Thanks for joining us again. In our previous article, we discussed how to determine whether or not you need an attorney, and whether or not you are facing state or federal charges. Next we’re going to be looking at things you need to take into account when selecting a Michigan criminal defense attorney, like an attorney’s educational background, research, and qualities.
Determine what is most important to you
Obviously, the MOST important thing is having the best possible outcome. That goes without saying. However, beyond that, there are usually a few things that can “make or break” a professional working relationship, and you need to know what they are ahead to time.
Deciding before you start looking for the right criminal defense attorney what the qualities are that you most want in your legal representative, will help you to eliminate attorneys that you would have a hard time working with. That will make your situation less stressful and unpleasant than it already is. A good working relationship with your attorney is so important, because you are going to spend a good deal of time dealing with them, and so it’s critical that you are able to trust them. Premium level criminal lawyers in Michigan consider their clients to be a key member of the defense team.
Commonly, people look for qualities like being a good listener, a willingness to hear out the client when they have concerns and patience when explaining complex legal issues or answering questions about the case. These can make your case run more smoothly and reduce time wasted on unnecessary things like arguing.
Do your homework
Once you have chosen an attorney you would like to work with, take a little time to do your homework. Anyone can look good on their own website, but is there any other information available to back up their claims? What reviews were left for them by others who hired them in the past? Which national, statewide and local media outlets have covered this lawyer?
Look at the professional memberships and legal organizations they belong to. A practicing Michigan attorney must belong to the State Bar of Michigan. A lawyer who belongs to the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) or the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan (CDAM) are other good indicators that the attorney in question is serious about their practice.
Where were they educated?
Another indicator of a good attorney is a good education. Find out where your attorney of choice went to get their law degree, and what degree they hold. Having a Juris Doctorate, also called a Juris Doctor, from a reputable law school goes a long way, especially if the attorney graduated cum laude (which means “with honors” in Latin). However, this should not be among the major factors that sways you one way or the other. Top criminal defense attorneys agree that learning how to defendant against criminal charges really begins after law school ends.
This information should be available on every attorney’s web page, along with information about where they are legally permitted to practice law. Pay attention to a lawyerâs scope of practice. While an attorney who can practice law here in a Michigan court can do a great job, an attorney who can practice law in both federal and state courts may have more experience and a history of handling more complex cases.
The importance of a meeting
Most attorneys offer a free consultation, which allows you to meet with them before deciding to hire them. Always make use of this free consultation as an opportunity to learn more about your case, and to determine whether or not your attorney is a good fit for you. Pay attention to communication skills, as these will be crucial during this process.
Making sure that you choose the best possible criminal defense attorney to represent your interest in a criminal case can make a huge difference in how your case turns out. A skilled attorney can mean the difference between a dismissal and 20 years in prison. When choosing an attorney to represent you, make sure that you select someone skilled and aggressive, with experience in the area that you will be needing help. Â
The criminal defense attorneys at The Kronzek Firm have worked with thousands of criminal cases over the decades. Our lawyers have extensive previous experience in criminal defense, police work and as prosecuting attorneys. We believe that our team has an edge because we understand every angle of a criminal case. We are available 24/7 at 1 866-766-5245.