Whether you’ve been charged with reckless driving or assault, facing charges without a Greeley criminal defense lawyer is never a good idea. In addition to potential jail time, a conviction on your record can limit your job opportunities, prevent you from exercising certain rights, and present serious immigration problems.
Hiring an experienced attorney can make all the difference. But what should you look for when selecting one?
1. Legal Knowledge and Experience
Since laws vary by state, it is essential to find a Greeley criminal defense lawyer who understands Colorado criminal laws. It’s even better if they have a background defending people in Greeley. Familiarity with area law enforcement and the local justice system can give them an advantage in your case.
While many licensed Colorado defense attorneys can represent you in court, seek out someone with experience in your case area. Some defense lawyers focus on sexual criminal offenses, while others may work more with traffic offenses or juvenile clients.
Consider asking prospective attorneys questions like the following:
- How long have you been practicing criminal law in Northern Colorado?
- How much experience do you have with cases like mine?
- How often do your cases go to trial? What is your success rate?
- How often have you appeared in the courtroom where my case will be heard?
2. Strong Communication Skills
Attorneys need to communicate with various parties at different stages of your case. They should be comfortable speaking with judges and prosecutors about the law and making complex information understandable for juries and clients. They need to be persuasive, respectful, and good at public speaking.
Because effective preparation requires knowing everything possible about your case, your attorney should also be a good listener. A criminal case deals with sensitive information and can bring up unsettling feelings, so choose someone who makes you feel comfortable speaking openly and honestly.
3. Dedication to Preparation
While criminal defense attorneys have multiple clients, they shouldn’t make you feel like one of many. Their handling of your case can mean the difference between conviction and acquittal, making thorough preparation crucial.
Your legal team should do their best to understand all the evidence against you and locate evidence to support your case, including interviewing witnesses, securing surveillance footage, and hiring professional consultants. In the end, your attorney should be at least as familiar with the details of your case as you are.
4. Professionalism and Confidentiality
In addition to thorough preparation, your attorney should demonstrate professionalism and integrity in their interactions with you. Your legal team should be attentive to your needs, answer your questions promptly, regularly update you on case progress, and rigorously prepare you for court.
Confidentiality is also key. Your Greeley criminal defense lawyer should represent you discreetly without revealing personal details of your case to others. Professional ethics requires attorneys to keep your communications private, but you want an attorney you can trust to do so.
5. Creativity and Adaptability
Legal cases are always changing. As new evidence appears, courts make rulings, and new laws take effect, you need a lawyer who is fast on their feet. Rather than feeling overwhelmed or unnerved, your attorney should be able to pivot quickly.
The ability to think outside of the box can also help your lawyer resolve seemingly insurmountable problems. Creativity helps criminal attorneys brainstorm innovative ways to present information to juries, develop novel defense strategies, and apply case law in unexpected ways.
Need a Greeley Criminal Defense Lawyer? Call Today!
Are you facing criminal charges in Northern Colorado? The legal professionals at Grant & Associates Law Firm can help you defend yourself. Contact us online or call 970-356-5666 for a free consultation with an experienced Greeley criminal defense lawyer.