Not All Criminal Defense Attorneys Are Created Equal
Finding a criminal attorney in Salt Lake City is easy; finding the best criminal attorney in town is a far more challenging endeavor.
Go online or look in the phone book (if you still look in phone books), and you’ll see hundreds if not thousands of attorneys and firms that say they’ll defend you against criminal charges. But how do you sort through all those names to find the right lawyer who will fight for you and give you the best chance of beating the charges? What characteristics should you look for, and how should you go about the process?
As you begin your search, here are five tips for finding the best criminal attorney in Salt Lake City.
Experience Is Irreplaceable
Law school teaches attorneys a lot about the law. But much of what it takes to be a successful criminal defense attorney isn’t found in classrooms or textbooks. The practice of criminal law in Salt Lake City requires the indispensable quality of experience.
The criminal court system in Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County is complicated. Every judge has their style and approach, and how things are done in one courtroom may differ from the courtroom next door. Understanding these nuances and unwritten rules is as important as knowing the law. That invaluable experience only comes from practicing law and defending clients in Salt Lake City courts.
The best criminal attorney for your case understands the local laws and regulations in Salt Lake City courts.
A Commitment To Defending The Rights of The Accused
Criminal defense is different than every other area of the law. Few lawyers will tell you they had a calling to be corporate lawyers or securities lawyers. However, the best criminal defense attorneys choose to practice criminal law because they are intent on securing the rights of individuals accused of criminal activity.
They are dead set upon the principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty’ and dedicated to protecting their clients. If the defense lawyer you meet with doesn’t appreciate how much is at stake, or treats you more like a file than a person, look elsewhere. The best criminal attorney will treat you and your case respectfully, hands down, bar none.
Learn More: Defending Against Domestic Violence Charges – What You Need to Know
Tenacity, Determination, and Zealous Advocacy
When Salt Lake City prosecutors charge you with a crime, they will use every available resource of the criminal justice system against you. Salt Lake prosecutors will aggressively seek to obtain your conviction. You need a Salt Lake City defense lawyer who can match those efforts with perseverance and an unrelenting work ethic. Your criminal lawyer needs to be fearless and unintimidated. The best defense is often a good offense, and the best criminal attorney knows they need to go on the attack – against prosecutors, evidence, or witnesses – to protect their client truly.
Related: Protect Your Rights – The Importance of Hiring a Skilled DUI Attorney in Salt Lake City
How To Do Your Research About Criminal Attorneys In Salt Lake City
Start your search for the best criminal attorney by asking your family, friends, and colleagues for referrals. If possible, try to speak with someone who faced charges similar to yours and had a positive experience with their defense lawyer.
If you get some recommendations, do some online research about the attorneys. Look at their websites for their experience, credentials, and general approach, especially with cases like yours. Check out other websites for reviews or client testimonials, as the attorney’s website will undoubtedly contain only glowing reviews.
Once you’ve done your research, pick up the phone or send an email to arrange for what is likely to be a free initial consultation with two to three attorneys who seem to fit the bill for you.
The Most Important Job Interview Of Your Life
When you first meet or speak with a criminal defense attorney you are considering for your case, remember what you are hiring this person to do. You are putting your freedom and your future in their hands. Their skills and efforts will determine, to a large degree, the outcome of your case. As such, treat your initial meeting as the most important job interview you will ever conduct.
As with any job interview, asking questions is the main way to understand the attorney’s background, experience, credentials, and results. The best criminal attorneys in Salt Lake City will be able to provide this information, but consider asking these questions:
- How long have you been practicing criminal defense law in Salt Lake City?
- Do you only handle criminal cases, or do you practice in other areas of the law?
- How many cases like mine have you defended? How many are you defending now?
- What were the outcomes in the cases like mine that you’ve handled?
- Will you be personally handling my defense, or will some other lawyer at your firm work on it?
- How much will my defense cost, and do you offer any payment plans?
Read More: When is DUI A Felony in Utah?
Looking For The Best Criminal Attorney in Salt Lake City? Look To Intermountain Criminal Defense Attorney Josh Deere For Aggressive, Experienced Defense Against All Charges.
The Salt Lake City criminal defense attorneys at Intermountain Criminal Defense have a long record of successful results in criminal cases of all kinds and work tirelessly to obtain the best possible outcome in every case. If you face any sort of criminal charges in Salt Lake City, don’t waste another moment of your precious time. Contact Intermountain Criminal Defense today to arrange for your free initial consultation.
Related posts:
What to Expect When Hiring a Salt Lake City Criminal Defense Attorney
Questions You Should Ask During Your Free Consultation With a DUI Attorney in Salt Lake City
Launching the Criminal Defense Lifeline: The Criminal Defense Blog for Salt Lake City
Protect Your Rights: The Importance of Hiring a Skilled DUI Attorney in Salt Lake City