When you are charged with any crime, you likely want to hire a lawyer. Learn when to hire a criminal defense lawyer and what to look for in a criminal defense attorney.
Do I really need a criminal defense lawyer?
Defendants have the right to represent themselves. However, you may not know your rights during court proceedings or how to develop your case.
A criminal defense attorney has the expertise to represent you and make sure your rights are protected.
When should I hire a criminal defense lawyer?
As soon as you are charged with any crime, you should hire a criminal defense lawyer. If you go to jail, call your attorney as soon as possible. If you are not arrested but receive a summons to appear in court, have a criminal defense attorney appear with you.
If you do not have an attorney, retain a good criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. As the Office of Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson explains, “The legal system can be complex, and it can be daunting for people without legal training to navigate the legal system on their own.”
Tips for hiring a criminal defense lawyer
- Hire a lawyer quickly
The more time the criminal defense attorney has to prepare your case, the better.
- Hire the ideal criminal defense lawyer for you
The ideal lawyer for someone else if not necessarily the ideal choice for you. Make sure the lawyer has experience with your type of case.
- Retain an attorney skilled at effective communication
The lawyer should keep you updated. Get a sense of the lawyer’s communication at your initial consultation. The Central California Appellate Program points out, “When the client asks a question that goes unanswered, the client frequently concludes that his or her attorney does not care about the case…”
When you quickly retain a criminal defense lawyer, your lawyer potentially has better opportunity to develop your case and effectively represent you.
If you're looking for a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer, contact the criminal law firm Mango Law today.