Steps to Find a Good Criminal Law Solicitor
Introduction ď ˝
Choosing the right criminal law solicitor for your case is an important task, as you do not want to be represented by someone who does not fully understand the areas of law you are charged with. You may also need to work closely with the solicitor so you will need to make sure that you can form a professional relationship with them.
Steps to Find a Good Criminal Law Solicitor
Research your state or local bar association Ask for a referral from an attorney you know Use the Internet to research criminal defense attorneys Research the state records for any discipline reports Search the attorney’s history online Ask the attorney for a referral to a past client Choose the qualities that are important to you
Research your State ď ˝
The bar association is a professional organization of lawyers. There is a national bar association, the American Bar Association (ABA), as well as individual state bar associations. In large or medium sized cities, you will even find local city or regional bar associations.
Ask For a Referral From an Attorney You Know ď ˝
If you already have an attorney whom you may have worked with for civil matters, such as for business or taxes, you may be able to ask that attorney for a referral to someone who does criminal work. You may find that the attorney himself or herself is able to help you.
Use the Internet to Research Criminal Defense Attorneys
The Internet can be a useful and powerful tool, if you use it properly. If you run a search for “criminal attorney” in your location, you are likely to get many responses. You need to read through the results carefully. Do not just pick the first one.
Research the State Records for Any Discipline Reports ď ˝
You should find out before you hire any attorney that he or she is in good standing with the state bar association. Attorneys can be punished by their state for a variety of things. Some are minor, like being delinquent in paying dues, and some are major and result in losing their license to practice law.
Search the Attorney’s History Online
Run a search on the Internet for the attorney’s name or for any clients he or she has represented. This may show you records, written court opinions, or newspaper articles about the attorney. If the attorney handled any matters that drew considerable public interest, you might find stories or articles describing them.
Ask the Attorney for a Referral to a Past Client ď ˝
An experienced attorney should be able to put you in touch with prior clients whom he or she has represented, so you can talk with them. Find out from them what the experience was like and how satisfied they were with the attorney.
Choose the Qualities that Are Important to You ď ˝
Good qualities to look for in a defense attorney include excellent communication skills, which will help him better argue your case. It might also be important to you to hire an attorney with a good track record. Don't forget to consider his experience with your specific sort of crime.
Get Help from Friends or Family ď ˝
If you have been incarcerated, you may need to have your friends or family help get you a lawyer. If you are not sure about the lawyer your family hired, you may use the person just at the arraignment, and conduct a search for a new lawyer when you are released.
Who I Am‌ ď ˝
John Mattingly Attorney is a criminal defense lawyer who provides the help in defense of individuals and companies charged with criminal activity.