There are thousands of lawyers practicing in the state of Virginia. However, you can’t just hire any of them for any legal need. A criminal defense attorney is someone who assists clients facing criminal charges. Researching before hiring an attorney ensures you find the right person for your case. This goes beyond the price and practice area. From experience to interview consultation, our guide will help you find the right defense lawyer for your case.
How To Determine Which Defense Lawyer Is Right for You:
Experience
The more experienced a defense lawyer is, the better they can represent you. Lawyers with years of experience in Virginia courts see a wide variety of cases and situations. This enables them to see how different strategies work and typical case outcomes. While each case differs, an experienced lawyer will see similar elements and situations.
In addition to client cases, experienced lawyers work in a particular geographical area. As they routinely represent clients, they gain a deeper understanding of the court system, judges, and other lawyers. This can help the lawyer strategize better as they understand what a particular judge looks for.
Courtroom Confidence
If your case goes to trial, your lawyer should be confident to represent you in court. Consider how the lawyer presents themselves. They should give the impression of being well put together and confident. They should also be a strong speaker that can command attention.
Track Record
Once you identify a short list of experienced lawyers, your next step is to consider their track record. No lawyer can guarantee a case outcome. However, clients tend to want someone who is successful more often than not. You can ask a criminal defense attorney what their track record is for cases that are similar to yours.
Reputation
There are two reputations that a defense attorney will have. The first is with their client base. You can determine client satisfaction by asking for referrals from people you know or reading reviews online. Look for reviews that speak to the attorney’s communication, legal knowledge, responsiveness, and preparedness. Many clients are more likely to write a negative review when the case doesn’t turn out how they want. This isn’t always an accurate reflect of the lawyer’s ability or quality.
The second reputation is a professional one. Criminal defense attorneys work with the same prosecutors and judges throughout their careers. Similar to other industries, lawyers will develop a reputation. Lawyers with a strong professional reputation are well respected and better able to represent clients.
Consultation
Always interview a lawyer before you hire them. This initial consultation lets you meet with the lawyer face to face. You can better understand how the lawyer represents their clients and their plan for representing you. Pay attention to your gut feeling. If you feel positive and confident, this is a good sign. It may not be a good fit if you feel like the lawyer isn’t listening or has clashing ideas about representation. This doesn’t mean the lawyer is bad, just not right for you.
Communication Style
You need to work with your defense attorney to establish a strong defense. The consultation is a good opportunity to experience the lawyer’s communication style. Ask if you will be working directly with the lawyer or someone else. Will it be a team of people or a single individual? Then ask about the preferred communication style. If you feel most comfortable talking on the phone, but the lawyer prefers email, this can create issues. One method isn’t inherently better than another. However, if you want phone calls and are getting emails, this can feel frustrating.
Fees
Do not base your choice of attorney solely on cost. The cheapest or most expensive law firm that you can find isn’t always the best choice. Instead, focus on choosing the best quality lawyer at the price you can afford. Your lawyer should be able clearly to explain their fee structure and how they charge clients. If it is vague or overly complicated, this is a red flag. Some lawyers require you to pay a retainer fee upfront. You should then get regular accountings of the lawyer’s work.
