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.

When you have had an injury, whether it is a slip and fall or you are a victim of medical malpractice it is important that you understand that you did nothing wrong, and that you have rights. A good attorney will fight for your rights and get you the settlement that you are entitled to.

There are many different types of attorney’s, and finding one that deals only with personal injury that includes medical malpractice is very important. You need to find someone that you can trust to look out for your best interests. Finding a good attorney may not be as difficult as you may think.

The important thing to look for when you are trying to find an attorney is their track record. It is important to know if the attorney you are considering has won more cases than he or she has lost, and if he or she has a good courtroom presence. You also want to find an attorney that is well respected, and has a good reputation.

You can find out everything you need to know about an attorney by calling the bar association in the state where you live. This organization has records of every attorney in the state in which they reside.

Finding and hiring an attorney does not cost anything. Most personal injury attorney’s work on contingency, meaning that they get paid only if you win your case. This gives them the incentive to do everything they can for you. In most instances, the attorney will receive one third of what you are awarded for your settlement.

With the experienced Baton Rouge personal injury attorneys, Marks & Lear help with catastrophic injuries, car accidents, maritime injuries, contested wrongful death in Louisiana. Their lawyers represent only the severely injured and those who have lost a loved one through the fault of another. Whether injury or death was caused by an accident on a roadway, on a waterway, or off the coast of Louisiana; whether caused by unsafe equipment or workplace – the attorneys at Marks and Lear have the experience and skills needed to obtain just compensation for your loss.

Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and having had an active litigation practice in both State and Federal Courts since 1978, Marks & Lear PLC also works jointly with attorneys located in Texas and Mississippi. Their firm has a reputation for thorough and professional handling of cases with personal attention to clients’ needs. Though most cases settle because of preparation for trial from the outset, their trial presentations are guided by two goals: when the trial is over clients are confident that they have had their day in court, and opposing attorneys, whoever they may be, will be less likely in the future to refuse a fair settlement offer. All cases are handled on a percentage fee basis and they advance all costs and expenses. Call them now for a free consultation and speak directly with an attorney.