How do you know if a criminal defense attorney is good?
The lawyers who are well known for providing the highest level of criminal defense have a track record of success in and out of the courtroom.
Choosing a good criminal defense attorney.
It’s pretty common for people to seriously question if a criminal defense lawyer is the best person for handling the defense of their felony or misdemeanor charge in Michigan. Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb Counties have many lawyers with a wide range of skills, effectiveness, and aggressiveness. Choosing a great criminal defense attorney will significantly increase your chances of staying out of jail, avoiding a conviction, or preventing a probation violation. The criminal defense attorney with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have come to know what qualities make a very good criminal defense attorney.
These tips outline factors that can help determine whether your outcome is good, bad, or mediocre. Keep in mind that a top criminal defense lawyer’s practice is as an art form, coordinating technical skills, legal savvy, and knowledge. Nothing can substitute experience and a track record of extraordinary results. It is a sad fact that some veteran lawyers are tired of practicing law or have been doing it the wrong way for so long that they’re set in their ways. Experience alone is meaningless. These guidelines apply to all criminal cases, whether involving a DUI, OWI, drunk driving, driving under the influence of drugs, fraud, assault, weapons charges, domestic violence, violation of probation charges, or others. Obviously, these rules apply to lawyers practicing in Oakland County, Wayne County, Washtenaw County, Macomb County, or anywhere in Michigan. Similarly, they apply to criminal attorneys who handle state and federal misdemeanor and felony cases.
1. The attorney cares about the verdict and the client’s safety:
It may seem obvious, but it is critical for criminal lawyers to remember how a case might impact a person if found guilty. Criminal charges can bring vast loads of stress in all areas of a person’s life, including professional, financial, and family life. This rule applies whether it is a simple DUI or OWI, drug possession, serious fraud, weapons offense, or assault allegation.
2. The lawyer familiarizes himself with the client:
The unique parts of a person’s life, or external stresses they endure, bring out sympathy in judges when deciding the outcome of a case or sentencing. From time to time, prosecutors will also take the time to consider the individual facts and circumstances in a person’s life when deciding whether to accept a plea bargain proposed by a criminal defense attorney. Also, these facts can have a significant impact on a jury if a person accused of a crime chooses to testify on their own behalf.
3. A good criminal defense attorney works fast to get you out of jail:
It goes without saying that if a person is in jail and hires a criminal lawyer, they expect the lawyer to do everything within their power to free them from jail. A criminal defense attorney can do several things to make this happen, including pushing forward motions to set or reduce bail or motions for release on their own recognizance.
4. Considers the effects of a criminal case on your personal, professional, and public life:
Often, convictions can result in the loss of business or professional licenses. Any trade that requires a state license, including hairdressers, nurses, landscapers, and many others, will be at risk if you face criminal charges. Understanding what you can accept as part of a plea bargain, or if you can get a plea bargain at all, is crucial to making the right choice in your case. Whether in Oakland, Macomb, or Wayne Counties, any criminal defense attorney should be mindful of this.
5. Keep it confidential:
A criminal defense lawyer needs to understand the importance of a client’s privacy. Discretion and privacy are especially vital when dealing with the client’s family members. Family members may mean well when asking questions, but anything said about the case must remain private and confidential unless the client authorizes the attorney to talk about it.
6. Consider any immigration consequences:
Anyone who is not a legal citizen must be cautious when faced with criminal charges. A conviction or admission without entry of a judgment might result in deportation, exclusion from re-admission, or denial of citizenship. Unfortunately, most criminal defense lawyers don’t understand this area of law and the potential immigration consequences of a criminal charge or conviction. In Southeastern Michigan, understanding these implications is necessary, as we have a significant immigrant population.
7. The X-Factor
The only way to know whether a lawyer is the right person for you is to meet with them and look into that person’s eyes. A lawyer is by definition an expert talker, and you shouldn’t be fooled by fast-talking and promises or guarantees of unrealistic results (in Michigan, it is unethical to make a promise or guarantee, and this is a sure sign of a lawyer who cares more about the money than the client). The eyes don’t lie, and when you meet a lawyer in person, you will be in the best position to judge whether that person is the best criminal defense lawyer for you.
Free Consultation and Confidential Case Evaluation
If you would like a free consultation with a highly experienced criminal lawyer who has a track record of success, please call LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., and we will take the time to talk with you, answer your questions, and address each of your concerns.
Our attorneys have been successfully defending clients charged with felony and misdemeanor offenses for decades. They can be voraciously aggressive when appropriate and, when needed, eloquent, persuasive negotiators. Whether the client is best served by a jury trial or a plea bargain, the Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. has the ability and aptitude to take a case in whatever direction will achieve the best possible results for the client.
Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete a Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.
We will find a way to help you and, most importantly,
we are not afraid to win!
