If you are charged with a crime, you may wonder how to hire a criminal defense lawyer. Here’s a list of questions that can help you in your search.
The Process of Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney
Hiring a good criminal defense lawyer typically comes at a highly challenging time. Facing criminal charges can be stressful as is, without trying to find someone who can help you defend your rights and freedom. If you want the best representation possible, finding a good criminal lawyer can seem like finding a needle in a haystack.
In addition, if you’re not in court every day or a lawyer yourself, how can you evaluate whether a particular lawyer is right for your criminal case? Failing to choose the right criminal defense attorney may result in the loss of your freedom, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record.
While you are aware you will need an experienced criminal defense lawyer who is responsive, familiar with the local courts, and has good reviews, there are other things you have to consider. For example, it’s a good idea to look for criminal defense attorneys who make it easy to communicate with them and tell them your side of the story. A skilled defense attorney who is easy to talk to and who pays attention to all the details you mention may be the right for your case.
Unfortunately, some criminal lawyers and law firms may try to take advantage of your vulnerable state by guaranteeing you a certain result. The actual outcome of any criminal case depends upon many factors. If an attorney guarantees you a result, you should probably hire another legal counsel.
Below is a list of questions that will help you in your search for the best lawyer for your criminal case.
Does the Lawyer Primarily or Only Handle Criminal Cases?
Criminal law is constantly changing with new appellate cases, advances or retractions in forensic science, and additions to the criminal code (primarily located in Title 16 and 17 in Georgia). If the lawyer you’re considering hiring is not primarily or exclusively engaged in the practice of criminal defense, he or she may not have the ability to stay abreast of this rapidly changing area of law, reducing your ability to mount the strongest defense possible. Adam Levin has been exclusively practicing criminal defense since 2007, closely following the nuanced changes in the law, training with the country’s best lawyers, and litigating and trying to juries the most high-stakes cases.
Will the Lawyer You’re Talking To Personally Handle Your Case?
Adam Levin believes that it’s important for the lawyer who represents you in court to work closely with you to tailor your defense from day one. While many cases require a team effort and involve investigators, experts, paralegals, and additional lawyers, it’s essential that you have personal communication with the lawyer you hired to represent you throughout the case, not just the initial consultation. Clients of Adam Levin have regular and direct communication with him.
Has the Lawyer Effectively Handled a Charge as Serious as the One You’re Facing?
Not many criminal defense lawyers handle serious felony cases and fewer still do it effectively. They are high-stakes, high-stress cases in which clients often face the potential of decades or life in prison. The prosecution is typically well-prepared, complaining witnesses are angry, the law enforcement investigating these cases is experienced, and rebutting the state’s evidence may require the skilled use of experts.
A lawyer without extensive experience handling these types of cases may find him or herself in over his or her head at a time when you need someone comfortable in the pocket. Adam Levin has been effectively fighting major felony cases since 2007, having litigated against and negotiated with some of the best prosecutors in Georgia and conducted numerous oral arguments at the Supreme Court of Georgia.
Practice Area: Criminal Defense
