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Originally Posted On: https://www.pattonlawwi.com/how-to-choose-the-best-criminal-defense-lawyer/

Are you on the hunt for a talented and experienced criminal defense lawyer? This is how to choose the best attorney for your case.

Facing criminal charges is understandably a challenging and daunting experience. A criminal charge can result in jail time and damage to reputation and future prospects (ex-cons typically find it difficult to find gainful employment).

If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges, it is essential that you partner with an experienced and reputable criminal defense lawyer. In this blog post, your expert team at Patton Law will highlight how to choose the best ‘criminal defense lawyer near me’.

This includes ensuring that they have the necessary experience to handle your case, knowledge of local laws, strong reviews and referrals, and are responsive and communicative. Let’s get started.

Ensure They Have the Necessary Experience

It is essential that you choose a criminal defense lawyer that has experience with the crimes you have been charged with. Modern criminal law is incredibly complex and you will find that many lawyers specialize in one or more specific types of offenses.

Not every lawyer will specialize in the charges you are facing, so take the time to check that they are able to competently handle your case. It is appropriate to enquire during your consultation about the specific experience that a lawyer has in relation to your charges. Be wary of a lawyer who appears vague or unsure during a discussion about your charges.

Here at Patton Law, we are your expert criminal defense team in Kenosha and Racine counties. We offer legal representation for a range of criminal defense cases. These include:

• Drug crimes
• Sex crimes
• Violent crimes
• Computer and internet crimes
• White-collar crimes (e.g. financial crimes)
• Property crimes
• Probation violations
• Post-conviction motions
• And more

We will be happy to discuss your case in detail and outline how we are able to help, as well as answer any questions you may have, including about our relevant experience.

Opt for a Local Criminal Defense Lawyer

As we have highlighted, criminal law is complex and can differ significantly from state to state and county to county. Even if the same laws are in effect within a state, the specific procedures may differ between individual courthouses.

That’s why it is highly recommended that you choose a criminal defense lawyer who has experience in criminal law in your area. A strong knowledge of procedures and relevant personnel within the area in which you have been charged is a key asset when looking to hire a criminal defense lawyer.

For example, certain counties may have a no-plea-bargaining policy for a specific offense, while another nearby county may not have this in place. Unless you hire a lawyer with local experience, your case may not be handled in the most opportune way.

Read Reviews and Ask for Referrals

One way to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of a criminal defense lawyer is to read online reviews. These days, it is easy to find reviews about companies through search engine results, business websites, and social media.

Take the time to weigh up the general consensus from a number of reviews, instead of taking just one or two reviews as gospel.

Another way to gain an understanding of a particular criminal defense lawyer or firm is to ask for a list of referrals. These are past clients of a firm who are happy to speak about their experience.

This gives potential clients an opportunity to hear unbiased feedback from someone with direct experience. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and form a better understanding of whether or not they are suitable to handle your case.

If you know of anyone who has recently faced criminal charges themselves, such as a family member, friend, or neighbor, it’s also worth asking for recommendations. They may be able to put you in contact with someone they trust to help you with your case.

Consider the Personal Factor

Criminal cases can be lengthy, especially if they go all the way to trial. Therefore, it is advised that you partner with a lawyer with whom you feel a rapport. During your initial consultation with a lawyer, you should gauge their personality and determine if you feel personally comfortable with them.

During your case, it is important that you feel listened to and are a full partner in the decision-making process. You should feel that you are able to talk openly with your lawyer on any issue about your case and feel listened to.

Look for a lawyer that is able to explain complex laws in a way that is easy to digest and understand, particularly if you have no prior experience with legal cases. Furthermore, look for a lawyer who shows a genuine desire to help you, rather than someone who views you as just another client or just another case.

Choosing the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer

The bottom line is that you should choose a criminal defense lawyer who has experience, knowledge, and empathy. The outcome of your criminal case may have a big bearing on your immediate and long-term future, so it is worth investing time and effort in the selection process.

The above information and advice will help you to find a lawyer well-suited to handling your specific criminal defense case. As highlighted above, in Kenosha and Racine counties, your premier choice is Patton Law.

Our experienced attorneys are here to provide skilled legal advice and representation when you need it. Contact our team today to schedule an appointment to discuss your case.