If you’re facing criminal charges, it’s essential to find the right legal team to take the case. At the end of the day, whomever you choose to represent you will influence the outcome of the proceedings in a major way. Give yourself the best chance by performing due diligence before hiring anyone. If you’re not sure how to find a strategic criminal defense lawyer, here are a few tips for getting started. 

Do:

Consider trial experience. 

Although it’s possible the case will not actually end up in court, there’s always the chance you could go to trial. And since your freedom will likely be at stake, it’s wise to hire a lawyer who can fully prepare you for the proceedings. 

Stay local. 

Local attorneys who have more than a few years of experience should be familiar with all the local judges and prosecutors. In other words, they know what kinds of plea bargaining strategies are the most likely to work when it comes to negotiating for lesser charges with fewer penalties. 

Don’t:

Hire someone without meeting in person first. 

Even if you think you’ve found the perfect firm, schedule a consultation before agreeing to work with them. You can learn a lot about a practice by meeting their attorneys in person. The first appointment will reveal everything from how much they value your time to how confident they are at fighting charges like the ones you’re facing. 

Postpone the initial consultation. 

There’s always a lot to do following an arrest, especially if you missed a considerable amount of work while in custody. Finding a lawyer may not feel like a priority during this difficult time, but the sooner you talk to an expert, the stronger your defense will be. Since it’s fairly easy to jeopardize a case inadvertently, it’s best to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. 

If you’re looking for a criminal defense lawyer who checks all the boxes, turn to JP Coleman Attorney at Law in Robertsdale, AL. Led by a father and son, they are proud to provide the personalized counsel of a small practice with all the resources of a big-city firm. Whether you need help with criminal charges, estate planning, boundary disputes, or child custody, you can rely on them. To request an initial consultation with one of their knowledgeable lawyers, call (251) 947-6247 or fill out their form online.