense lawyer offering low prices doesn’t mean that they’re the best. Instead, be more concerned about their services and how they can bolster your criminal case.
● Must Have Experience in Local Courts
Every criminal defense attorney must have experience in local courts. Although this is one of the prerequisites of becoming a defense lawyer, not every attorney has the local “connect” required to litigate cases.
So, before hiring a criminal defense law firm or lawyer, ensure that they have an insight into the inner workings of local courts.
By knowing these nooks and crannies, a criminal defense attorney can accurately decipher the thoughts of the sitting judge and what facts are presentable to dissect your case favorably.
Major Takeaway
Having run-ins with the law can take away the life that you painstakingly built. Nonetheless, with a criminal defense attorney in the mix, you can deviate from this altering course and get your life back on track.
Remember that you have a part to play to get the best legal representation possible. By employing the above tips, you can get a criminal defense attorney that gives you a fighting chance even if the case goes to trial.