If you’ve been accused of committing a crime, whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony, your top priority is to prepare for your next scheduled court date. The best way to do this is by immediately seeking the help of a qualified lawyer with extensive experience in the field of criminal defense law. One of the most important criteria when selecting an attorney for your case is “trust.” But how do you know who to trust?

Follow these legal tips to ensure you choose a good criminal defense lawyer who can aggressively defend your legal rights, negotiate with prosecutors to reduce your charges or minimize your penalties, and ensure your interests are fully protected:

DO pick an attorney that practices criminal law

Whether or not your particular case will be settled through a plea bargain or headed for trial, it is vital to choose an attorney who is knowledgeable in criminal law and is able to try your case in front of a jury. Lawyers who have no experience defending criminal cases won’t have a comprehensive understanding of the rules of evidence, will have difficulty identifying the weaknesses and strengths of your case, and will have little credibility to negotiate a good deal for you.

DO steer clear of lawyers that guarantee a result

If you consult with a lawyer who promises you certain results—particularly before he’s even evaluated your case—immediately cross him/her off your list. Criminal law is complicated and every case is unique. There are no guarantees or simple answers. Any attorney who makes promises to obtain certain results in a criminal law case is not worth your trust.

DO choose a lawyer that can clearly explain your situation and your legal rights

Your lawyer should be able to simply and clearly explain the criminal charges against you, what they entail, your legal rights, what prosecution has to prove, and how evidence can be used against you in court. Your criminal law lawyer should also explain the possible consequences you may face for your charges. And remember, a lawyer should always be direct, honest, and to the point, rather than promising that you will “win your case.”

DON’T bargain shop for a criminal lawyer

While an affordable attorney is a legitimate concern, it should never be the main priority. There are too many things at stake and you need the best attorney who can ensure your rights and interests are fully protected every step of the way. Attitude, compassion, and experience are very important when it comes to choosing a criminal law lawyer.

Many lawyers will quote a flat fee, but this fee is not just for the hours they may work on your case. You are also paying for their skills, experience, and qualifications. Fees are often based on the difficulty of the case and the amount of time the lawyer and staff spend researching and preparing. Expect a larger fee if your case is expected to go to trial.

DON’T be scared to discuss lawyer fees
You have a right to know how much a criminal law lawyer will charge you before deciding to hire him or her. The lawyer should be able to tell you during the initial consultation how much the services will cost you.

Baton Rouge criminal defense lawyers of The Spano Law Firm focus provides exceptional legal representation to clients throughout the Baton Rouge, Louisiana metropolitan area in criminal defense, including DUIs and DWIs, and personal injury matters. Firm principal Rhett P. Spano possesses more than ten years of experience as a trial attorney. Prior to dedicating his career to criminal defense, Mr. Spano spent three years as a Senior Assistant District Attorney in New Orleans. In this capacity, Mr. Spano tried more than 50 jury trials involving a wide range of crimes. This experience gives him a unique insight into how prosecutors secure convictions- information he now uses to his clients’ advantage.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime or needs assistance with a personal injury or appeals matter, they can help. For their clients’ convenience, they maintain a flexible schedule and have a 24-hour hotline available. To schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case with them, contact The Spano Law Firm today or use their online contact form.

For some people, legal representation may be necessary in case they find themselves in a tricky situation. In these cases, hiring a Dallas criminal lawyer may be necessary so as to avoid any further complications with the law. Representation, therefore, is necessary – and the only person who can help you with that is a Dallas DWI attorney.

Surprisingly, there are some people in the Dallas County who think their basic knowledge of the law is enough knowledge to keep them afloat in a legal proceeding – until, of course, they find themselves in an actual proceeding. By that time it might be too late to find representation, so at the very first hint of a case you should be reaching out for your phone and dialing a Dallas criminal lawyer. When you have a Dallas DWI attorney by your side, it is going to be easier to dodge legal bullets and come up with brilliant, logical and rational arguments to defend your case.

Furthermore, not everyone is aware of the fact that a Dallas criminal lawyer will not charge you an arm and a leg for his legal services. There is many a Dallas DWI attorney who can charge fairly and still exert more than a hundred percent of his efforts in helping you with your case. The time to hire a Dallas criminal lawyer is before there is a criminal charge against you filed in the state court. Many people will advise you to already consult with a Dallas DWI attorney prior to the pre-trial so you will know what kind of plead you will have to make. The course of action will, of course, depend on the gravity of the situation and what the attorney will prescribe to do.

After all the law mumbo jumbo you will hear, you will be glad to have a Dallas criminal lawyer by your side to translate everything in layman’s terms. This will give you a better understanding of what you are up against, and will allow you to heed caution in whatever words come out of your mouth. By this time, you will already realize that self-representation is not going to cut it and a Dallas DWI attorney is indeed the wisest person you can counsel with. Having a Dallas criminal lawyer by your side means knowing what kind of defense you should prepare for court.

Criminal defense lawyers in Dallas at the law office of Alan C. Kazdoy defend those accused of felony and misdemeanor crime including DWI, homicide, drugc crimes, sex crimes, traffic tickets and juvenile offenses. Attorney Kazdoy is passionate about helping the people of Dallas and the surrounding areas resolve their legal troubles and move on with their lives. He has the experience, professionalism and knowledge to represent your case aggressively and effectively. He will fight to protect your rights.

There is a danger in hesitating when it comes to Texas criminal defense matters. Do not delay, or your case may suffer. Contact The Law Office of Alan C. Kazdoy today to find out how to resolve your criminal case.