Public defenders are honorable, smart people who do their best for their clients, but they are typically underpaid and overworked. These offices are legally required to represent those without the means to hire an attorney, and lawyers juggle enormous case loads and long days. Criminal convictions can cause lifelong problems, and hiring a private lawyer in Royse City, TX can provide great benefits. Below are a few mistakes to avoid when hiring a defense attorney.
Hiring out of the Phone Book
Most criminal lawyers have a professionally designed website. A phone book ad tells potential clients little about a lawyer, but hiring should not be based on advertisements. On the other hand, a lawyer’s website can provide a wealth of information on their experience, background, and education.
Hiring a General Attorney
When looking online for a lawyer, clients should find an attorney who focuses on criminal defense. If the lawyer practices in a variety of areas, they probably cannot provide the level of attention a criminal defendant needs. As the laws change almost daily, it is important for clients to hire a lawyer who focuses on criminal defense.
Hiring a Rookie Lawyer
While every attorney has to start somewhere, a criminal case is no time to rely on a rookie. Clients should choose a lawyer with at least a decade’s experience in criminal defense because such an attorney is likely to have developed good working relationships with local judges, prosecutors, and other attorneys.
Hiring Former Prosecutors
It is best to hire a lawyer who has always focused on criminal defense. Some prosecutors leave the DA’s office and work on the other side of the aisle because they lost out on a promotion or for financial reasons. Visit the website to stick with a defense attorney who has made it their life’s work to help clients stay out of prison.
Hiring a Lawyer Who Doesn’t Go to Trial
Clients should choose an attorney who is willing to go to trial. These lawyers are highly respected in local courts because they know the law, they’re persuasive, and they can react quickly when the unexpected happens. The law offices of Tim Hartley have earned this kind of respect, and this lawyer in Royse City, TX will work hard for his clients.
