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| Found the Right Criminal Attorney |
If you're in need of a criminal attorney and live in Miami, Fort
Lauderdale or West Palm Beach (Florida), be sure to look for the
qualities that make a successful, trustworthy criminal lawyer. After
all, your reputation and possibly your livelihood are on the line if
you've been accused of or arrested for a white-collar crime. Put your
case in the hands of someone that knows the law and cares about your
needs. Here are ten ways to know you've found the right lawyer.
1.
Call the Florida State Bar or visit the official website to be sure
your criminal lawyer has never been disciplined by the bar in the past.
2.
Notice how well (or poorly) the attorney's staff members conduct their
business and daily activities. Consider the receptionist's attitude and
level of professionalism. Staff members should treat every client with
respect regardless of who it is or the type of charges involved.
3.
Be certain the lawyer you initially speak with will be your actual
representative. If you hire a certain Fort Lauderdale criminal lawyer
based on his/her credentials and success record with previous cases,
then you'll certainly want that particular lawyer to represent you
personally.
4. Write a list of needs and wants to be sure your
Miami criminal lawyer understands your goals and financial situation.
For example, he/she might be able to work with you on a payment plan if
your finances are low. Or, you might benefit from an initial free
consultation before making a decision on how to move forward with your
case. Some criminal attorneys offer advice by e-mail or phone, or are
even available for meetings on weekends.
5. Choose a local
criminal attorney if possible. For example, if you live in West Palm
Beach, criminal lawyers that live and/or practice in West Palm Beach are
likely your best ones to consult with about your case. Local attorneys
tend to be more familiar with the court in your area, including
procedures, officers, judges, prosecutors, etc. Knowing your attorney is
familiar with the procedures in your local area will ease your mind
when your day in court arrives.
6. Ask about malpractice
insurance. If the Miami criminal lawyer you're considering doesn't carry
this type of insurance, you might consider using another lawyer to be
on the safe side. Don't be afraid to ask - an honest, professional
lawyer should be willing to answer questions such as this without
hesitation.
7. Look for affordability without sacrificing quality
service. Not all criminal lawyers that are good at what they do charge
outrageous fees. By doing a little homework, you can likely find one in
your area that's both affordable and reliable.
8. Don't base your
selection on advertising alone. Just because a particular criminal
lawyer has the biggest display ad in the phone book, this gives no
indication as to how well he will represent you in the courtroom. Base
your decision on the lawyer's experience, credentials and referrals from
others he has represented when possible.
9. Watch out for
overbearing attorneys that try to coax you into taking their advice
without carefully listening to your needs and wants. A good criminal
lawyer will sincerely care about your needs, and he/she will listen to
your explanations carefully and exercise discernment before blurting out
answers.
10. Take time to make decisions. From choosing your
criminal lawyer to making decisions with your lawyer about how to move
forward in your case, don't hesitate to ask for a little more time to
think things over. Choose a criminal lawyer that's willing to give you
breathing room without pressure. When a court case is in process, it's
not uncommon to prolong things while making decisions. It's important
that you have ample time to think things through when making crucial
decisions that may possibly affect you, your family and your business
for years to come.
