At some point, you might be charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense. In preparation for your court appearance, hire a defense attorney. They will plead your case in front of the judge and jury and do everything possible to protect your rights. Some lawyers are more equipped to handle your needs than others, so look for the below attributes to find the right counselor for your case.

3 Qualities That Make a Defense Attorney Effective

1. Experience

Whether charged with a DUI, assault, or another offense, the defense attorney should have prior experience handling similar matters. This way, they will know how to interview witnesses, examine evidence, appeal to jurors, and negotiate with prosecutors for lesser charges and reduced sentences. When consulting with a counselor, ask about their practice areas and the outcomes of clients’ cases.

2. Integrity

Similar to doctors, attorneys must abide by a strict code of ethics. Failing to disclose information to a client, lying in open court, bribing witnesses, and additional misdeeds can jeopardize a case or result in worse consequences for a defendant. To make sure a defense attorney is honest and trustworthy, consult the state board where they practice to find out whether they were cited for ethics violations.

3. Commitment

It could take months or years to resolve some legal matters, so make sure the defense attorney is willing to stand by your side through every phase of the process. This means contacting you regularly with updates on developments, being available to answer calls and respond to emails, and filing documents with the court on time. You can look at online reviews to gauge a defense attorney’s level of commitment to clients.

For help resolving your legal matters, contact Hart Law Group in Statesboro, GA. Georgia native Malone Hart is dedicated to helping Bulloch County residents get through troubling times so they can get their lives back on track. To schedule a consultation, call (912) 764-3122 or visit the defense attorney online to request an appointment. Become a Facebook follower to read positive reviews from previous clients.