Criminal cases will often have far-reaching and unexpected repercussions. For this reason, most defendants will opt to hire an attorney instead of representing themselves. There is a prevailing misconception that the most expensive attorneys are always the most competent. However, the truth is you may pay a lot of money and still get an attorney who can hardly represent you, either because they are not adequately qualified, lack experience or lack commitment among other reasons. Making a decision to hire a particular criminal defense attorney can be a daunting task. There is no clear rule that will make your decision easy. Here is a guide that may help you when hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Burlington WA.
Check their Qualifications and experience
Ensure that the attorney you are hiring is duly certified by the State Bar Association. The lawyer should exhibit a high level of criminal law experience in addition to having completed the requirements for continuing education. You may also want to check with their peers and judges to see if they receive favorable evaluations. Below are some of the factors that you should consider.
* Experience in handling similar cases to yours.
* The number of jury trials that they have litigated.
* Their willingness to provide reference from clients with whom the lawyer has previously worked.
Personal characteristics
Regardless of how highly recommended a lawyer is, it is essential that you select one with whom you are personally comfortable. You should ensure that the lawyer fully engages you in the decision making process and someone with whom you can talk freely.
Their Criminal defense fees
While most criminal defense attorneys will bill their time hourly, some will offer you a flat fee arrangement. It is advisable that you consult with a variety of criminal defense lawyers in your area to find one who charges reasonable fees.
Being charged with a criminal offense will often be accompanied with life changing consequences. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will often be familiar with the intricacies of criminal law, thus they can devise sound defense strategies in accordance with the particular circumstances of your case. If you need a competent and affordable Criminal Defense Lawyer in Burlington WA, contact Howson Law Office. For more information, go to http://www.howsonlaw.com/
