Law is like any other profession in that no two attorneys practice it in precisely the same way. Unfortunately, this can make it challenging for those who need legal counsel to find the right lawyer for their situation. If you’re facing criminal charges, for example, there is a lot at stake, and it is critical to find the best possible advocate to represent you. Unless you’ve needed a criminal attorney in the past, though, you may not necessarily know what to look for in counsel. By keeping a few factors in mind, however, including those listed below, it’s possible to find the best lawyer for the job.  

Knowledge & Experience 

Since criminal law is such a broad practice area, it’s important to find a lawyer who has experience fighting charges similar to yours. A criminal attorney who mainly fights DUI charges may not have a comprehensive understanding of the legal strategies that are most effective when fighting assault charges. Likewise, the proceedings for fighting misdemeanors are different from those for fighting felonies.

Fortunately, you can use the initial consultation to gauge a lawyer’s extent of knowledge on the case law that might affect you. For example, is the attorney familiar with the penalties you are facing? And do they propose a few different approaches that might work, depending on the specifics of the case?

Honesty & Integrity 

Legal proceedings are unpredictable, making it unethical for a firm to promise to achieve a particular outcome for you. If a lawyer does make specific promises beyond committing to your case and using all possible resources to fight the charges, they are trying to secure your business. An honest criminal attorney might discuss some of the most likely outcomes during the initial consultation but will never vow to achieve one over the other.

Additionally, a reputable firm will be transparent about their fee structure and will not offer to resolve your case for a low, flat rate. Proposing such an offer essentially means the practice will only devote a certain number of hours to the case instead of fighting relentlessly on your behalf. 

If you need a defense lawyer in Missouri who has knowledge, experience, honesty, and integrity, turn to The Law Office of Christopher J. Swatosh. Based in Ava and Ozark, MO, this firm is led by a seasoned criminal attorney who once served as the full-time prosecutor of Douglas County. Criminal defense is not his only area of expertise, though. He also practices family law, bankruptcy law, personal injury law, and employment law. To schedule an initial consultation, visit the firm’s website or call (417) 683-2987.