Having to hire a criminal defense attorney can be a daunting task. This is the person you’re paying and trusting to help your case have the best possible outcome. With over 7,000 criminal defense attorneys in the state of Florida, finding the right one for you can be an overwhelming process.
Here are five things to keep in mind while on the hunt for a criminal defense attorney:
1. Experience
Finding an attorney with years of experience is ideal. Typically, the more experience a lawyer has, the better they will be at negotiating and dealing with the court systems. They have put in years of work creating relationships with opposing counsel and judges, meaning they know their patterns, how they operate, and what kind of defenses are most likely to assist you. Russell Spatz has four decades of experience is several areas of criminal defense law, including fraud, drug charges, DUIs, family law, and more.
2. Responsiveness
After finding an attorney and reaching out to them, a good indicator of their character in court is how quickly they will respond to you during the first few interactions. Remember: you’re hiring an attorney to guide you through what could be a scary process, and you want to make sure to find someone who will respond to your questions and concerns in a timely manner.
3. Field of Expertise
It’s important to find an attorney who understands exactly what’s needed for your type of case. Look for an attorney who practices law in the field of your specific issue. When cases demand a greater level of expertise, look for a lawyer who knows their way around that kind of law and has won cases similar to yours.
4. Rapport
The criminal defense attorney that you pick for your case should be someone you feel comfortable working with. An attorney’s job is to not only protect you as their client, but to also help you cope with whatever anxiety you may be feeling due to the circumstances around your case. Also, the more comfortable you are, the more likely you are to be open and honest with information that could help to build a stronger case in your favor.
5. Payment Options
Finding an attorney who can work with you on your payment options is very important. Make sure you understand how their services are charged. The four most common fee arrangements are by the hour, on contingency, flat fee, or paying a retainer. Simple matters that don’t need litigation are often charged as a flat fee. Understanding how a lawyer handles their fee schedule is a priority when it comes to deciding who is the best for your situation.
If you or someone you know are looking for an experienced criminal defense attorney to handle your upcoming case, consider giving Russell Spatz a call today at 305-442-0200 to see if he’s the right fit for you.