Finding a good Virginia criminal defense lawyer is the key to winning a case. Without an experienced and skilled defense attorney, it can be difficult to win a case even when you’re innocent.
More About Criminal Defense Lawyers
There are several different types of criminal lawyers. Finding the right one will depend on the type of crime you’re being charged with. Therefore, the first step to finding the perfect criminal defense lawyer is to know which category your case falls into.
If you have trouble figuring this out, reach out to a law firm in your area, and they’ll guide you to attorneys that specialize in your circumstances. They may charge a small amount for this service.
Steps to Finding and Hiring a Lawyer
Once you know the type of criminal defense lawyer you need, take the following steps:
- Reach Out to Friends or Colleagues
Ideally, it’s best to approach any practicing criminal defense lawyers that you know personally. Go to them with your case and ask if they can take the case or recommend someone reliable.
- Start an Online Search
If you don’t have a relationship with anyone who practices criminal law, start your search on the internet. Use a query such as ‘best criminal defense lawyer in Virginia.’
Browse the results that appear on the top. Shortlist the firms and services that seem to be the most promising, and then take the following steps.
- Ask Them the Right Questions
Every lawyer will offer a consultation session before taking a case. This consultation session is your chance to assess them before entrusting your case with the firm.
We recommend asking the following questions:
- What’s your experience with cases similar to mine? What was the outcome?
- How much experience do you have in the criminal defense field?
- Do you recommend any other legal way to approach my problem? Is going to court the only option?
- How much will you charge for this case, and what payment mode do you accept?
- How often do you send updates on matters, and how long do you think this case will take?
If you receive satisfactory answers to all your questions, proceed to the next step. If you don’t, look for another lawyer.
- Hire the Law Firm
Once you’re satisfied with the approach and experience of a lawyer, hire them. Most law firms propose using their own contract, which has a set of conditions for both parties and serves as a legal document for representation. You can pitch your own terms and conditions if you want changes or additions made to the contract.
Tips for Picking the Right Defense Attorney
If you’re still not sure who would be best to represent you in a criminal matter, here are a couple of important tips for identifying the best one:
Review Testimonials and Endorsements
When searching for a criminal defense lawyer online, do not forget to check the testimonials and endorsements on their website. If they have none, it’s a bad sign.
Also, do not trust all online testimonials. Go a step further and find the attorney’s LinkedIn profile or Twitter feed. Browse these accounts to find out more about their reputation. Someone who is endorsed on LinkedIn and valued by colleagues and clients on Twitter is more likely to be reliable than someone who is not.
Review Their Process
Review how the lawyer drafts their documents and the thoughts they put into the points they make. Remember, a skilled lawyer will always present arguments based on evidence. Each point should be backed with a reference to the laws at hand or documentation from the event.
In Summary
Rather than weighing your decision solely on how much criminal defense lawyers cost, it’s important to consider how much not hiring a good attorney could cost you in the long run. Do your research, and reach out to Coastal Virginia Law. We can give you the practical advice you need if you are facing criminal charges.