3 Things You Should Consider When Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal charges can affect almost every aspect of your life. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a felony, you must choose a lawyer that will act in your best interests and is responsive to your unique needs. 

Unfortunately, choosing a good lawyer is no easy task. Unless you’re a legal expert, you probably don’t know what you should be looking for when interviewing them. 

Below, we’ll discuss what a criminal defense attorney does. Then, we will examine the top three things you should look for when hiring an attorney to help you feel confident in a lawyer’s ability to see your case through to completion.

What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do?

With each case they take on, criminal defense lawyers incur a lot of responsibilities. Some of their duties include conducting research and analyzing evidence in support of and against their clients. In addition, defense attorneys attempt to reach agreements with prosecutors in hopes that bail, charges, and sentences may be reduced significantly.

A criminal defense lawyer’s other duties include

• Questioning witnesses
• Analyzing the prosecutor’s case
• Reviewing police procedures
• Assisting with formulating pleas

If a plea agreement cannot be reached, an attorney will represent the defendant at trial. If this is the case, the defense lawyer can help prepare further evidence to present the defendant’s case to a judge during sentencing.

Furthermore, criminal defense attorneys also assist the defendant in dealing with the frustrations and concerns of a criminal court proceeding. They can also provide more personalized services by objectively assessing the likely outcomes and potential sentences.

3 Important Considerations When Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney

When facing criminal charges, having the best criminal defense attorney on your side can make or break the process and outcome of your case. Continue reading below to learn more about what you should look for in a criminal defense attorney and find out how contacting Sloan Law Office may be able to help you with your case.

Experience and Expertise

Experience and expertise are essential to consider when hiring a criminal defense attorney. An experienced criminal defense attorney will have a proven track record of success in criminal defense cases and will be familiar with the law and local court system. 

Furthermore, it’s critical to hire an attorney with extensive experience in the specific type of crime you are accused of. They will know the ins and outs of fighting your charges and leverage that experience to get you the best outcome.

Remember, a criminal defense attorney with the right qualifications and experience in the criminal process can also help you navigate the legal system and understand the charges against you. They will be able to explain the options available to you, help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your case, and provide you with the best way to proceed with your case.

Availability and Communication

It’s crucial to find an attorney who is accessible and responsive to your needs as a client. When looking for a criminal defense attorney, it’s beneficial to look for one who is readily available to provide consultation, advice, and updates throughout the legal process. A criminal defense attorney who can answer your questions and keep you informed throughout the process will help ensure the best outcome for your case.

It’s also vital to ensure you feel comfortable communicating with your attorney, as you will be discussing sensitive information about your case. You should also feel comfortable discussing your case with your attorney and be able to rely on them to provide honest and accurate information. As a result, it’s imperative to choose an attorney who is willing to take the time to listen to your story and provide dedicated and reliable service.

Fees and Payment Options

Lastly, the fees and payment options associated with the defense attorney are also important factors to consider. 

Knowing how much an attorney will charge for their legal services is very important. You must research it or ask them directly before hiring them. Likewise, if cost is a concern, then you need to inquire about payment plans. 

In addition to the attorney’s fees and payment options, it’s essential to consider other costs associated with hiring a criminal defense attorney and the potential cost impact on your decision to hire a particular attorney. These costs may include filing fees, court costs, private investigator fees, expert witness fees, and other costs associated with litigation. 

Schedule a Free Consultation with the Criminal Defense Attorneys at Sloan Law Office

Whether you are at fault or not, defending yourself against criminal charges or accusations is a complicated and emotionally draining process. You’ll need someone with enough experience to guide you through the complexities of the criminal justice system. Hiring the right attorney could mean the difference between an acquittal and a jail sentence, so it’s vital that you take your time and make sure you hire the best attorney for your needs.

If you need the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney in Missouri or Kansas, Taylor Sloan would be happy to speak with you about the charges and determine if working together is the best course of action. 

Call us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how our attorney can help you!