The Steps to Choosing an Attorney
For many people, it is a difficult step to find out how to choose an attorney. An attorney can be necessary for a great many reasons, and, for many people, knowing how to choose an attorney is not common knowledge.
Anyone can need a lawyer at any time. In order to find an attorney, the best way to go is to look for someone specific to the need. For instance, a client may find him or herself suddenly in need of a criminal defense lawyer, or perhaps a family law attorney, a drunk driving attorney, or even an attorney for defense in a domestic violence case. The first thing a client will need to know is how to choose an attorney that will be right for them and for their case.
One of the best ways to choose the right lawyer is word of mouth. A trusted family member or friend who may have had a positive experience with a local attorney or law firm in the recent past will easily be able to make a recommendation. Additionally, if there is an attorney about whom the perspective client has read or heard positive reports, it would also be a good idea to call and set up a consultation. Thankfully, many attorneys and law firms will offer possible clients a free initial consultation, during which details of the case will be discussed and a decision will be made as to whether or not the attorney and the client are a good fit for each other. If not, the client is not out any of the precious finances he or she will need for fees when the right match is found.
Once the client has figured out how to choose an attorney, the attorney has been retained, and other initial decisions have been made, the attorney will begin the process of putting together a case for the defense of the client. In cases of wrongful conviction, for example, it is estimated that 10,000 people are wrongfully convicted of crimes every single year. A survey that was done by interviewing 188 judges, sheriffs, police, public defenders, and prosecuting attorneys revealed this information. More than half, 52.3%, of these convictions were based on misidentification by witnesses. Perjury was the second most common cause of wrongful convictions. It is estimated that 11% of witnesses have lied on the witness stand which led to the wrongful convictions of many innocent people.
DUI cases will vary from state to state. Whatever state an offender is arrested in should be the state in which their attorney practices, as well. It is imperative to have a defense attorney who is adept at the rules, regulations, and laws of that particular state. He or she will be educated and trained in all pertinent information that could be used to help the client receive the least extreme punishment possible. Most state governments do not take lightly any accusation of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and, even for a first offense, the repercussions can be severe. California, for instance, will sometimes impose a sentence of up to six months in prison, as well as a six month suspension of the offender’s driver’s license. Just for a first offense of this type. Every year there are over 1.4 million arrests for a first offense DUI.
Consultations with local attorneys are where clients get the opportunity to share the details of their case. Whether a criminal case, a family law case, or any other type of case, the details must be brought out in the open in the privacy of the lawyer’s office. Very often, any information that is not shared with the attorney could, and often does, easily come back to bite the client, so to speak. Holding back any information could bring a string of negative consequences, as well as putting the attorney in a place where he or she is not able to help their client.
Choosing an attorney who is right for the case is as important as choosing one who is right for the client. Whatever the details of the case, an attorney should be chosen who is experienced in that vein, and who already has some success under his or her belt.