Dealing with a PFA in Pennsylvania? Need help after being arrested for drunk driving? Have you been arrested on suspicion? These are just a few circumstances when you need a reliable attorney on your side, and it’s not about finding any random lawyer but an attorney specializing in criminal law. We have enlisted a few tips below for choosing the right Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer.
1. Start with a list. You can ask around and find references for attorneys in your city. If you don’t want to involve others, just check online. Google listings can help, and there are also dedicated websites like Nolo and Justia that can help sort lawyers based on your requirements.
2. Check their work profile. Not all lawyers have the same experience handling matters concerning criminal defense. You don’t need any random lawyer, but someone who has worked on similar cases. For instance, the approach to a murder case would be different than handling a PFA defense.
3. Get a consultation immediately. Time is everything when facing criminal charges, and there is no room for any mistake in court. Make sure that you seek a consultation session with the shortlisted criminal lawyers. Some law firms offer low-cost consultations, while others charge a fee – either way, you need to meet the lawyer to know your case better.
4. Ask the right questions. There are numerous questions you can ask when meeting an attorney – What do you think of my case? Do you have time for the matter? Are you capable of taking the case to trial if and when needed? What is the worst-case scenario for my case? A good attorney is expected to be brutally honest and straightforward.
5. Discuss their strategy. While lawyers may not discuss everything about criminal defense strategies in the first meeting, they can give you a fair idea of how they would approach the case. Make sure that you are aware of the next steps that your attorney is likely to take and are in agreement with that.
6. Check the pricing. Most criminal defense lawyers in PA charge an hourly rate, but you should still insist on a clear and detailed contract. You should be aware of the expenses involved as you move ahead with the lawyer.
Finally, make sure that you check the reviews of the selected law firm. You need to be sure that the criminal defense lawyer you choose has the credibility to rely on.