Finding the best defense attorney can feel overwhelming. According to Zippia, there are about 252,159 defense attorneys currently employed in the United States. While there are so many to choose from, you can fortunately break the search down into a few key steps to make it easier. When you know exactly what to look for, you'll be ready to pick the right legal advocate and find the perfect defense attorney for you and your case.

1. Do Your Homework

The best place to start is by asking people you trust for lawyer recommendations, such as friends, family, and colleagues who've used them before. If you can, get a personal reference to hear firsthand about things like communication skills and bedside manners. It may also help you to check online reviews of a law firm you are considering, and many will feature them on their website. Look for reviews that mention strong communication and active listening skills and cases similar to yours.

2. Set Up a Consultation

Once you've spotted a potential lawyer, you'll want to make sure you set up a consultation. Use this meeting to understand how well your defense attorney can listen to you and how they answer your questions. Ask about their experience with similar cases, the usual process and timeline, and what they'd need from you to craft the best defense. Pay close attention to how comfortable you feel with their communication style. You want someone who explains things clearly without talking down to you. Jot down notes during the meetings so you can compare later. Picking a lawyer is personal, so ultimately, make sure you feel good at the end of the consultation.

3. Understand the Fees Upfront

During the consultation, be sure to ask about pricing and payment expectations, too. Fees depend on things like location, experience, and the type of criminal case. Usually, there's a retainer fee upfront and then hourly billing. Some lawyers might allow payment plans or flat fees. Get all the financial expectations in writing before officially hiring one. Knowing the costs beforehand allows you to budget properly and not get surprised by bills later.

Doing your homework allows you to find the right defense attorney. With a quality lawyer in your corner, you'll feel empowered to navigate the legal system. If you're looking to hire a defense attorney, then reach out to us at Aaland Law Firm for a consultation today.