What to Look for in a Criminal Defense Attorney in Houston

What to Look for in a Criminal Defense Attorney in Houston

Facing a criminal charge is not a pleasant situation. Fortunately, you are one step ahead of the crowd. You fully realize that you should retain the services of a criminal defense attorney in Houston. Still, you may find yourself with a couple of questions about the process. 

The first and foremost issue is how to find the best criminal defense attorney. It is an important decision because the better the lawyer, the better the case result. Check out our guide to help you understand how to screen and select a criminal defense attorney in Houston that is right for you. 

Service Is Essential

A criminal case is something that may be a new experience in your life. That’s why you want a defense attorney specializes in your type of incident. 

The right criminal defense attorney in Houston will understand that this is an anxiety-inducing situation and will pay close attention to your case. They will strive to conduct a thorough initial analysis, and be there to answer any questions you may have after you form a relationship. 

Learn more about your attorney, how much time they have, the number of cases they are working on, and if they have the bandwidth to work on your case correctly. 

Also, remember to take note of if they respond to your calls or emails as quickly as possible. The initial engagement process should not take long. Usually, you should be able to meet with a representative within 24 hours. 

Finally, you want a criminal defense attorney that understands the gravity of the situation and will move swiftly to get you past this moment in your life. Responsiveness and a sense of urgency is a must.

Criminal Attorney not Civil Attorney

There are many different areas of law, and you want to make sure that you select an attorney that specializes in your particular situation. 

If you find yourself in a criminal case, you may immediately call an attorney that you know. While that is a step in the right direction, remember that they may not have the right expertise and could better serve as a referral source.

Remember that a lawyer who may have helped you with your business is not the same one that may be best for your criminal case. Lawyers who help you with your taxes, will, or land deeds will likely not be the best lawyer to handle your criminal situation. It would be best if you chose a lawyer that will have the skills to defend you in this highly relevant manner with a proven track record. 

Yes, it is a simple and obvious distinction, but it is one to be aware of in your search. A professional defense representative will have a deeper understanding of the local criminal courts and will know exactly how to navigate your case for the best possible result.

Local Expertise Matters

Each courthouse has its own culture and patterns of behavior, and the right legal representative will understand the nuances, quirks, and vagaries in the local courts. That gives you an upper hand and an edge in moving past your case. 

While the law of the land may be the same across the region, the practices and implementations may vary and can have a remarkable impact on how the verdict ends. You would be wise to seek out an attorney that specializes in the Texas state law.

Simple Targeted Expertise Tames Legal Complexity

Defendants know that the modern legal system is quite complex, but a proper criminal defense attorney will be able to handle your case for you. These segments range from white-collar-crime to common drunk driving cases.

Defendants such as yourself will want to ensure that the attorney you choose will have substantial experience in your type of offense. Of course, it doesn’t have to be strictly the same as your specific offense, but the more targeted and similar to your case, the better it is for you.

Remember to ask your potential representative about their knowledge in your type of offense, time dealing with such cases, and other pertinent information.

Cost Structure

Make sure that you understand all aspects of the cost structure before initiating the professional relationship with your defense attorney in Houston. You value superior service and will pay for it, but you need to know all aspects of the service. 

Does the lawyer charge a flat fee, or do they charge by the hour? What counsel and effort will come with their services? The best firms give clients transparent prices for their services.

Remember that these are just a few of the main points that you should pay attention to as you proceed to find a criminal defense lawyer that has your best interests at heart. If you find yourself in criminal legal trouble in Houston, reach out to us today during a free DWI case review

Share this post