One of the most important decisions you can make in life is choosing your lawyer. Choosing the wrong attorney, however, can result in serious consequences that haunt you well beyond your legal woes. In Virginia, choosing a criminal defense attorney is no different than any other industry. This article will guide you through the different steps necessary to finding a criminal defense attorney in Virginia who will give you his or her best representation when facing criminal charges.
- Check with your insurance adjuster
If you are facing criminal charges, your insurance company might be paying for your legal counsel. This could mean that you have a choice of legal representation rather than having to find one on your own. If this is the case, call the insurance company and let them know what charges you are facing and they will direct you.
- Talk to a friend or family member
If this is an option for you, talk to a friend or family member who has had experience with attorneys before. They might be able to recommend someone that they have had a positive experience with who is willing to work with you.
- Search for an attorney on the internet
If your insurance company does not cover your legal counsel or if you do not know anyone that has a good recommendation, search for an attorney online. Look for an attorney that has a proven track record of defense.
- Choose several and interview them
Once you have a pool of potential attorneys, interview them to find out what representation they can give you. It is important that you feel comfortable with your lawyer, so make sure this is a good fit before making any decisions.
- Look at your budget
Once you have found an attorney that you believe will be able to help you, look at the fees he or she charges. You want to make sure that you can pay for the legal representation. If you cannot afford the fees, talk to the attorney about payments or a payment plan. This will ensure you have the legal representation you need without going into debt.
- What about their experience
If you choose an attorney who has not worked on your type of case before, it might be smart to choose one that has some experience with the same crime you are being charged with. This will help to ensure that your attorney is familiar with how the court works and what is necessary for your defense.
- Understand their background
Be sure to research your attorney online to find out more about his or her background and if they have any previous cases they have handled in Virginia. This will help you understand if your attorney is familiar with the judges, prosecutors and courtroom staff in your area and can help you to better understand what to expect when your case goes before a judge.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lawyer to represent you in court can make a world of difference. This is why it is so important to do your research and find a criminal defense attorney who can assist you in your case.
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