Facing criminal charges can be a terrifying experience. Most times, your best bet is getting an experienced and reliable criminal defense lawyer to guide you through this situation. If you’re in Atlanta, you may be unsure how to find the right attorney.
First, assess your legal needs to find the right criminal defense attorney in Atlanta. You’ll also need to review their professional experience and credentials and work on the details. Read on to discover the steps to accomplish this.
1. Assess Your Legal Needs
Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer, determine your exact needs. Criminal defense law covers several different aspects. Lawyers often specialize in specific cases, such as violent crime, DUI, drug offenses, or white-collar crimes.
The severity of your offense also determines the kind of attorney you’ll hire. For instance, the lawyer must have good experience in your type of case. If you’re facing serious charges, go for lawyers with good experience with felony cases.
2. Review The Lawyer’s Experience and Expertise
When looking for a criminal defense lawyer in Atlanta, review their experience in similar cases. As a rule, only work with lawyers with at least five years of experience in criminal law.
They must also show proof of successful results. In addition to that, ask around about their track record and their success rate. Trial experience is also essential if there are chances of your case going all the way.
3. Discuss Their Approach and Strategies
Different lawyers have different strategies and approaches to criminal defense. While others may be more measured and strategic, others prefer to be more aggressive, so you must discuss this during consultation. The right lawyer for you must choose a strategy while considering your situation. Still, their approach must align with your expectations and needs.
4. Ensure They Have Local Knowledge and Connections
Hiring a lawyer with good knowledge of the legal system in Atlanta can be a massive plus. Since judges and prosecutors in different districts handle cases differently, having someone who understands this system helps.
Preferably, work with a well-connected defense firm with extensive professional resources, such as Garland, Samuel & Loeb. The firm you choose should have forensic experts, private investigators, and other specialists who can help with your case.
5. Discuss Legal Fees
Discuss the legal fees and payment structure before hiring a criminal defense attorney in Atlanta. For instance, find out if they bill by the hour or charge flat fees. Determine the covered services and any extra charges you may need to pay.
Knowing the expenses of hiring a criminal attorney helps you manage your finances and avoid surprises. If there is a need, compare costs with other attorneys and choose one that aligns with your budget.
6. Trust Your Instincts
While you work on your case, you’ll share personal and intimate details of your life and case with your defense lawyer. This is why working with someone you feel comfortable with and can trust is necessary.
Pay attention to your gut feeling if you’ve met with several potential attorneys. While legal skills are important, a good relationship with your lawyer can improve the outcome. Your research should tell you what to expect when first meeting criminal defense attorneys.
Endnote
Working with the right attorney can be the highlight of your criminal defense case in Atlanta. That is why you must assess your legal needs and review the lawyer’s experience before hiring one. Be sure to discuss their approaches, determine if they’re locally knowledgeable or connected, and agree on legal fees. Overall, trust your choice for the best outcomes.
