Would it surprise you to learn that between70 million and 100 million Americans have a criminal record? According to The Sentencing Project, that works out to up to one in three Americans.
So, there's a good chance someone you know, like a loved one or friend, is part of this statistic.
If you find yourself on the receiving end of criminal law charges, you need alawyer specializing in criminal law. A good criminal defense lawyer will give you the best possible odds of beating the charges or getting the best attainable outcome, given the situation.
Someone who dabbles in various areas of the law--a little here and a little there--isn't necessarily the best option. Hanging in the balance is your freedom, reputation, and more. So, you shouldn't just choose any lawyer you come across online without doing your homework.
Here are four qualities you don't want in any criminal defense lawyer you hire.
- Lack of Experience in Criminal Law
This one is a no-brainer. If the lawyer you're considering has little to no criminal law experience, they're not the right person for the job. You need someone with hands-on experience helping clients in your shoes to navigate the complex criminal law process.
A good criminal defense lawyer will understand the law, know how to build a strong case, and rightly advise and represent you.
So, if you find someone in the legal profession whose criminal law credibility is lacking, that's a telltale sign that you need to look for someone else to hire as your legal representation.
- Poor Communication Skills
Another sign you've found a lawyer who doesn't fit the bill is if theircommunication skills don't resonate with you.
One of the most frustrating things a client can face is a lawyer who can't clearly explain complex legal terminology or positions. Remember that you need the right information to make the right decisions. But if your criminal defense lawyer won't or can't break things down enough for a novice to understand, you need to keep looking for the right legal professional.
You need someone to speak to you rather than at you, and the last thing you want is to feel like your questions are a bother to the person you need to represent you at the bargaining table and in the courtroom.
- Bad Reputation
While you can't base decisions entirely on what you read on the internet, online reviews can help you determine which criminal defense lawyer to hire. One way to see how a lawyer will help you is to see how they've helped other clients in the past. So, when you find a lawyer online, check out online reviews to see what their past clients say about them.
If you find that there are tons of negative reviews and the reviewers are saying the same thing, that's something to make note of. You can potentially avoid a problem situation by factoring online reviews into your decision-making process. So, again, it's best not to decide solely based on online reviews, but these resources can help you choose.
- Overconfidence
Be wary of a criminal defense lawyer who is seemingly overconfident. Yes, they should be confident in their skills and ability to get you the best outcome possible, given whatever charges you're facing. But if they guarantee a specific outcome or make light of the seriousness of the charges, that's a red flag.
When so much hangs in the balance, you want a confident and experienced lawyer with a strong track record of success. That said, you don't want someone who comes across as nonchalant.Overconfidence isn't what you need.
When the time comes to hire a criminal defense lawyer, you need the right one rather than just anyone. You'll do yourself a favor by avoiding any legal professional exhibiting these four qualities or characteristics.
