Most Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing A Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are facing criminal charges, you can represent yourself or hire a defense attorney. While you are not legally obligated to hire a defense attorney to represent you in your criminal case, it is advisable that you hire one. It can be risky to handle your criminal case alone. Indeed, there are defendants who do not benefit from hiring a defense attorney. There are times when, instead of the situation getting better after hiring a defense attorney, it only gets worse. However, usually, this occurs when a criminal defendant hires the wrong attorney. If you commit a mistake when choosing a criminal defense attorney, you could end up with the wrong attorney.
Below, we discuss common mistakes people make when choosing a criminal defense attorney. If you are facing criminal charges, avoid these mistakes when searching for a defense attorney to hire to ensure you select the right one.
Not Conducting Any Research
You need to do your research on a defense attorney before hiring them. Once you find an attorney you think you want to work with, try to find out what other people who have worked with them think about their work. Reviews from previous clients can help you learn much about a criminal defense attorney. Don’t just find an attorney within your area and decide to hire them without first conducting your research.
Settling for the First Criminal Defense Attorney They Find
Indeed, some people who hire the first defense attorney they come across see positive results in their criminal cases. However, this is only possible if that first attorney you find is the right fit for you. The worst mistake you can make is to let hiring a defense attorney as fast as possible be the only driving force behind your hiring decision. As much as you need to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being charged with a crime, you also need to ensure that you hire an attorney who can actually help you fight your criminal charges.
Not Considering an Attorney’s Level of Experience
When choosing a defense attorney, ensure you select one with the experience your case needs. Suppose your case is complex and requires an attorney who has practiced criminal law for some time. In such a case, it would be unwise to entrust your case to an attorney who is just kick-starting their career and has not had any opportunity to practice criminal law.
Focusing Too Much on Fees
When searching for a defense attorney to represent you, you should not let cost be the only driving force behind your hiring decision. While cost is an important factor, you should consider it along with other factors such as experience, availability, and ability. Remember, no matter how much you pay for legal representation, chances are, if you win, the costs you will avoid will outweigh the cost of representation.
Contact an NYC Criminal Defense Attorney
If you’re facing criminal charges, our NYC criminal defense attorney, Mark I. Cohen, is available to help you fight your charges. Contact us at 212-732-0002 to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.
Source:
nycourts.gov/courthelp/criminal/typesCriminalCases.shtml#:~:text=There%20are%20three%20types%20of,one%20has%20different%20possible%20punishments
