5 Things to Look For in a Criminal Defense Attorney
Looking for a Criminal Defense Attorney can seem like searching for a needle in a haystack, while blind and suffering from COVID. It can be a real hassle, especially when, in most cases, you are looking for one in an emergency. Here are 5 things to look for when looking for a Criminal Defense Attorney.
Experience.
Nothing is worse than talking with an attorney who has not dealt with your issue. Ask questions to your prospective attorney. Have they dealt with issues like this before? Have they tried cases like this? How often have they been involved in matters of this nature? The attorney does not have to be an expert in the matter, but make sure they have experience on the topic.
Comfortability.
This is your life or the life of a loved one that you are entrusting with this Attorney. Make sure this is someone you feel not only will represent you, but who will fight for you. You don’t want someone just out to get your money, but won’t do the work. Go with your gut.
Social Media.
There are so many attorneys out there. In order to get a glimpse of the person you are hiring, check out their social media! Is it blank, is it all about getting money, or do they have pictures of people they have represented? Do people comment on their page? If people are not engaged with that person, they might be shady or unknown. Those are not attributes you want in your lawyer.
Expectations.
As a potential client you want to be able to get into contact with your attorney. You want to make sure you get an Attorney that is not too busy for you. A good turnaround time is 24-48 hours for contact with your lawyer. Also, check to see who you are going to be talking to for updates. Will the secretary give you updates or will you actually get to speak to your attorney? Many times, you will hire the lawyer, but you never speak to them. If that is important to you, make sure you understand who will be in contact with you.
Your Choice.
Oftentimes we bring family and friends with us to make this tough decision on who to hire. Just remember, this is your life and your decision. If you hire someone you didn’t want in the first place, you will never be satisfied. An attorney cannot guarantee an outcome, but they can provide quality legal service and fight for your rights in the courtroom.
If you need help finding an attorney in Illinois regarding criminal cases, give SOS a call. We put you first as a person, and we fight for your rights.
-Edward Speights, Esq.