Criminal charges can be frightening. Whether the charges involve a minor infraction or a severe felony, you will need an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Your rights and future will depend, in part, on finding a lawyer who will work with you to reach the best resolution in your case.
However, identifying the right person to represent you will require some research. There are important attributes to look for in a Kansas City, Missouri criminal defense lawyer.
There are many different areas of law. Attorneys cannot possibly become experts in every aspect of the law. If you need a criminal defense lawyer, you will want to find someone who practices in that area regularly.
If your lawyer is frequently defending clients against charges similar to the ones that you face, then that attorney will likely know the best defenses and be up to date on any recent changes in the law. Make sure you find someone who chooses to devote much of their practice to protecting criminal defendants’ rights.
An attorney who frequently appears in the court where your case is pending has extensive knowledge of the law and will be familiar with the prosecutors and judges. Each courtroom will have its own procedures, and judges are humans with their own different opinions and tendencies. Finding a lawyer who feels at home in the courtroom will help you build a strong defense strategy.
If you have friends who faced similar charges and were happy with their representation, ask them about their attorney. If you know a lawyer practicing in another area of law, ask them if they know a good criminal lawyer. Getting an honest appraisal of your lawyer can help you feel confident about that attorney’s commitment to representing their clients.
Reviews from past clients can also help provide insight into how others feel about the work that lawyer has performed in their cases. Pay attention to where the reviews are coming from, though; some sites will allow professionals to pick and choose which reviews to post, but others will not let them remove negative feedback from clients.
If you reach out to the lawyer and they answer your questions and treat you with respect, that’s a positive sign. Your case may take time to complete, and you want to know that your lawyer will be responsive and attentive to you.
Your lawyer should have ideas about how to represent you and be enthusiastic about taking you on as their client. Criminal charges are intimidating and stressful. Your lawyer should listen to you and be ready to fight on your behalf.
Ask a prospective lawyer about how they charge fees. While your attorney may not be able to give you a complete estimate for the total cost of representing you, they should be open with you and willing to explain their fee structure.
Hiring an attorney is an important decision. You should feel confident about that person’s ability to represent your interests.
Michael Taylor has worked in the criminal court system for more than 25 years and regularly defends clients throughout Kansas City Metropolitan Area. Call the The Law Office of Michael R. Taylor, LLC today for a consultation.
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