If you are facing criminal charges in New Jersey, the last thing you want to do is wing it. This is because the penalties can be particularly severe. And depending on the crime, a conviction could lead to a lengthy prison sentence. Not to mention a hefty fine and a criminal record that will stay with you.
Having the support of an experienced criminal defense lawyer from the very beginning will help you understand your options. Also to prepare your defense case with the best chance of success. And negotiate with prosecutors so they understand that you are willing to go to trial if necessary.
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in New Jersey and need legal advice before speaking to police or prosecutors – or even after – read on for some helpful tips on how to hire a good criminal defense lawyer in New Jersey.
Don’t hurry with your decision
You might be feeling very stressed and pressured to make a decision quickly. But taking your time is important because you need to make sure you hire the right lawyer for your case. You will have a much better chance of achieving a successful outcome if you have hired a lawyer who specializes in your type of case. And one that has experience in the area where your case will be heard in New Jersey.
If you don’t take enough time to conduct your own due diligence and hire the right lawyer or felony criminal defense attorney, it could lead to your case being dismissed, and you will have wasted your money. Hiring a criminal defense lawyer is almost like hiring a doctor or a mechanic to fix your car – you want to make sure you find someone who has the right experience and expertise for the type of case you are facing.
This will help you get the best result in the shortest amount of time. It’s also worth noting that it is a good idea to hire a lawyer who has a track record of success in your town or city’s courtrooms. This is known as “venue,” and it’s important because it will help your case to be heard by the judge who is most familiar with the lawyers and the procedure in that courtroom.
Ask for recommendations from family and friends
If you don’t know anyone who has hired a criminal defense lawyer in New Jersey before, you can still ask your family and friends if they have any recommendations. You might even want to suggest this to your loved ones as a proactive way to help others.
Some people are hesitant to recommend a lawyer to others – especially if they are currently representing someone – but if someone does have a recommendation for you, it can make the process a lot easier. If you do receive a recommendation for a criminal defense lawyer, make sure you ask them a lot of questions about their experience and what their strengths are. This will help you to choose the best lawyer for your needs.
Conduct your own due diligence
When conducting your own due diligence, you should speak to as many different lawyers as you can about your case. You should also ask each lawyer about their terms, experience, and fees. It’s important to remember that hiring a criminal defense lawyer is not just about their experience but also their availability and how they communicate with you.
Make sure that the lawyer is willing to communicate with you in the way that you want. Whether this is in person, by email, or by phone. You should also ask what type of payment method they accept.
Hire a lawyer with experience in the type of case you’re facing
It’s important to choose a lawyer who specializes in criminal law and the type of case you are facing. This is because different crimes will be tried in different courts; a lawyer who specializes in a particular area will be familiar with the courtroom and judges, and will probably have more experience defending clients in that courtroom.
If you hire a general practice lawyer, they may be able to defend you. But they may not be as familiar with the key players, procedures, and case law in your particular courthouse. If you hire a criminal defense lawyer who is experienced in the type of case you are facing, they can help to prepare a better defense case. And to negotiate with prosecutors to get the best deal possible in your case.
Ask to see a copy of the attorney’s track record
This is not something that you should ask for at the very beginning of the hiring process. But it’s something you should definitely do before you sign a contract and hire a lawyer. You should ask to see a copy of the attorney’s track record. It will usually include information about the cases they have defended, the outcomes of those cases. And any awards or commendations they have received.
Doing this will help you to understand their level of experience. And whether they would be a good fit for your case. A criminal defense lawyer should help you understand your options and prepare a strong defense case. They should also negotiate with prosecutors, so they know you are willing to go to trial if necessary.
Before you hire a lawyer, make sure you conduct your own due diligence and ask to see a copy of their track record. Hiring a good lawyer is essential if you are facing criminal charges in New Jersey or anywhere in the U.S.
