While facing criminal charges is never an ideal situation for anyone, finding the right Paterson criminal defense attorney will help make everything as smooth as possible. A good criminal defense lawyer in Paterson, NJ will have the experience, guidance and knowledge to assist you in your legal process. Choosing the ideal criminal defense attorney can make or break the result of your case. However, not all attorneys are created equal, and the outcome of your case is largely dependent on having the right one by your side. Below are some helpful tips to help you pick the best Paterson criminal defense lawyer for your situation.
Choosing the Right Paterson Criminal Defense Attorney
Get Referrals & Do Your Research:
One of the best ways to find a good criminal defense lawyer in Paterson is to ask for referrals. If you know someone who has been in a similar situation, ask who they used for legal counsel and if it was a good experience. If their experience was particularly bad, you can cross that lawyer’s name off your list. If they were very satisfied with their services, make an appointment for a consultation.
Once you have gotten a referral, had an initial consultation, and determined that you are personally comfortable with a particular candidate, do some online research. Choosing the right NJ criminal defense attorney might be one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Check the state bar association website to see if the lawyer has a record of formal discipline, and search for reviews on Facebook, Yelp, and Google. Although one bad review shouldn’t necessarily preclude you from working with a particular lawyer, several bad reviews should be a red flag.
They Have Experience with the Charges You are Facing:
Hiring a lawyer who specializes in DWI’s wouldn’t be much help if you’ve been charged with grand theft. Criminal law is complex and constantly changing; it is imperative that you work with a lawyer who has extensive experience in the specific crime with which you’ve been charged. Some lawyers are focused on violent crimes, others on drug crimes, and still others on white-collar crimes.
Do your research and consult with a lawyer who has a deep understanding of exactly what you are going through. Many law firms offer a free initial consultation. You can and should ask questions to determine if the particular lawyer you are interviewing has the experience you need.
Asking lots of questions at your initial consultation also puts the lawyer’s personality on full display and gives you the opportunity to see how you interact together. Personal chemistry is a very important factor when choosing legal representation; if you don’t feel comfortable with your lawyer, the legal process is going to be unnecessarily long and painful, and the outcome is less likely to be favorable.
The best lawyer-client relationships are collaborative. When a client is involved in the decision-making process and trusts his/her lawyer, the relationship becomes more of a partnership, and the chances of a successful outcome increase dramatically. To determine if the Paterson criminal defense lawyer you’re interviewing is right for you, ask yourself the following questions:
- Does my lawyer explain things in a manner that I can understand?
- Does my lawyer seem to genuinely concern about me and the outcome of my case?
- Am I comfortable talking openly to my lawyer?
- If I don’t like the way something is being handled, do I feel comfortable saying so?
- Does my lawyer seem trustworthy and of good character?
The Criminal Defense Lawyer has Courtroom Confidence:
You also want to know that if your case moves to trial, your lawyer has confidence in the courtroom. In addition to specifically asking about courtroom experience, the lawyer’s appearance and demeanor can clue you in as to how they will perform in the courtroom. If they are neatly dressed, well spoken, and confident, these characteristics will bode well in a courtroom setting. If, on the other hand, the lawyer appears nervous or disheveled, his/her arguments may be less convincing to a judge and jury. Exceptions certainly exist; there has been more than one eccentric lawyer with an outstanding record in the courtroom, but confidence is generally the hallmark of any successful trial lawyer.
In addition to all of the above advice, it’s important that your Paterson criminal defense lawyer can take direction from you. Although he/she will control certain aspects of your case, such as filing motions and calling witnesses, the big decisions (including whether to plead guilty or go to trial) are your call. Look for an attorney who takes the time to get to know you and your goals, and who actively integrates your input into the legal strategy.
Are You Looking for a Highly Skilled & Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Paterson, NJ?
If you’re looking for an excellent Paterson criminal defense attorney to guide you through your legal legal process, look no further than Tonacchio Spina & Compitello. Our criminal defense attorneys are well qualified and experienced in aspects of defending those charged with misdemeanors and felonies. If you’ve been charged with a criminal offense or believe you may be under investigation by law enforcement, our attorneys can help protect your rights and work to reduce the consequences of a criminal conviction. For more information, you can contact us at (732)383-6242, or visit our website.
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