If you are accused or charged with a crime, the wise thing to do is exercise Miranda Rights, i.e. remain silent and arrange for a lawyer. No matter how small or severe the crime, you should hire a legal representative to avoid a criminal record. Guilty or not, you should not confess or give a statement, until or unless after you have talked to your attorney. Many people think that misdemeanors like a first-time DUI is not a big deal and there is no need to get a lawyer. They do not realize that conviction for any sort of crime will become a permanent stigma, leading to lifetime consequences.
Now that the significance of hiring a lawyer has been established, the next step is to find one you can depend on. It is essential that you hire someone like Criminal Defense Attorney in San Diego, CA, who is well-versed in criminal law and has sufficient experience in the field. You should check a lawyer’s track record, read client reviews, and ensure that they are licensed to practice in your state. Consult multiple criminal law firms in your area before choosing the one whom you will entrust your future.
Although considering the fee structure is important in the selection process, a lawyer’s skill, attitude, and accomplishments are more important. You cannot risk hiring someone who is inexperienced and not very convincing about their abilities, just because they are charging the least. When narrowing down your options, pick an attorney who possesses the following qualities:
1. Mindful
First impressions matter, and never ignore your gut feeling. If an attorney appears to be distracted or disinterested in your case at the first meeting, you should not expect improvement on your next encounter. The attorney you speak with should be vigilant, and listen to you attentively. If they ask you questions in between and are clearly focused on you, it shows that they are willing to take the case and handle it the right way. An attorney who is not mindful may try to rush you or attend to other things during the consultation session.
2. Unprejudiced
Defense attorneys have to represent all kinds of clients; not all of them are innocent or willing to play fair. The job of a criminal defense attorney is to do everything in their power to prevent a dire fate for their client, regardless of their character or actions. For this reason, good defense lawyers are able to maintain impartiality, whatever the circumstances. If an attorney cannot control their emotions or tends to be judgmental, he/she may not be someone you can trust.
3. Perceptive
Capable attorneys are smart, i.e. they are adept at reading expressions and they can tell when you are lying or telling half-truths. It is difficult to hide thoughts from them, which is a very good thing. Perceptiveness allows them to grasp the strengths and weaknesses of a case, as well as use tools of manipulation to get an edge over the prosecution. They know when to back down and where to take risks, so they can navigate the case in the best way possible.
4. Flawless Communication Skills
Topnotch communication skills are compulsory for a defense attorney. If they are not good at arguments, they are of no use to you. The attorney needs to negotiate on your behalf and be your voice at all stages of the legal proceedings; hence, you need someone who is confident, outspoken, and persuasive in speech.
5. Investigative Excellence
You need an attorney who can deal with all the legal requirements and challenges associated with your case. They should be able to investigate and gather useful evidence to strengthen your case. Competent attorneys know how to do their research and leave nothing to chance. They will readily fill the gaps in the case and keep a close eye on the prosecution.
6. Composed
Skillful defense attorneys remain calm and collected, even if the odds are not quite in their favor. This is imperative to keep the prosecutor guessing and buy time to steer the situation to a better place. Sometimes clients make mistakes and the attorney has to take care of the consequences. An attorney who lacks composure will easily panic and give up on you when things do not go according to plan.
7. Resourceful
A criminal defense attorney should be resourceful, i.e. he/she should be equipped with a team and connections that can tackle different aspects of the case. This promotes the kind of efficiency and productivity that is impossible with a one-man show. An attorney who requires you to do everything for them isn’t very helpful or useful.
8. Assertive
If you have been charged for a serious crime, it helps to have an attorney by your side who can fight aggressively in a courtroom. An attorney with a powerful personality and an air of stubbornness shall work in your favor. You should hire someone who is ready to strive till the end.
9. Reliable
You need an attorney you can rely on at all times. This person should understand the meaning of client confidentiality and keep all your secrets to themselves. Their availability and punctuality is also of great importance. You don’t need a lawyer who sends someone else in their place and never returns your calls.
10. Authority
The best defense attorneys in the industry are repeat players, and are well known in the legal community. Their reputation precedes them, which is why prosecutors are wary of fighting against them. An attorney who has demonstrated their authority over and over again, gains an advantage inside and outside the courtroom.
