When you’re facing criminal charges, it can feel like your whole world is upside down. This is a very serious and stressful time for any individual. During this time, you might be feeling numerous emotions such as fear and loneliness, unable to predict what comes next. When it comes to fighting for your freedom and proving your innocence, you need a skilled and reputable criminal defense attorney on your side. But hiring a lawyer can be an overwhelming process, especially if you don’t know where to start or what to look for. You may not realize it, but there are important factors to consider when choosing a lawyer. Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you choose wisely and avoid common mistakes.
1. Check Your Lawyers Experience Level
If you’ve been accused of a crime, finding the right lawyer to defend you is critical. A criminal defense case can have serious consequences, including jail time and loss of freedom. Choosing an experienced attorney is the best way to ensure positive results in your case. You need a skilled criminal defense lawyer on your side who knows what they’re doing. An experienced lawyer with a proven track record of success in these types of cases can make all the difference.
How many years of experience do they have?
Years of experience matter when hiring an attorney. An experienced lawyer knows the ins and outs of the law and will be able to guide you through the legal process, protecting your rights every step of the way.
Have they handled cases like yours before? If so, how many?
Hiring an attorney with experience handling cases similar to yours is also important because they will have a better understanding of how to approach your case and what strategies could lead to a favorable outcome for you.
Do they have experience navigating your local courts?
Attorneys who have the experience navigating your local court will have established connections and will be familiar with other local attorneys and judges in your case, which is a huge advantage.
Asking and finding the answers to these questions will ensure you’re choosing a skilled attorney in Vancouver, WA, to defend your case.
2. Ask for Referrals and Check for References
Checking for references and asking for referrals are two key ways to ensure that you’re hiring the best possible attorney for your needs. References can give you an idea of how an attorney performs in a real-world setting, while referrals can help you connect with attorneys who have a good reputation.
When researching criminal defense attorneys, a good place to start is by reading their online reviews. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, or co-workers who have had a good experience with a criminal defense attorney. It’s important to always check for references before hiring an attorney. References are a great way to get honest feedback about attorneys’ abilities and performance.
3. Research Their Reputation
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing an attorney, and one of the most important is reputation. But what does reputation mean when it comes to attorneys?
A lawyer’s reputation is a synthesis of demonstrated ability, effort, and integrity, as well as the results achieved in court. There is no better measure of a professional’s reputation than peer review. Martindale-Hubbell is a firm that has conducted surveys for over a century, asking lawyers to rate each other on a scale of “A,” “B,” “C,” or “no rating,” factoring both a professional’s legal ability and integrity. If a lawyer has an “AV” rating, it means that he or she has a reputation for excellence. Steve Thayer has been “AV” rated by Martindale-Hubbell for over 20 years.
There are good lawyers, and then there are exceptional lawyers. Exceptional lawyers are easily identified by the success they have achieved in defending their cases and the recognition they have received from their peers. For example, Washington Law And Politics Magazine conduct an annual pole called Super Lawyers. The lawyers in the state of Washington vote for the very best of the best. Those who receive this recognition are voted “Super Lawyers.” Steve Thayer is not only “AV” rated by Martindale-Hubbell, but has been voted by his peers as a Super Lawyer for many, many years. This recognition ensures that you are not only hiring a good lawyer but one who is exceptional.
Call Criminal Defense Attorney, Steven W. Thayer, P.S.
For 47 years, Steve Thayer has practiced as a criminal defense lawyer and DUI attorney in Vancouver, Washington. He has dedicated his career to protecting people who have been persecuted by the police and prosecuted by the government in Clark County and throughout the state of Washington. Call us today for a free initial consultation, and learn how Steve and Jacy Thayer can help you.