If you are facing criminal charges, there is a lot at stake. In addition to potentially going to jail, there are fines and other restrictions that come with either being convicting or pleading to a charge.  if you’ve been charged with a crime, you need an attorney to help you navigate your criminal case.  Below are three things to look for when hiring a criminal defense attorney.

3 Things to Look for in a Criminal Defense Attorney

1. You Need An Attorney Who Will Tell You What You Need to Hear, Not Just What You Want to Hear.

When you’ve been charged with a crime, it’s hard to know what’s important and what’s not.  You may be convinced that you haven’t done anything wrong or that there is some reason that you should should be given a break.  You may have unrealistic expectations about what the outcome should be. Or you may not realize the importance of one fact or the irrelevance of another.  In these instances, you need a criminal defense attorney who will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. A good criminal defense attorney will tell you point blank whether you’re being realistic or not and will help you figure out what the best options are moving forward.  

2. You Need An Attorney Who is Familiar With the Local Courts.

While many courts across the country are similar in many ways, every court is a little different.  An attorney who regularly practices in the area, who knows the flow of each court, as well as the prosecutor’s and judge’s styles and tendencies can help give you a better idea of what to expect in that particular court given your charge and your set of facts. 

3. You Need An Attorney Who Will Work Hard to Reach a Plea, But Who’s Not Afraid to Take the Case to Trial.

Oftentimes, the best thing to do in a criminal case is work with the prosecutor to reach a plea agreement that gives you the best possible outcome given the circumstances.  A good plea deal is not a given, and you need an attorney who is willing to push hard to make a deal that you can live with. However, sometimes in spite your attorney’s best efforts to reach an agreement, the offer from the prosecutor is not sufficient.  In these instances, you need an attorney who will explain all your options to you, help you understand the pros and cons of taking the case to trial, and defend you at trial.  Trials can be risky, and there’s alot at stake, but you should never accept a plea you’re not happy with simply because you’re afraid to try your case. 

If you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, and you need a criminal defense attorney, turn to the legal team at J.P. Coleman Law, LLC. Serving clients throughout Baldwin County, this firm is dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for each of their clients. You can learn more about their services by visiting their website. Call (251) 947-6247 to schedule a free initial consultation today.