Finding A Lawyer That Specializes In Criminal Defense
Finding an attorney that specializes in San Francisco criminal defense can be a daunting prospect, especially if you are involved in a serious criminal trial. They handle all aspects of a criminal case, looking at details such as the arrest, the nature of the evidence and so forth. They can advise you on the severity of your case and the likelihood of getting a positive result.
Looking for a criminal attorney is fairly simple, as it is often just a matter of looking a phone directory or internet search. However this can equally lead to a lot of options in the local area, some of them making very bold claims. Like a lot of companies and products, if it seems too good to be true then it often is.
There are various things you can do to hasten the process of elimination. It may be a stressful time but it is important to be sensible and have a balanced approach. In much the same way as you would not let some fix your driveway just because they knocked on the door, you should not contact a company that offers you a positive results or specialize in an area without having an official credit.
The minimum requirement should be that they belong to the County and Bar State Associations. If you do not see this on the site you should discount that company immediately. Checking their background can give you an idea of their level of experience as well as the results of their conduct in court. A little bit of preparation can save a lot of hassle.
Equally this kind of information can be positive. For example, if they have taught at a law school this should rate high in your considerations. Teaching at a law school requires field work and research and are likely to be more experienced. There are also online ratings tools that can give you a broad idea of their level of success rate.
However, this does not necessarily mean they are best for your personal needs. For example, some have different payments. You may prefer an hourly rate or a flat rate. It is generally frowned upon if a criminal attorney accepts contingency payments, such as bonus payments for a positive outcome. If a lawyer offers you this it is best to avoid them.
It is important to note that a criminal attorney will charge you for everything, including phone calls. Clarify if the person you are talking to will represent you in court and how much work they will be doing themselves. It is also worth asking about what will happen in case your representative cannot work for any reason, such as illness or family emergencies.
Remember, your criminal attorney should give you realistic expectations of the result. If you have to pay a fine then it is better than having to go to jail. It cannot be emphasized enough that no company can guarantee you victory. With the right preparation and the right representative, you can give yourself the best possible chance.
