If you were recently charged with assault, you probably feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. After all, an assault charge can come with serious consequences, like jail times, fines and a permanent criminal record. The most important thing you can do right now is hire a criminal lawyer to represent you. However, with so many criminal lawyers out there, how do you choose the right one? Here are some helpful tips.
Ask About Experience
Not all criminal lawyers are created equal. Some may specialize in DUI cases while others have more experience with theft and larceny cases. It’s crucial to hire a criminal lawyer who has specific experience dealing with assault cases. During your consultation, ask the lawyer how many years of experience he or she has with assault cases and what his or her success rate is.
Read Reviews from Previous Clients
Before you hire a criminal lawyer to handle your assault case, you should read about previous clients’ experiences. Sites like Yelp and Google Plus allow people to write reviews about the experiences they’ve had with criminal lawyers.
Make Sure the Lawyer Is Easy to Talk to
A criminal lawyer can have all the experience in the world with assault cases. However, if you have trouble communicating with the lawyer and don’t feel comfortable, things might not go that well. An assault charge is difficult to deal with, so you want to feel comfortable discussing your case openly. If a lawyer seems nonchalant or judgmental, you might not feel comfortable sharing everything about your case.
Make Certain That the Lawyer Is Available
It’s important to hire a criminal lawyer who actually has the time to give your assault case the attention it deserves. Consider how easy it is to get a hold of a lawyer when you call him or her. If you had to leave a voicemail, did the lawyer call you back within a couple of days? Or did you have to wait a while for a response? If it’s the latter, you may want to choose another lawyer who has more time to fulfill your needs.
Be Wary of Lawyers Who Provide Guarantees
When you’re facing an assault charge, it’s normal to feel frightened. It may be tempting to hire a criminal lawyer who guarantees to get you out of the charge. However, no lawyer can actually guarantee you a certain outcome because the outcome will depend on several factors that will come to light later on.
If you were charged with assault, schedule a consultation with a qualified criminal defense attorney in San Francisco, CA today.
Thanks to The Morales Law Firm for their insight into criminal law and tips for hiring a lawyer for an assault charge.