Facing criminal charges is one of the most stressful and momentous experiences anyone can go through in life. It doesn’t matter whether you have been charged with a DUI, assault, or white-collar crime; navigating the legal system can feel overwhelming. Choosing the right attorney to stand by your side and aggressively defend your legal rights is one of the most important decisions you have to make.
How can you be sure you are working with the right criminal defense attorney who has the skills and experience you need? Choosing a lawyer backed by a proven track record in Colorado courts, such as the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Wolf Law, can give you the peace of mind you’re looking for.
In this guide, we’ll explore how you can choose quality legal representation when you need it the most.
Understanding Criminal Defense
Before you can find the right criminal defense lawyer to handle your case, you must understand what criminal defense involves. Once you hire a criminal defense attorney, he or she, along with the support of a legal team, will do all the heavy lifting in your case. A criminal defense lawyer brings a wealth of knowledge and legal experience to the table.
Your attorney will put that to use in the following ways:
- Providing legal advice: Your criminal defense lawyer will explain your legal rights and the strongest way to defend you.
- Analyzing evidence: Your attorney will thoroughly research your case to build a strong defense to give you the best chance of a favorable outcome. Your lawyer will go through police reports, witness statements, evidence from the crime scene, and other relevant evidence, looking for flaws and inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.
- Reviewing the law: Criminal defense attorneys do not rely on their past knowledge and experience. Rather, they consult statutes again and again, looking for relevant laws, legal precedents, and whether the arresting officers had probable cause.
- Defending you in court: Criminal defense lawyers need excellent courtroom skills. They will make an opening statement and then present evidence, call on expert witnesses, and cross-examine witnesses. Finally, the closing remarks your criminal defense attorney delivers could have a big impact on the jury’s deliberations.
Now that we understand what a criminal defense attorney does, let’s examine key qualities and attributes to look for to ensure you choose the right lawyer.
Deep Knowledge of Criminal Law
When evaluating potential attorneys, consider the type of law they practice. Some attorneys spread themselves too thin. You need a criminal defense attorney with a deep knowledge of the area of criminal law relevant to your case.
For example, white-collar crimes such as fraud and corruption are typically complex and require a specialized skill set. Other types of crimes, such as DUIs or sex crimes, require a different knowledge base. Make sure your criminal defense attorney has the necessary knowledge to craft an effective defense strategy that will maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.
Experience Matters
If a criminal defense goes well, you could walk free with a clear record. Entrust your defense to an inexperienced attorney, and you could be taking a chance with your freedom.
The value of courtroom experience
When reviewing criminal defense attorneys, don’t hold back from asking them about their courtroom experience. Ask them about their results in cases similar to yours. The goal is to find a criminal defense lawyer with a proven track record of success in similar cases.
Of course, each case is unique, and no lawyer can promise specific outcomes. However, knowing that he or she has relevant experience in handling cases similar to yours may give that attorney the edge you need.
Think local
A local criminal defense attorney may be even better equipped to handle your case than one from further afield. Lawyers who are based in the area where the crime occurred may be able to use their local experience and connections to your advantage.
For example, lawyers should have a deep knowledge of state laws, precedents, judicial interpretations, and how local prosecutors and judges operate. This could help them tailor their defense strategy to give you the strongest chance of success.
An Attorney You Trust
The attorney-client relationship could be critical to the success of your legal defense. You need to feel comfortable completely opening up about some of the most private and challenging parts of your life. A compassionate lawyer will help you feel safe and respected as you open up and share vital information.
Communication style
You can learn a lot from considering the attorney’s communication style during your initial consultation. The right attorney for you should listen carefully without constantly interrupting. This helps the attorney establish the facts without making assumptions. A knowledgeable lawyer will also take the time to patiently explain the legal process and answer your questions.
If you do not feel comfortable during the initial consultation, it’s unlikely you’ll strike up a good attorney-client relationship moving forward. Continue searching until you find a lawyer with the right experience and skills who also puts you at ease.
Availability
A common complaint in the criminal justice system is that a defense attorney did not communicate well, was unresponsive, and did not explain what was happening. This can happen when attorneys take on too many cases and are spread too thin to give each one the attention it deserves.
Avoid lawyers with this type of reputation. Instead, look for a law firm that prides itself on giving each client the personalized attention and communication he or she needs.
Defense Strategy
It is important that you feel comfortable with your attorney’s approach to your defense strategy. After reviewing the facts of the case at an initial consultation, ask the attorney how he or she would approach your case.
You need to find an attorney who will tell you what you need to hear rather than what you want to hear. The right criminal defense attorney will be honest about your options, including whether negotiating a plea deal would be in your best interest.
The Role of Testimonials and Reviews
Reading the reviews of clients who have worked with the criminal defense lawyer in the past can give you an insight into how the lawyer operates. While testimonials on lawyers’ websites are naturally focused on the positive, online review sites give you access to a broader range of opinions.
As you read the reviews, look for patterns. Do the former clients praise the defense attorney’s deep knowledge of the law? Do testimonials highlight the lawyer’s communication style or strong courtroom experience?
Negative reviews can also be illuminating. While some may be from clients who were dissatisfied simply because they did not achieve a favorable outcome, others may highlight consistent issues that troubled many clients.
This type of analysis should help you find a seasoned lawyer who has the qualities and skills that are important to you and avoid ones who would not be a good fit for you.
Attorney’s Disciplinary Record
In Colorado, it’s possible to find out more about an attorney’s reputation by checking his or her official disciplinary record. The Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel in Colorado maintains records of all attorneys practicing law in the state.
A quick check on its online database can reveal whether potential attorneys are in good standing. It could also reveal that the lawyer has been subject to public disciplinary actions, which could make you think twice about choosing this particular attorney to represent you.
Transparency About Fees
Hiring a criminal defense attorney is a serious investment, but it should not be a mystery. Attorneys charge in different ways, so at your initial consultation, ask the lawyer about the fee arrangements offered. Some may charge an hourly rate, while others charge a flat fee. Whatever system the lawyer uses, the right criminal defense attorney will be upfront and transparent.
Also, look for a criminal defense lawyer who offers a free consultation. This is an opportunity to decide whether this is the right criminal defense lawyer for you without paying a penny.
Why You Need a Wolf Law Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are facing criminal charges in Colorado, you need an experienced, capable attorney to help you navigate the criminal justice system and give you the best chance of a successful outcome. The experienced and aggressive defense lawyers at Wolf Law have the local knowledge, tenacity, and compassion you need.
Our attorneys know the stakes are high, and you can’t afford to take chances. Our legal team is 100% focused on criminal defense, and we’re ready to apply our deep knowledge of Colorado law and years of courtroom experience to your defense.
Do not delay. Book a free consultation with Wolf Law today. Contact us online or call us at (720) 479-8574 to understand your rights and the way forward.
