Are you in need of a criminal defense lawyer?

The key to winning your case is finding the lawyer that is right for you. That may not mean the most expensive attorney in the area or someone from a big-time law firm. In many cases, it requires simply matching your needs to the lawyer’s expertise.

But where do you start?

It can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re giving you 10 tips to help you find the best criminal defense attorney.

By the time you finish this article, you’ll know exactly where to go and how to choose the expert that’s right for you.

How to Choose the Best Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal defense lawyers can handle plea bargains, reduce or eliminate your sentencing, gather evidence and help you avoid legal costs you may not know about.

Choosing the right lawyer means understanding your case and what you personally prefer. Before you even consider these points, your first job is to compile a list.

1. Use the Right Resources

You have many resources at your disposal:

• The internet
• Phone books
• Word of mouth
• Ads

Choose the route that is best for you and start making a list of nearby criminal defense lawyers.

Use the internet to thoroughly research the names on your list. This will keep you organized and informed during your search.

2. Experience

If possible, check for a lawyer that specializes in your area.

Oftentimes, firms will have general trial practices or other areas of expertise that cover a wide range of specializations. Sometimes this can result in you and your case being tossed from one attorney to the next in order to meet all of your needs.

If you can, it is helpful to find a lawyer who specializes in criminal defense or, even more specifically, the charge you face. He or she will know all the law’s nuances and will anticipate any issues.

Additionally, try to find an attorney who has past cases under his or her belt and a decent success rate. This is a good indicator the attorney knows what both of you will be getting into.

3. Schedule a Free Consultation

Most attorneys offer a free consultation where you can explain the details of your case. The lawyer can then decide to take it or not.

Scheduling a consultation can give you a better overall picture of the attorney. Small details you can’t glean from the internet will give you a comprehensive understanding of whether this is the right lawyer for you.

During your consultation, consider if the lawyer was prepared for your case or simply “winged it.” Contemplate the depth of knowledge demonstrated and if the attorney bothered to walk you through the basics.

If you find an attorney who you think would be a good match but he doesn’t offer free consultations, consider scheduling an appointment anyway. Some attorneys do not offer such appointments simply because they feel it costs them money.

However, that doesn’t make them any worse at their job.

4. Ask About Local Courthouses

It’s helpful if the attorney you choose has worked in the courthouse where your hearing is scheduled.

If your lawyer knows the judges and prosecutor, that knowledge may help you with the case. He will be able to negotiate for you more easily than if he didn’t have any prior connections with these people.

Additionally, this knowledge can help navigate any special regulations a courthouse may have.

5. Past Cases

Always ask if an attorney has handled a case similar to yours. Criminal law is so complex that some attorneys may only have experience in particular areas, such as drunk driving or white-collar crime.

Ask some or all of the following questions:

• How many cases have you handled like mine?
• Was the defense successful?
• In the past case, what obstacles did you encounter that we might experience?

Don’t be shy in asking about previous cases. Think of your first conversation with the potential lawyer as an interview. It’s a two-way street, and you’re both trying to figure out if the other is a good fit.

6. Reputation

The internet is your friend here. Read reviews on the law firm and the particular lawyer you’ll be working with.

Jump onto third-party sites that will let you see the attorney’s credentials and statuses. Never completely trust the reviews you see on an attorney’s website.

Also, be sure to ask around the community. Sometimes, word of mouth spreads truths you won’t find on the internet.

7. Personality

How comfortable are you around this attorney? You’ll be spending ample time together to work on your defense, so it’s important you feel as if you could easily work with him or her.

You certainly don’t need to be so close you give your lawyer a big high five every time you see her. But an attorney with an open, friendly demeanor may be preferable to a cold, distant one.

Do keep in mind, however, that almost all lawyers have an outlier personality. The very traits that make them so wonderful at their jobs can appear awkward and stand-offish in social situations.

8. Convenience of Location

At this point, you should have an idea of who the lawyer is and if they can create a solid defense for you. Now, it’s time to get more practical.

How conveniently located is the attorney’s office? If it’s a long drive, is he or she willing to speak over the internet or phone?

Taking this small note into consideration will save you both much time and patience as you work together.

9. Consider Costs

Of course, cost should also be considered.

Pay forms vary from lawyer to lawyer, with some requesting flat fees that require a client to pay upfront and others using hourly rates. The cost will depend on your location, the type of case and the attorney’s expertise.

Always ask how an attorney breaks up hourly pay. Some may portion it in 15- minute increments while others may prefer as few as 6-minute increments.

10. Consider Supporting Staff

Finally, it’s important to consider the other attorneys who are at the firm and the reputation of the firm itself. If your attorney is sick or an emergency happens, who will stand in for him?

Knowing this can also affect your choice and your case.

Decisions, Decisions

It takes work and organization to decide on the best criminal defense attorney. In the end, always trust your gut.

Even if an attorney has an outstanding reputation, if you are uncomfortable around him or her, move down your list. After all, your future will be in this person’s hands.

Speaking of futures, if you’ve had a misdemeanor or may be facing one, take a look at our article about misdemeanors and background checks. It will tell you everything you need to know about the possible effects of this charge.