If you are facing criminal charges, it is important to hire a qualified criminal defense attorney who can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an attorney, such as their experience, qualifications, and reputation. We understand if this is a lot to consider. To help simplify things, we thought it would be useful to put together a brief article discussing what you need to look for in a criminal defense attorney. If this is something that you’re interested in learning more about, read on as we break down four important things you need to consider when choosing a criminal defense attorney.
Experience Representing Clients with Specific Crimes
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer who has experience with the specific type of crime you are accused of can be beneficial. This is because they will be more familiar with the relevant laws and procedures. They may also have established relationships with the prosecutors and judges handling your case.
The main advantage of having a specialist on your side is that they are extremely knowledgeable about the specific crime you have been accused of. They know how to raise doubt about any of the elements of the crime and they are familiar with how trials are conducted in these cases. They also know what defenses are most compatible with the facts and circumstances of your case. This intimate knowledge can be extremely helpful in getting a favorable outcome in your case.
Knowledgeable of Changes in the Law
Aside from hiring an attorney that is experienced in the crime that you are being charged with, it’s also important to find attorneys that are knowledgeable regarding the changes in the law. This means that specialists are constantly aware of any changes in the law that could affect their case, as well as any precedent-setting rulings in similar cases. This allows them to keep their case up-to-date and approach it in the most effective way possible.
Understands the Prosecutor or Judge
It can be incredibly helpful to understand a prosecutor or judge’s tendencies in certain types of cases, as well as what types of alternate resolutions the court might be open to. Additionally, while courts usually have sentencing guidelines for specific types of cases, these guidelines can be adjusted if certain factors are present. For example, if there are mitigating circumstances, the sentence may be lower than the guideline. Your attorney can explain all of this to you, as well as give you information on the Judicial Counsel Rules relating to felony sentencing, what realignment means for your sentence and potential sentencing options.
Conclusion
We hope this article proves to be useful when it comes to helping you gain a better understanding of how to choose the right criminal defense attorney for your case. While it may seem a little difficult, the information that we’ve laid out above should make things infinitely easier for you. Be sure to keep everything you’ve learned here in mind so that you can make the most informed decisions for your situation.
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