How to Choose the Best Criminal Defense Attorney for Your Case
You have been arrested. You have a pending criminal case. Now you are faced with the decision of whom to hire to represent you. This is one of the most important decisions you will ever make and you want to make sure you are hiring the best criminal defense attorney in Fort Worth.
It can seem challenging because every attorney or criminal defense firm boasts “experience” and “aggressive representation” and they will probably show you a list of cases that they were able to get dismissed over the last several years. How do you choose?
How do I know who the Best Criminal Lawyer is in Tarrant County?
It’s hard to say that any certain criminal lawyer is the “best.” Hiring a criminal defense attorney is a personal choice. The relationship you will soon form with your criminal defense attorney is intimate in nature. You will tell him or her things that that would not tell anyone else. It is important that you feel comfortable with your attorney. This is a personal choice that nobody else can make for you. We recommend that you interview several attorneys before you make your choice. That way you can be sure you have retained the right one.
Factors to Consider in Selecting the Best Criminal Defense Attorney for Your Case
Again, choosing your attorney is a personal choice. However, here are some factors that you might find helpful when you are sorting through the options:
Did I receive a flyer in the mail from this attorney?
Unsolicited flyers from attorneys are junk mail. Throw them away. Do not be fooled by any of the wording in the flyers, especially the ones that promise dismissals and free representation. Do your own research based on the things that matter to you. You will be able to find the best criminal defense attorney for your case without reading through the junk mail.
Does the attorney practice other types of law in addition to Criminal Defense?
You want to make sure you find a lawyer that focuses exclusively on criminal defense. Some lawyers will say that they handle family law, wills & trusts, personal injury, AND criminal defense. That is not what you need when your future and your liberty are on the line. If you are truly looking for the best criminal defense attorney, you want an exclusive Criminal Defense Attorney, not a general practitioner.
Does the attorney primarily practice in the county where your case is pending?
There are many players in a criminal case; the judge, the prosecutor, the court staff, and the criminal defense attorney. You want to find the best criminal defense attorney that has spent time developing relationships with all of the court staff in the county in which your case is pending. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your attorney will ask for personal favors in your case, but it always pays to hire a known and trusted defense attorney. Rightly or wrongly, prosecutors are wary of out-of-town attorneys. The best criminal defense attorney is typically a local criminal defense attorney (especially in Fort Worth, Texas).
How many cases does the attorney currently have pending?
Criminal defense attorneys are busy people. If they have too many cases or too many clients, you might not get the type of personal representation that you deserve. On the other hand, if the attorney doesn’t have very many cases or clients, that could be a red flag as well. You want to find a lawyer that has a healthy docket of clients, such that it keeps him or her in court regularly, but doesn’t make them too busy to represent you in a personal and professional way.
Does the attorney enjoy a good reputation with the courts and prosecutors in your county?
Read the client reviews and peer recommendations of the attorneys you are considering. You want to make sure that you hire someone that is well-liked by clients and colleagues. If you are reluctant to trust the internet, ask the prospective attorney if they have any past clients to whom you can speak regarding their experience with the firm.
Is the attorney knowledgeable about Diversion Programs that are available in your county?
There are many Diversion Programs available in every county. However, you will not know about them unless your attorney tells you about them. Your search for the best criminal defense lawyer should include a question or two to determine whether he or she is knowledgeable about all of the available programs in your county. If you don’t get a straight answer, move on to the next prospect.
Free Consultation of Your Criminal Defense Case
Our firm may have the best criminal defense attorneys for your case. It may not. Give us a call to discuss your pending legal matter and we will take the time to get to know you and see how we might be able to help. If it turns out that we are not a good fit for you, we can typically recommend some other very talented attorneys in Fort Worth for you to call. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (817) 993-9249.
