For almost 40 years, Gary C. Mitchell, P.C. has been helping clients navigate a variety of cases. In addition to being a respected civil rights lawyer in New Mexico, Mitchell is well known for his expertise as a personal injury lawyer and a wrongful death lawyer. When it comes to finding an exemplary criminal defense lawyer for yourself, or someone you know, what should you look for?

Consulting a lawyer as soon as possible is key, even if you don't think your case is going to result in a severe penalty; a good attorney can advise you about plea bargains and other courses of action. How your defense is structured will depend on what charges are being brought against you, so be sure to choose an attorney who has documented experience with relevant cases.

It’s also important to bear in mind that there are significant differences between public defenders—who are duly appointed to represent people—and defense attorneys, who are hired directly by their clients. According to studies carried out by the Justice Policy Institute, public defenders often have scant time and resources to devote to their cases. So when you choose private representation, you almost invariably have a much better chance of winning your case. If you’re considering approaching a particular lawyer, acquainting yourself with his or her character—which can include reading up on his or her professional and civic accomplishments—can be helpful. Finally, meeting your attorney is person and making sure that you feel comfortable honestly communicating with him or her is essential.

As president of the New Mexico chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Gary C. Mitchell, P.C. is fully dedicated to both cause and community. You can find out more by calling him at (575) 257-3070 or by visiting his practice’s website. If you’ve been looking for representation that’s as expert as it is compassionate, you’ve found it in the Mitchell firm, and that's a claim that countless satisfied clients can attest to.