If you face a serious felony charge, you might be considering hiring a criminal defense lawyer to help you. Such a lawyer can answer your questions, protect your rights, establish a defense for you, and more. But some criminal defense lawyers are better than others, and you might wonder how you can find the right fit. On this page, I discuss a few good elements of a law firm that you should consider to help you find the best lawyer for your situation.

Check Them Out Online

Before meeting with a lawyer, take some time to do research online. Search for reputable lawyers in your area. Check out the lawyer’s website and social media presence. Do they have a personable, inviting presence online? Or can you barely find their website? Are many of your questions answered with good information on their website, or do they barely have a page worth of content to help you? Pay attention to these details to learn more about the law firm and how you might be treated by them.

Meet With the Lawyer

Most lawyers offer a consultation before a client retains their services. This serves as a meet and greet, where you can get to know the lawyer and they can get to know you and your situation. Some lawyers offer free consultations, which is definitely a plus! It means that the law firm is focused on helping others first. If you can meet with an attorney without making a financial commitment early on, you can truly determine if you are happy with the lawyer with nothing to lose.

They Can Help With Your Situation

There are so many different types of law out there. The truth is that a lawyer probably won’t be proficient in each type of law. For this reason, it is important to find a criminal defense lawyer for your situation. Preferably, you want to find someone who has worked with serious felony cases before. Your lawyer should know the laws that are pertinent to your situation and be able to assist with a trial if necessary. Make sure to inquire about what kind of law the lawyer you are working with practices. Also make sure that they are comfortable handling a case like yours, and that you are comfortable working with them.

Ask the Tough Questions

Facing a legal situation can be overwhelming and scary. Before hiring a lawyer, make sure to ask the difficult questions and voice your concerns. Discuss payment options with the lawyer, ask questions about your case, and get a sense of their confidence in your case. Be honest with your lawyer and expect that they are honest with you. If you can forge a relationship with your attorney and communicate with them, it will help your case go smoother.

This is a brief checklist of some of the most important things that you should look for in an attorney. Make sure to put an attorney to the test before you hire them!