How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer
You could easily be charged with a crime at any time, catching you off-guard and unsure of where to turn. Since legal matters can be very intense and stressful, here are a few places to start when trying to choose a criminal defense lawyer.
Local Resources
Chances are that you live in an area where there are several firms to choose from, such as this criminal law firm in Columbia MD. Call around and ask them what their rate is for handling the crime you have been charged with. If at first you don’t succeed, ask for a referral to one of their colleagues since local lawyers often tend to know each other.
If you think one might be the right fit, be sure to clearly communicate what you need. How long will you be needing one of their lawyers to represent you? What type of lawyer will you need? Many lawyers focus on dealing with particular crimes and have become very good at it, so giving out this information may help you in the long run.
Online Resources
If you find out that no lawyer in your area will be willing or available to represent you in time, try expanding your search to the state or regional level. Again, depending on the specificity of the crime, most lawyers, if they are available, are willing to travel for work. Be sure to factor in those extra costs that come with traveling.
If your case isn’t that complicated or you are looking for the cheapest option, there are many low-cost and free legal assistance organizations out there eager to help you. Keep in mind that you must qualify for this service based on your financial situation.
Lastly, always remember to have a backup plan ready just in case your lawyer is unable to handle your case in a time when you need it most.