How To Find The Best Criminal Defense Lawyer For Your Case

Page Contents

• How to Find the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer for Your Case
  • Look for a Lawyer Who Prepares for Trial
  • Look for Specific Skills
  • Looking for a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

How To Find The Best Criminal Defense Lawyer For Your Case

Criminal defense lawyers are consistently asked, “How do I hire the best criminal lawyer after I’ve been arrested?” or “How do I find the right criminal lawyer for my case?” These questions typically come from friends, family, and acquaintances living in other cities or states. Often, these people do not know a criminal lawyer living in their vicinity. Likely, you do not know a criminal lawyer here in NYC. Yet, in the event of an arrest, not knowing a criminal defense lawyer to call can be a big problem.

New York City should be one of the easiest places to find a criminal defense lawyer. It is the biggest city in the United States, and New York State has the second most lawyers per capita. However, quantity doesn’t necessarily indicate quality, and as you search for a criminal defense lawyer in NYC, quality is what matters to your case.

You want the best criminal defense lawyer fighting for you, so here’s what to keep in mind.

Look for Specific Prior Experience

If you are facing criminal charges, it is imperative that you hire a lawyer with criminal defense experience. At times, a civil lawyer may represent a business client with a DWI charge or a minor misdemeanor, but only a criminal lawyer really understands how to build a defense and prepare for criminal trial. Therefore, be specific in searching websites and brochures for an attorney that focuses on criminal law in NYC.

As well, charges of murder, sexual assault, and other violent felonies carry maximum sentences of 25 years or life in state prison. In these instances, you want a lawyer who understands defense to violent crimes and has handled a case of this severity.

Look For A Lawyer Who Prepares For Trial

Not every criminal defense lawyer likes to take cases to court. Engaging a lawyer that would rather strike a plea bargain than walk into a courtroom could be a mistake. Trial preparation requires a significant amount of work before the date in court. Criminal defense lawyers that focus on trial, must build a robust defense in the weeks and months prior.

At times, negotiating with the prosecutor is the best option, and criminal cases can even end during the pre-trial motion and discovery stages. However, a lawyer dedicated to trial is committed to fighting vigorously to your case.

You should ask criminal lawyers if they have trial experience and how recently they were in court. You can also discuss how often their cases go to trial and what reasons would lead them to consider a plea bargain. The more information you have regarding a lawyer’s techniques and focus before building a defense, the better.

Look For Specific Skills

A great criminal defense lawyer is detail oriented and calculating. Both of these skills are necessary to build a strong defense to criminal charges. First, looking at details and nuance allows the lawyer to see weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and find significant facts or information. Second, criminal defense is largely about strategy and approach. Lawyers that are strong analytically and tactically, will be build a robust defense that considers the circumstances of your case.

Looking For A Criminal Defense Lawyer?

One of the most important steps to finding a great lawyer is an initial consultation. This first conversation with a lawyer gives you better insight into the lawyers experience, strategy, and skills than any website or marketing material. At Greco Neyland Attorneys, we arrange a free initial consultation with every client.

Schedule a confidential and free consultation with Greco Neyland at our Manhattan office or by calling (212)-951-1300 today.

The information in this blog post (“Post”) is provided for general informational purposes only, and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information contained in this Post should be construed as legal advice from Greco Neyland Attorneys at Law or the individual author, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter.