Did you know that the best New Jersey criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your court case? It’s true – making a wrong decision in this area can have effects that last for years.
These days, it can be tough to tell which attorneys are actually worth your time and money. With so many shady-looking attorneys out there, who do you turn to when you need legal representation? We’ve done some research and brought this list of key factors to help guide your decision-making process of choosing a good criminal defense lawyer.
Ask for referrals from friends and relatives
The best way to hire a lawyer is to get referrals from someone you know. This is because you have a chance to meet the firm’s staff and ask them questions. You can also ask them if they have any recommendations for criminal defense lawyers in New Jersey, and they may tell you they’ve never used a particular firm before.
Choose someone who has handled cases similar to yours
If you have a criminal lawyer in New Jersey who specializes in defending people convicted of drug possession charges, it might be a smart idea to go with them if you’re convicted of drunk driving or other similar crimes. Why would you want to do that?
A major factor is the experience factor. A skilled individual will know what new tactics are going to come up in your case and how he can best communicate with the judge. For example, maybe he’s able to use a certain technique to reduce your sentence – something that someone without extensive legal knowledge won’t be able to do.
Check client testimonials and reviews
You’ll notice that different lawyers have different methods of communicating with clients. For example, one might speak in terms of blunt commands while another might be more friendly and understanding.
If you’re not sure which type of lawyer you want to hire, why not check out their reviews from previous clients? If a criminal defense attorney gets good reviews from past clients, they will likely follow the same style as you.
Ask about their fee structure
A great criminal defense lawyer in New Jersey is one who understands that when the time comes to negotiate a payment, it’s best to do so on an individual basis and be sure he’s been upfront about what he charges and how he bills his services.
