How To Find The Right Criminal Defense Attorney For Your Next Case?

Published on: 16 November 2020 Last Updated on: 26 July 2023

Are you looking for a qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney to help you in your legal case?
Do you know how you can find out the best ones with the help of referrals, online research, and Legal Bar Councils?
Have you tried looking at the yellow pages and classified ads only to turn up empty-handed and disappointed?

Finding the right criminal defense attorney is not an easy task under any circumstances. The search is long and arduous and the end-results might not be satisfactory, let alone being successful. People feel that the first search result on Google will be the best lawyer. However, there is more to it than meets the eye.

In this article, we are going to help individuals who are looking for the best criminal defense attorney to represent them. However, before we do, let us first look at why finding the right lawyer is so important.

Why Hiring the Best Criminal Defense Attorney is Important?

According to experts, there are a ton of ways you can get falsely convicted of a crime if you are not smart enough to defend yourself. From false eyewitnesses to fabricated forensic reports, if you are up against someone big and something to hide, they are going to use every trick in the book to hurt your cause.

Most legal experts state that lawyering up with an experienced professional is important for success. Expert legal representation for criminal cases in Illinois guides you at every step and warns you in the event something goes wrong. He or she will also be able to network with authorities, gather evidence, and cross-question witnesses.

Many people believe that if they are innocent, it would be an easy thing to prove. However, you need to be prepared for the worst eventualities and not let your guard down at any point in the trial.

List of 4 Ways to Find the Right Criminal Defense Attorney

1. Referrals-

Most of us even in this day and age start by looking for legal help with referrals. While many others might discredit this process, it is nevertheless important. However, rather than asking your friends and families, you should ask other lawyers. In other words, you might have contacted some other civil cases and taken help from a lawyer. If you’re charged with a weapon crime in Florida, consult The Ladan Law Firm for legal advice.

2. Online Research-

Online research does not simply mean typing the words- criminal defense attorney and waiting for the results to reflect. It also means doing more research and finding out about your search results from online reviews, checking credentials, and looking at the Legal Bar Council Certifications. This can help give you a better idea about your criminal lawyer.

3. Specialized Legal Websites-

There is no one area, which has not been turned yet into an aggregator platform. Whether it is doctors, insurance agents, chefs, or servicemen, you have an aggregator platform for the same. You can see some of the topmost voted lawyers on platforms like Avvo and other sites. Most customers place reviews and place ratings on the various lawyers on the platform.

4. Check-in with the Local Bar Association-

If you are someone who does not want to take help from the internet for your search, you can always go the good old-fashioned way. You can head up to the offices of your local Bar Association in your districts and check for someone who you think will best suit your criminal case. See the requisite experience and find out about other successful case histories.

The Final Word

If you have access to a well-experienced, qualified, and affordable criminal defense attorney, you will be able to navigate the toughest of cases. In this article, we have looked at the importance of hiring a criminal lawyer early and stated some ways how you can find the best ones to represent your case in a court of law.

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Most Common Misdemeanors You Could Be Accused Of

If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor crime, you need to be proactive in your criminal defense. Your arrest is only the beginning of the criminal justice process. You should contact a criminal defense lawyer who has experience with your type of case. There are several things you need to know when facing misdemeanor charges. Here are Most Common Misdemeanors You Could Be Accused Of: 1. Consequences of a Misdemeanor Conviction: Misdemeanor charges range from improper smoking to attempting to escape from jail. Misdemeanor convictions are fairly common in Michigan. The state courts see thousands of cases going through courts annually. There are three types of misdemeanors to look out for: 93-day misdemeanors 1-year misdemeanors High court misdemeanors These time periods refer to the maximum jail sentence that you can serve. High court misdemeanors are more serious crimes and are punishable by a prison term of up to two years. While less serious than felony charges, all misdemeanors are considered crimes, and a conviction can result in jail, fines, and a criminal record. Michigan legal help like the Law Office of Rathi & Associates for legal needs when facing Michigan misdemeanor court. If you are facing misdemeanor charges then a misdemeanor lawyer will help you avoid the worst of any incoming punishments. 2. Misdemeanor Property Crimes: Property crimes are offenses that involve the appropriation or destruction of physical items, but can also involve thefts of services or intellectual properties. Like most jurisdictions, state law determines whether a property crime will be classified as a misdemeanor or felony based on the dollar amount and extenuating circumstances around the crime. Some of the more common misdemeanor property crimes include: Petty (or petit) theft under $200 Petty theft under $1,000 Vandalism with under $200 in damage Vandalism with under $1,000 in damage Public urination Trespassing 3. Misdemeanor Crimes Against Persons: Crimes against persons can involve touching or striking a person against their will, creating disturbances and other offenses that affect individuals and groups of individuals. As is the case with property crimes, a crime against a person can be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime and the severity of the offense. Some of the more common misdemeanor crimes against persons include the following: Assault and battery Domestic assault Misdemeanor stalking Disorderly conduct Resisting arrest Prostitution These are the common crimes committed against a person. If you’ve been charged with any of these crimes, you may have to face punishment, including imprisonment, fines, probation, and loss of civil rights. In some cases, you may also be required to pay restitution to the victim. However, the specific consequences may vary depending on the severity of the charges, the state in which the crime was committed, and the accused’s prior criminal record. For example, if you’ve been accused of domestic violence charges, regardless of your location, it’s important to work with an attorney who can guide you in protecting your rights and interests. 4. Misdemeanors Traffic Crimes and DUI: Driving Under the Influence is usually a misdemeanor unless there are extenuating circumstances like multiple DUI prior offenses, drug possession, or an accident involving injuries. There are also some non-alcohol-related traffic violations that are classified as misdemeanors. Some of the more common misdemeanor traffic crimes include: 1st or 2nd DUI Open container Fleeing and eluding Leaving the scene of an accident Reckless driving Driving on a suspended or revoked license Drag racing Indeed, there are several traffic crimes that you could be accused of, depending on your personal circumstances. Like other misdemeanors, a conviction for traffic crimes, including a DUI offense, can carry many consequences. Moreover, it’s important to note that the consequences of traffic crimes can be serious, so it's best to drive safely and obey the law. If you’re convicted of a traffic crime, consulting with an attorney to discuss your options would be beneficial. They can evaluate the facts of your case and develop the right defense strategy. 5. Misdemeanor Drug Crimes: With the exception of marijuana possession, many drug crimes in most states are felonies. Possession of marijuana in any amount is a misdemeanor, but other activities related to the drug, such as selling it to others, can constitute a felony. In certain states, a person can legally carry up to 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana with a valid prescription. Conclusion Being accused of a misdemeanor can be frustrating and stressful. Therefore, to mitigate the impact of a potential misdemeanor charge on your life, keep the above information in mind and seek legal counsel if necessary. Read Also: Protect Your Rights Today With Domestic Violence Lawyers 6 Reasons to Contact a Lawyer before an Arrest in Knoxville

The Basics of Criminal Appeals Law

In this article, we want to quickly look at the subject of criminal appeal and the laws that govern it. We are not approaching it like a law school course addressed at lawyers but as a general informative content meant for those who may not be so knowledgeable in legal matters. Hopefully, the information we will share here however basic will help you get a better understanding of this process of criminal appeal and how you can take advantage of it should you be in a position where such an action becomes necessary. The Basics of Criminal Appeals Law: An Overview: A criminal appeal is a process where an individual who has been tried by a court of competent jurisdiction and convicted for a crime decides to seek the intervention of a higher court. The purpose of this intervention could be to seek an overturn of the conviction reached by the lower court based on a few points that we will look at later. It could also be to seek a reduction in the sentencing delivered upon conviction. In either case, the defendant is turning to a higher court so that s/he can get a more favorable outcome in the form of an acquittal or a sentence reduction. When an appeal is filed, the higher court will go through the process that the lower court went through to reach its verdict. This means that there shall be no testimonies or submissions of fresh evidence. The decision of the higher court will be based solely on the recordings of the concluded court proceedings. It is from this recorded process that the appealing counsel will point out the grounds of their appeal and it is also from these recorded proceedings that the higher court will reach its decision. It is important to understand that it is common to find the higher courts in the U.S naturally favoring the decisions of the lower court. It will take some very clear infractions or errors to cause a higher court to overturn the judgment of the lower court. Grounds on Which an Appeal Can be Made: We mentioned above that an appeal has to be based on certain grounds. We will now look at a few of these grounds upon which a criminal appeal can be filed. An appeal can be file if any of the following happened during the trial at the lower court: There is a clear error in the interpretation of the law. The verdict given is not backed up by clear evidence. The ruling of the lower court bothered on abuse of its discretion. The defendant claims that his/her representation was inadequate. Any of the points above are grounds upon which an appeal can be filed. You should, however, understand that the appellate court must find evidence in the proceedings of the trial as shown by your attorney in your appeal filing that supports your claim. If the higher court does not find enough evidence supporting your claim, it will be thrown out. What You Should Do: If you have just gone through a criminal trial and you were not happy with the outcome because you felt the process was somehow flawed, you could ask your lawyer what your chances will be if you were to take it to a higher court. We understand that it is likely that your attorney is the reason why the outcome of the trial was the way it is. If this is the case, then having such an attorney handle your appeal will not be a very smart move. You’ve already made the mistake of choosing an attorney who could not properly represent your interest in court, do not make the mistake of having the same attorney contest this outcome in a higher court for you. You can find a lawyer here with the experience to look through the records of your case and give you a candid opinion. There’s no point in spending time and money contesting a case that is certainly not going to go your way no matter where you take it. What you need is a correct assessment of your chances. If it is seen that there are indeed solid grounds on which an appeal can be filed, you should engage the services of Criminal Appeals Toronto attorney with the required expertise, who knows exactly how to prepare your case to give you the best chance of getting a better verdict. Bonus knowledge: Check out our blog regarding Criminal Law Enforcement Read Also: Keys To Become A Successful Lawyer 3 Reasons Why You Might Need A Family Lawyer Three Practical Tips And Techniques For New Trial Lawyers

First Step To Dealing With Discrimination In The Workplace

Workplace disputes and challenges can be stressful. Daunting, even, when things take a more serious turn. When injustices transpire, it becomes more difficult to work without constantly fearing said injustices. Facing discrimination in the workplace should not deter you from standing up for your rights as an employee. Instead, here are the primary steps to take when they do. Steps To Take Against Workplace Discrimination Dealing with work discrimination can be jarring. You are feeling intimidated, and extremely anxious. Thinking almost everyone is against you. However, your one step can be a big movement for that organization still throwing a blind eye to discrimination. So, here is where you should start! 1. Talk To A Lawyer Regardless of what kind of discrimination you face at work, the distressing fact is that the courts have strict rules for what qualifies under “work discrimination.” You will need an expert who is knowledgeable about this segment of the law to push your claim forward. Hiring a lawyer does not instantaneously mean you are to brace yourself for upcoming court matters. Doing so is a kind of “safeguard.” How? A lawyer can help you recount the charges you are making and inform you about what qualifies under work discrimination, especially what you can legally do about it. That, and in an objective manner. 2. List Down The Offensive Actions Committed Against You We understand that recounting such actions can be painful, or traumatizing for others. Yet this is a crucial step that requires your attention— listing down every offense your perpetrators have carried out. Called a journal for tracking discriminatory behavior, be as detailed as possible with your entries. Be sure to include the date, location, and time each one took place. Alongside these, the perpetrator/s, witnesses (if there were), and other relevant information. 3. Report The Incident There is a possibility of them turning down your claim. Especially if it becomes apparent that you did not report the occurrences. As such, the company should be aware of these workplace events because it is a lawful requirement to act upon them. If they do not implement a body (due to the lack of familiarity regarding this motion), this could be held against them & you. Therefore, report the incident to your superiors and have Human Resources or any relevant department get these in writing and on record. 4. Understand The Incident Aside from speaking with your attorney about it, talk to your manager/s. Although quite in the minority, there are cases wherein acts were not deliberately made. Nevertheless, your superiors need to know of these to talk to the perpetrators and reiterate (or draft) company rules about work discrimination. It’s also an approach to seeking help with respect, and officially reporting the incident. 5. Prepare For Counterattacks And/Or Retaliation Even with legal advisers at your side, be ready for retaliation from your perpetrators. Whether through actions, threatening words, work-related retribution (i.e. disapproval of a raise, vacation leaves, etc.), be ready for them. But do not fret because a work-discrimination lawyer is aiding you every step of the way. The law can be used as your foundation and shield against those who premeditatedly intend for your harm within the walls of your workplace. What Kind Of Counterattacks We Are Talking About (...How To Deal With Them) When you report workplace discrimination, have you noticed subtle changes in how your work is evaluated? Is your performance suddenly being scrutinized even though your work hasn’t changed? Or are you being left out of important meetings? These are common forms of retaliation. But don’t worry, you can handle them! Keep track of everything. Documentation is key when it comes to proving your case later. Are You Being Excluded from Work? Are you dealing with meeting exclusion? Not on the loop on important information to achieve the right results? This is a deliberate strategy used to disempower you. Don’t let this become your reality! Stay focused, ask for what you need, and keep being professionally productive. Letting it be known that you cannot easily be pushed aside sends a strong message. Can You See Corporate Growth? Has a raise or promotion that seemed within reach suddenly been denied? This could be retaliation for your complaint. Look for patterns, keep all communication, and make sure to document everything. Your records will be important if you need to take legal action down the road. Stay focused, and don’t let these setbacks discourage you. Are You Facing Intimidation? Are you dealing with threats and verbal harassment? Unfortunately, this is a disturbing and common form of retaliation. Stay calm, and document any and all inappropriate comments or actions. Let your attorney know about what is happening. Yes, the more documentation, the better it is to prove your case. It Is Okay – You Got To Stay Strong Even if you’re getting hit with counter-complaints, know that it’s against the law for anyone to take revenge. Do you have a record of such avenging acts? Stay calm and be ready so you can easily prove your case rights. Keep going, and don’t let them intimidate or scare you. After all, they know you’ve had the courage to denounce their racism/sexism! They are seeing you as a threat and are scared, hence all the counterattacks. Better discuss these matters with your lawyer and start gaining evidence for your case. Read Also: 5 Safety Awareness Ideas to Maintain a Safe Workplace 5 Ways You Could Have Been Sexually Harassed in the Workplace How to Improve Workplace Security

How To Find The Right Criminal Defense Attorney For Your Next Case?

Why Hiring the Best Criminal Defense Attorney is Important?