“I’ve Been Arrested, Which Lawyer Should I Hire?”- 10 Things To Ask Yourself When Deciding Which Attorney To Hire

“I’ve Been Arrested, Which Lawyer Should I Hire?”- 10 Things To Ask Yourself When Deciding Which Attorney To Hire

Being arrested and charged with a crime can be both scary and life-altering. Your future may very well ride on the outcome of your case. Given the hundreds of attorneys out there, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which one to hire. You want to make sure you hire the attorney who is just right for you. Here are 10 things you can ask yourself that might help make the decision of which attorney to hire easier and less overwhelming.

1. Is this attorney licensed to practice law in this state?
   • Be careful to only hire an attorney who is licensed to practice law in your state. It is a crime to practice law without a valid license. You can always check with your local state bar to verify if an attorney is licensed to practice law in your state.
2. Does this attorney have claims of misconduct?
   • Be careful about hiring an attorney with past claims of misconduct. You can always check with your local state bar to verify if an attorney has any past claims of misconduct.
3. What is this attorney’s primary area of practice?
   • Be careful about hiring an attorney whose primary area of practice is something other than what your case is about. You wouldn’t hire an eye doctor to give you a root canal. Criminal defense attorneys are going to have the best experience to affectively represent you in a criminal case.
4. Does this attorney have good experience with handling your type of case?
   • Be careful about hiring an attorney whose primary area of practice is something other than what your case is about. You wouldn’t hire an eye doctor to give you a root canal. Criminal defense attorneys are going to have the best experience to affectively represent you in a criminal case.
5. Is this attorney responsive and prioritize your case?
   • Be careful about hiring an attorney who is not responsive to you and does not maintain good communication with you. All attorneys are busy, but being busy is no excuse for keeping a client in the dark about their case. Hire an attorney who keeps you informed about your case, who returns your calls promptly, and who makes you feel like they value you as a client.
6. Does this attorney have any unique experience or awards?
   • Be careful to look into whether an attorney has any awards, distinctions, or unique experience. An attorney with awards, distinctions, or unique experience, may have a proven record of achievement or may have added experience that could make a difference in your case.
7. Does the attorney have positive reviews?
   • Be careful to check an attorney’s reviews and ratings before hiring him. Good reviews and ratings often times mean that other people who have been in your shoes in the past have hired this attorney and were pleased with the representation provided.
8. Has the attorney been referred to you by someone you trust?
   • Be careful not to forget to ask trusted friends and family if they know or have used an attorney that handles your type of case. A referral from a trusted friend or family member can be an excellent way to find an attorney that is a good fit for handling your case.
9. Does the attorney use technology to make the process of hiring or communicating with that attorney easier for you?
   • Be careful to look into whether an attorney uses technology in a way that will benefit you. Technology can be used in a number of ways to improve communication with clients, limit the amount of paper being used, and can help keep the attorney better prepared to handle your case efficiently.
10. Is this attorney a member of any organizations?
    • Be careful to look into whether an attorney is a member of any organizations. Membership in organizations can show an attorney’s involvement in the local community and in the legal field. Oftentimes, being a member of an organization comes with specialized training and seminars. An attorney with specialized knowledge could make a difference in your case.

Criminal defense attorney and former Riverside County prosecutor Gregory Rollins uses his unique experience and expertise to defend the rights of the accused, provide meaningful legal advice to his clients, and to fight for the best possible outcome for every client in every case. If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, it is important to make sure that your rights (or those of your loved-one) are protected.

Contact criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor Gregory Rollins to set up a free consultation.