No two criminal defense cases are the same, and no one can predict with certainty what a particular case is going to be like before it starts. However, there are some things you should expect from your attorney.
Above all else, you want an advocate who is tenacious and zealous in seeking the best possible outcome for your individual case and someone with whom you feel comfortable sharing details of the facts of your situation. A good Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney will communicate regularly with his or her clients about their cases, keep them informed as to what is happening and why certain decisions are being made, and advise on how they can assist in achieving victory (or at least a very good plea offer). He or she must also possess excellent legal research skills; thorough knowledge of the substantive criminal law within his or her jurisdiction; knowledge of criminal procedure, evidence, and trial tactics; excellent analytical skills; good judgment in evaluating his or her cases and the options available to the client; strong writing skills to tell the client’s story concisely and persuasively in briefs to judges, motions to dismiss charges, mitigation arguments at sentencing hearings, etc.; a solid understanding of relevant civil law if your case requires you to file a civil action against police officers after your case is over for violating your rights.
While many people are intimidated by attorneys due to their perceived “intimidating” demeanor or knowledge of legal jargon, defendants should not be wary about speaking candidly with their attorney. Withholding information because you fear that your attorney will think you are guilty, believe he or she won’t understand what happened, or because you don’t trust him/her is counter-productive. A good criminal defense lawyer must be a fierce advocate for his clients while also being able to relate to them on an individual level in order to best represent their interests.
Most importantly, defendants should feel comfortable asking their attorneys questions about the case and should never hesitate to speak up if they disagree with any decisions being made. If there are certain things that need clarification or that you just do not understand, ask your attorney! Remember that it’s your life on the line here. You have every right to be involved in how it is being handled by your legal counsel. Never rely on your attorney to do all the work for you.
If at any time you feel that you are not being given adequate representation, consider terminating your attorney and retaining another one as soon as possible. Remember that it is always better to have a lawyer who cares about winning than a “great” lawyer who doesn’t care enough about your case to fight hard or ask questions. You should never hesitate to hire a new attorney if you don’t believe he/she will be able to successfully represent your interests in court because of a lack of experience, knowledge, or education on criminal law and procedure, etc. Hiring an inexperienced attorney is better than hiring one with little enthusiasm for his or her job! However, never assume that just because someone claims to be a good attorney that he/she automatically knows what he or she is doing. There are plenty of scam artists out there who will take your money to ghostwrite their briefs and go to court unprepared.
If you have been arrested, speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible so he/she can begin building a case for the most effective possible representation on your behalf. You don’t have to spend lots of money on attorneys’ fees. Many lawyers will offer a free consultation so you can find out if they’re a fit for you and vice versa before making any decisions about pursuing further legal action. Don’t gamble with your life! Remember that criminal law is extremely complicated – it’s no wonder why many defendants turn down court-appointed lawyers without ever having a chance to really get to know them or their track record.
Aggressive, Experienced, & Trusted Board Certified Criminal Attorney At Your Service at the law office of J. Michael Price II. We Understand The Delicate Nature Of Custody Cases. Our Plano criminal defense attorney know how much is at stake and are here to help you fight. Call us for a free consultation at 214-765-8000.
Being arrested and charged with a crime can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience for anyone, but it doesn’t have to be if you take the time to find an experienced, capable criminal defense lawyer who believes in your innocence and is willing to fight hard on your behalf. You will feel much better knowing that your case has been carefully thought out from every possible angle so that if push comes to shove, you have someone fighting tooth and nail for you in court instead of leaving all the work up to the prosecution!