Nothing compares to the fear of being charged with a crime. If you have been accused of a crime in New Jersey, you should focus on your rights. You have the right to remain silent and refuse to give a statement if taken into custody. You also have the right to legal representation, and the moment you ask for an attorney, the interrogation should stop. Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, P.C., to meet an experienced lawyer. What does it take to know if a criminal defense lawyer is worth considering? Here are some pointers.
Responsiveness matters
When facing criminal charges, time is everything. Whether it is a case of DUI or sexual assault, you should get help from an attorney soon. If you call a law firm and get no response within a day, do not wait. Responsive attorneys usually call or email a prospective client within 24 hours.
Consider their specialization
This point is a no-brainer. You cannot hire a regular attorney to defend you against criminal charges. Make sure that the lawyer you choose specializes in criminal law in New Jersey and has been in the field for at least a few years. The focus of the law firm should be criminal defense.
Check the cost
You have the option of going ahead with the public defender, but remember that they are often burdened with cases and may not have the time to devote to you. Also, public defenders are frequently inexperienced and may not have the required knowledge. Usually, most criminal lawyers charge an hourly rate, and depending on the case, there could be a retainer fee.
Get references
Just having a charismatic lawyer is not enough. It would help if you had someone who has a great track record and a good number of clients. You can always check online reviews, but ask for references, too. Try to understand what other clients have to say about a law firm.
Check work profile
While specializing in criminal law is a must, you should also check whether an attorney has experience and expertise in similar cases. For instance, if you are accused of aggravated sexual assault but a lawyer mostly deals with DUI cases and smaller offenses, they may not be the fit for you.
A great criminal defense lawyer can ensure your rights are protected. They will also do what it takes to investigate and get the best possible outcome – Choose someone who cares.
