How to Choose a Criminal Attorney

Why would someone need a criminal attorney?

One of the first thoughts someone has when faced with criminal charges is whether or not they need to hire a criminal defense attorney. While yes, a criminal defense attorney can cost a pretty penny, in a lot of cases the monetary fees associated with hiring an expert are trivial compared to the potential life-altering costs that not having the best possible defense can cause. An experienced criminal defense attorney will have a good understanding of the judicial system, already have good relationships with prosecutors, have handled cases similar to yours before, can protect your future, can save you money, can assess law enforcement’s conduct, and can advise you on the possible outcomes of your criminal case. No matter what, your criminal defense attorney is not there to judge you; they are there to help you resolve your legal issues in the best way they can.

There are many reasons someone may need a criminal defense attorney, including crimes like business fraud, corruption, money laundering, and much more. Business fraud is a broad term, as it can refer to crimes committed by high-ranking employees or can describe attacks against businesses themselves. The three main types of fraud are asset misappropriation, bribery and corruption, and financial statement deception. Some examples of business fraud include online phishing attacks, business loan fraud, card and check payment frauds, and payroll fraud. Identity theft and tax fraud are also common types of fraud in business. Corruption falls under the business fraud category and occurs when an entrusted entity abuses their position of power for their own benefit. The most common form of corruption is bribery. If you are convicted under Section 201 for bribery, both the recipient and the briber can be punished by up to 15 years in jail and a fine of up to $250,000 or triple the value of the bribe (whichever is greater).

Money laundering is also considered a type of business fraud. Money laundering refers to the illegal process of generating large amounts of money through criminal activity and making it appear like it came from a legitimate source. A popular form of money laundering is known as smurfing (also known as structuring). Smurfing occurs when a criminal breaks up large chunks of laundered money into multiple small deposits across different accounts to attempt to avoid detection. The penalties for first-degree money laundering are very serious; it includes a 10–20 year prison stint and a maximum fine of $200,000 or triple the value of the property involved in the criminal act (whichever is greater). Business fraud is no joke and should be taken seriously, which is why it is so incredibly important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you should you face criminal charges.

Choosing the Right Lawyer

Choosing a criminal defense attorney will take some effort, but these efforts will pay off in a big way if the right lawyer is chosen the first time around:

• Narrowing Down the Search

Begin the search for a criminal attorney by first asking loved ones and colleagues about their experiences with certain lawyers.  They may be able to provide a good recommendation for a lawyer or they may alternatively provide advice on which lawyers to steer clear of.  Next, conduct adequate research on the internet.  Search for criminal defense attorneys online and then screen them based on the information discovered.  When conducting research online explore the attorney’s website and any other sites that provide reviews of the lawyer’s services.  Pay close attention to both good and bad reviews as these may provide clues as to how the lawyer works, if they are efficient and if they get the job done.

• Educational Background, Experience and Expertise

Next, consider the attorney’s education, background and experience.  Criminal law continues to evolve and every year states across the country set precedents with new legislation.  As such, it will be important to choose a lawyer with a law degree who has been admitted to the bar.  It is important to only choose an expert who can successfully navigate the complexities associated with the criminal law system.  Next, consider how many years of experience the lawyer has.  A seasoned lawyer will have the experience necessary to have learned lessons from previously handled cases.  Lastly, consider whether or not the lawyer is affiliated with any reputable associations, has received special recognitions/accolades from the community or served on highly publicized cases in the past.

• Make an Appointment for a Consultation

After all of these criteria have been reviewed, set up a free consultation with the lawyer.  Top criminal attorneys often offer free, low cost, or no obligation consultations.  Meeting the lawyer face-to-face will reveal how well the client and the lawyer may work together.  This time will also be an opportunity for the lawyer to explain the benefits of their services, offer advice and reveal their expertise in a compelling manner.  For example, does the lawyer easily build rapport with the client?  Does the lawyer seem to be a good communicator?  Does the lawyer make the client feel comfortable?  These are all considerations to make during the initial consultation.

• Other Qualities of a Good Lawyer

Other qualities to consider when choosing a criminal attorney are their record of performance and their reputation.  In other words, is their firm a performance-based one that focuses on advancing cases?  Regarding reputation, are they known for their professionalism, are they in good standing with the bar association, and do they conduct business in an ethical manner?  These are all qualities to consider when searching for a top criminal attorney.  They should have a stellar track record of success.

Taking all of this into consideration, hiring a good lawyer can be a simple process if the necessary research is performed in advance. Click here to see a list of the top criminal attorneys in your area.