| If you are accused of a crime, you will definitely | | | | choose the right one from your short list. |
| want to consider hiring a good criminal lawyer. | | | | Make a Phone Call |
| While you have the right to a public defender, and | | | | Once you have your short list, make a phone call |
| one will be appointed for you if you cannot afford | | | | to try to set up an interview with the lawyer. |
| to hire an outside attorney, a good criminal lawyer | | | | This may not always be possible, because good |
| is the best way to ensure that you are well | | | | criminal lawyers are very busy people and may |
| represented in court. Since your liberty is at | | | | not have the time for an interview with a |
| stake, hiring a good criminal lawyer is not | | | | prospective client. However, calling the firm will |
| something to take lightly. | | | | give you a chance to get a feel for the staff. |
| Create a Short List | | | | Make sure they treat you with professionalism |
| Start the process of choosing a criminal lawyer | | | | and common courtesy. |
| by creating a short list of good potential | | | | If you can get an interview with the lawyer, take |
| candidates. You can use online searches or the | | | | it. Do not tell him too much about your case until |
| phone book to find some options in your area. | | | | you have agreed to work with him, but ask him |
| Visit the websites of the lawyers you are | | | | how he has handled cases similar to yours. |
| considering, and see if they have expertise in the | | | | As the lawyer for references, and call those |
| particular area in which you are being prosecuted. | | | | references. This is time consuming, but getting |
| You can often find this information in the lawyer's | | | | first-hand knowledge about how the lawyer |
| biographical profile on the website. | | | | works with people who have been in your shoes |
| Once you have a name, search for that name | | | | is invaluable. |
| online. Do not visit the lawyer or firm's website | | | | Find out how he is paid, as well. Lawyers usually |
| again, but see if there is any other information | | | | will be paid by the hour or through an upfront fee, |
| about the attorney. Perhaps he has written some | | | | and these rates can vary significantly from firm |
| articles or been mentioned by others online. This | | | | to firm, so you will want to know ahead of time |
| can either provide comfort to you that you have | | | | how much to expect to pay for services. Keep in |
| chosen a good attorney, or help you avoid | | | | mind, however, that the cheapest lawyer may |
| someone that is less than professional. | | | | not be the best one for your case. On the other |
| You can also visit your local paper's website to | | | | hand, the most expensive one may not be best |
| search the paper's archives for the lawyer or | | | | either. Consider the cost as part of the overall |
| firm's name. This will allow you to see if the | | | | picture of the lawyer, and choose the one you |
| lawyer has had any publicity, good or bad, for | | | | are the most comfortable about working with on |
| recent cases. | | | | a daily basis. |
| Finally, if you have any special needs, such as a | | | | Make Your Choice |
| limited English vocabulary, consider searching for a | | | | Make sure that you feel confident that the lawyer |
| lawyer who can cater to these. You need to be | | | | you have chosen will handle your case well. Your |
| able to communicate effectively with your lawyer | | | | instincts are invaluable in helping you choose a |
| throughout your case. | | | | good criminal lawyer. So do your homework, |
| These tips will help you narrow down your list to | | | | count the cost, and then go with your gut and |
| two to four lawyers. Once you have done this, | | | | hire the lawyer you feel the most confident in at |
| you are ready to contact the lawyers directly to | | | | the end of the process. |