What to Expect When Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Missouri, you’ve most likely considered hiring a criminal defense lawyer. However, depending on the severity of the charge, your budget, and other factors, you may have reconsidered hiring an attorney and are, instead, considering facing the charges alone (representing yourself) or using an appointed public defender. While both options are available to you, and in some cases work out, neither is the best option.

Instead of letting one mistake ruin your future, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney, can help you take back control of your life. At Missouri Legal, we believe that mistakes are just that; a mistake, and that you shouldn’t have to spend the rest of your life or even a quarter of your life paying for it.

If criminal charges in Missouri are weighing you down, we can help lighten your load. Contact our legal office in Springfield, MO for a free consultation to help you get started.

Read on to learn more about what you can expect when you decide to work with one of our Springfield criminal defense lawyers. We provide legal assistance for your criminal charge to help you get your life back.

Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney: What To Expect

When you hire a criminal defense attorney in Missouri, there are certain things that you can expect during the legal process. These include, but are not limited to:

Experienced Legal Advice. One of the main reasons to hire an attorney is obvious, they know more about the nuances of the criminal justice system than the general public. From their education to their experience working on criminal cases, as well as their relationship with local prosecutors, judges, and other attorneys, hiring an attorney will give you a well-rounded understanding of the legal system and how it pertains to your case. It will also give you a better chance of winning your criminal case. The right lawyer will give you the best legal advice to help you win your case by deconstructing the strengths and weaknesses of your case, gathering evidence, and questioning witnesses.
Representation. As a legal representative, your Missouri criminal defense attorney is hired to represent you throughout the court hearing process. In the simplest of terms, your lawyer will help you to formulate your case, plea bargains, and fill out any and all necessary paperwork required for your case. Additionally, your attorney may be able to literally represent you on your behalf during court proceedings. This means you don’t even have to show up to court!
Someone In Your Corner. When faced with criminal charges, no matter how serious the case, a person’s view on life can darken. In some instances, the defendant may feel or become estranged from their family, friends, and coworkers. Another part of a criminal defense attorney’s job description includes helping you get the help you need both legally and emotionally. We will fight to make sure that whatever charges you’re up against, won’t ruin your life and we will give you the tools to aid you in navigating this uncertain time.
Future Protection. At the end of the day, Missouri Legal’s main goal is to keep all of our clients from facing criminal prosecution and conviction. A criminal conviction on your record is a lot harder to remove than getting it dismissed or reduced, to begin with. Along with aligning our clients with the best possible outcome, it is also our duty to tell our clients what not to do, both in and out of the courtroom.

Selecting the Best Criminal Defense Attorney

Before selecting the attorney to represent you in court, take the time to schedule a consultation with at least two to three criminal defense attorneys. This way you can narrow down the best attorney to help you win your case or negotiate a plea bargain in your favor.

Experience & Specialization

Your Missouri defense attorney should have experience and specialize in the type of crime you are being charged with. For example, if you are charged with an assault charge, contact an assault criminal defense attorney for the best legal advice. Chances are, they’ve worked on cases similar to yours and will get you the best results in the fastest amount of time.

Trust

Secondly, you should feel comfortable with your attorney. You may be working with your attorney for the better part of a year, so you want someone who you can trust to make the right decisions for you 100% of the time. Criminal defense cases can be stressful and time-consuming. You want the best criminal defense lawyer to protect your best interests.

Clear Expectations

And lastly, make sure that expectations are clear on both sides. Make sure that you understand how your criminal defense attorney accepts payment (payment plans, after the case is closed, all upfront, etc) and how you can expect to communicate with your attorney throughout the duration of your time together. You may even end up working with multiple lawyers depending on your case.

Reputation and References

When choosing a criminal defense attorney, it’s crucial to consider their reputation in the legal community and among former clients. Look for reviews and testimonials online, and ask the attorney for references. A reputable attorney should have a solid track record of successful cases and satisfied clients. You can also check with your local bar association for any disciplinary actions or complaints against the attorney. A strong reputation is often a good indicator of the attorney’s ability to effectively represent you in court.

Contact Missouri Legal Today for the Best Criminal Defense Attorneys

Being charged with a criminal offense has the capacity to ruin your life. Even charges that may not seem that serious can have serious repercussions on numerous aspects of your life. When facing criminal charges, to avoid a criminal conviction, it is critical that you hire a criminal defense attorney in Missouri as soon as possible. Ensure you get a fair trial to protect your legal rights by working with a criminal defense lawyer who has extensive experience. Our practice areas range from family law and injury law to criminal defense and traffic law.