When you’ve been arrested and charged with a crime, the most important first step you can take is to speak with a criminal defense attorney. With the vast pool of criminal lawyers out there, it’s a good idea to get a head start and discuss your case with a number of attorneys before you decide who will represent you in court. But how can you tell which one will provide you with the best defense? The law office of Marc D. Orloff, Attorney At Law in Goshen, NY, has compiled a list of tips to help make that decision easier.

4 Tips To Help You Choose The Best Criminal Defense Attorney

1. Take Advantage Of Free Consultations

Most criminal defense attorneys offer prospective clients a commitment-free initial consultation to discuss the specifics of the case. This will give you the opportunity to ask the lawyer any questions you may have. A face-to-face conversation will demonstrate how your relationship will be during your case and give you a good feel for how they interact with clients.

2. Discuss Fees

It’s always a good idea to get the money talk out of the way as soon as possible. One of the first things you should ask prospective criminal lawyers is how much they charge for their services. This will allow you to make a decision based on how much of your finances should be set aside for your defense. Some attorney fees are more than others, based on their experience and case histories.

3. Note Their Areas Of Practice

When “shopping around” for criminal defense attorneys, take note of their area(s) of expertise. Some lawyers have a wide range of practice areas, ranging from personal injury to probate law, and may dabble in criminal defense, while others specialize in it exclusively. There are also criminal defense attorneys who focus on certain areas within criminal law, such as drug felonies or DUI/DWI cases. It may be in your best interests to find a firm that has a successful history with cases similar to yours.

4. Ask About State Vs. Federal Court Experience

Often, the public assumes all courtrooms are one and the same. If a lawyer is experienced in trying federal cases, they must also be able to work in state courts. This is not true and could be detrimental to your case. State and federal courts follow very different procedures and are governed by different rules and regulations. Finding a criminal defense lawyer who is well versed in the court your case will be tried in is a rule of thumb to follow when selecting an attorney.

If you have been charged with a crime, you need a criminal defense attorney with your best interests in mind. Visit Marc D. Orloff, Attorney At Law online to learn more about his experience in criminal defense, or call (845) 294-8974 to schedule a free consultation today