If you have been charged with a crime and are looking for a criminal defense attorney, knowing what qualities they must possess is vital to help in your case. Some people may hire their friends even if they work on civil matters and are unaware of the criminal law. However, it is advisable to choose someone who is experienced in criminal law and has been handling such cases. 

There may be some attorneys who are experienced in both criminal and civil law. In such cases, you must look out for qualities that their law firm has. Some essential traits you must look at before hiring a criminal defense lawyer are as follows:

  • Qualifications
  • Experience
  • Recommendations & References
  • Honest about fees
  • Well-connected
  • Strong negotiation skills 
  • Integrity

  • Qualifications

The right attorney must have completed law school and be experienced in criminal defense. They must understand writing, legal research, and criminal procedure. 

After completion of law school, they must have also cleared the bar in their state and must be a member of the bar of other U.S. district courts. Therefore, you need to have complete knowledge about your lawyer.

  • Experience

One of the ways to determine whether a lawyer is right for your case is to visit their website. You can check their field and how many years of experience they have, along with their diligence. Moreover, you can even analyze whether they have handled cases similar to yours and their legal strategy. 

You must also know about the percentage of cases they have handled regarding criminal defense and about the positive outcomes they have achieved. 

  • Recommendations & References

Sometimes, it may be difficult to find former clients if you are looking for recommendations. You can ask the lawyers questions, and do not be afraid to ask them whatever you want regarding your criminal case. Some of the questions you must ask the clients are as follows:

  • Were you happy with the case outcome?
  • Was the lawyer understandable throughout the process?
  • Were there any unexpected fees demanded during the case?

People also go for online reviews and check on websites. You can check for red flags when there is a poor review. 

  • Honest about fees

Most criminal defense attorneys may charge on an hourly basis or contingency basis. The fees will depend on an attorney’s skills, the offense’s severity, and their time on their case. 

Do not go with the fact that the lawyer who charges the least will be best for you. Always look at the qualities and then make a decision.

  • Well-connected

You must check whether your lawyer is well-versed in city, county, or state regulations. They must also have connections with prosecutors, judges, and other defense lawyers in their community. The right lawyer will always call you for important information and how to get things done efficiently.

  • Strong negotiation skills 

It is critical to hire a defense lawyer who possesses negotiation skills. You must search for someone well-versed in law to help you with the best possible outcome.

  • Integrity

Always look for honesty in a lawyer as you will not want to let someone who is not committed or honest with their work handle your case. Even though your case may have an uncertain outcome, your lawyer must be straightforward. They must update you on all the latest developments in your case.

Involved in a criminal case? Contact a lawyer

If you have been charged with a criminal case, searching for a criminal defense lawyer may be critical for your case. Through the right research, you may be on your way to a positive outcome in your criminal case. 

They will fight for your rights, prevent you from getting severe punishments, and will represent your case in the courtroom.