Choosing a law firm for your business can be a difficult and challenging task. If you want to select one that will make sure you receive the best representation possible, it is important to take some time to think about what to look for in a law firm. This includes your specific business needs and what kind of lawyer you want to work with. Ensure you find a professional who will be able to represent you well by considering the following when choosing a law firm for your business:

Experience And Reputation

When picking a law firm, it’s important to think about the experience and reputation that they have. You may want to think about the experience they have with various types of legal issues. A well-prepared legal team with the necessary experience can help you according to the Geez Criminal Defense.

For example, if you have a problem with your employees, you may want to find a law firm that has much experience dealing with employment discrimination. On the other hand, if ever you want to discuss matters with the government, then you should think about a firm that’s knowledgeable about these issues.

It’s also important to know about the experiences that the law firms hold in the area of the law you need to work with, whether you have a startup business or an already existing company. For example, it’s important to see how experienced the law firm is when it comes to handling personal injury cases or the reputation of a car accident lawyer for your company vehicles. When it comes to accident and emergency claims in the workplace, you should choose a reputable specialist law firm such as Geez Criminal Defense to get the best outcome from your cases. This is especially true if you’re working with people who may need legal help when they have been injured.

Education

It’s also important to check out the education that the lawyers in the firm hold. There are various degrees that lawyers may have. Some are more formal, whereas others are more informal. Some of the formal degrees are obtained in universities while some of the informal ones are earned in technical schools of law.

Licenses

When looking for a law firm, it’s important to find one that holds a number of licenses that cover specific types of practices. This way, you can feel comfortable working with the firm without worrying about any licensing issues that may come up. Licenses are especially important if you are dealing with an area of law that’s not yet recognized as legal.

Specialization

It is also important to consider what type of law the firm deals with. It can range from civil law regarding contracts, to criminal defense, to estate planning, to family law, to intellectual property, employment law, patent law, and more. You should think about what type of law you need to work with, and whether you’re working with professionals who are well-versed in the area of law you need to deal with.

Cost

Another thing to consider when choosing a law firm for your business are the costs that the firm charges. You may pay a large amount of money for the services of a particular law firm, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that they will be of better quality or will offer better service than any other law firm. You should check to make sure that they can provide you with the kind of service you need at the price you’re willing to pay for.

Why Hire A Law Firm For Your Business?

Choosing a lawyer for your business is something every company needs. From hiring staff to creating policies for the company, all of these tasks require an expert legal professional. So, why do so many businesses turn to legal professionals?

When running your business, it’s important to have a firm grasp on the law. It means that you must always retain a competent professional to guide you through legal matters. The benefits are numerous, including the following:

• It allows you to get legal tasks and matters done faster.
• You also reduce the amount of time it takes for someone to take care of your needs if you have an emergency or you need an expert in the field to come out or handle something for you outside of normal business hours.
• As the company grows, you’ll need a legal professional to review lease agreements and employment contracts. Eventually, you may be sued by a customer or wish to sue an employee for breach of contract.
  • You may need a legal professional to assist you in forming your business or help you integrate with your existing business.

  Conclusion

  When identifying what to consider when choosing a law firm for your business, it’s important to look at the experience of the person you are hiring. It’s also important to find out what kind of fees the law firm charges for their services, as well as what types of licenses they have and their specializations.

5 Advantages of Hiring a Business Lawyer When Starting Your Company

When starting a business, you may encounter many anxious and excited emotions with the hope of running a smooth and successful business. Unfortunately, issues and uncertainties arise, and you will need an attorney to protect yourself against liability and legal consequences. Having a good business lawyer will provide peace of mind and value to your business. Consider the following reasons for hiring the services of a business lawyer, when starting your business.

1. Choosing a Suitable Business Structure

Choosing a proper business structure for your business is crucial because if you do not structure properly from the get-go, you may find yourself with unnecessary legal issues down the road. You will be exposed to more liability from partnerships and sole proprietorships than that of an LLC or s and c corporation. Consider hiring a business lawyer to assess your business and help you understand liabilities, tax obligations, employee inquiries, and setup costs, so you can decide what business structure is best suitable.

2. Prevent Lawsuits

Hiring a business lawyer can reduce the exposure of your business from lawsuits, including employment lawsuits. A business lawyer will help get your business in legal order for state and federal employment laws. Being proactive before a lawsuit occurs will save you from countless headaches down the road.

3. Drafting Contracts

All business contracts, whether for employees, vendors, customers, etc., should be reviewed by a business lawyer to ensure all necessary items are captured. Not sure if a transaction requires a contract? Hiring a business lawyer can provide you clarity while ensuring that a quality contract is produced.

4. Protect your Intellectual Property

Intellectual property includes product designs, inventions, logos, business services, original works, and trade secrets. Protecting your intellectual property is vital to maintain your distinctive and competitive business. Depending on the type of intellectual property you have, a patent, copyright, or trademark can be filed. A business lawyer can help you protect and preserve your legal right to your intellectual property.

5. Real-Estate Leases and Agreements

Unless your business is run from your home, you will be looking to set up shop in an office building, warehouse or other commercial space. Whether you are purchasing or leasing space, you will want a business attorney to review all fine print on all contracts, terms, and agreements.

Within the complex criminal justice system, a defense attorney serves as the defendant’s guide, protector, and confidant. (At least that’s how it’s supposed to be.) Defense attorneys are usually grouped in two camps: court-appointed attorneys paid by the government and private attorneys paid by the defendant.

Some criminal defendants can afford to hire a private criminal defense attorney. For those who cannot afford an attorney (approximately eighty percent of all criminal defendants), the court may appoint counsel to represent the defendant (assuming certain qualifications are met). These court-appointed attorneys are either public defenders who are on government salary, or they are so-called “panel attorneys,” local attorneys chosen from a panel. A small fraction of criminal defendants (approximately two percent) represent themselves and are referred to as “pro se” or “pro per” defendants.

What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do?

Criminal defense attorneys (private and court-appointed) research the facts, investigate the case against their clients, and try to negotiate deals with their adversaries (prosecutors). These deals might include reduced bail, reduced charges, and reduced sentences. Because of a number of factors—political and public pressure, overcrowded jails, overloaded court calendars—deal-making has grown in importance and has become an essential element in unclogging the criminal justice system.

Criminal defense attorneys also examine witnesses, help formulate a plea, analyze the prosecutor’s case, assess the potential sentences (and the likelihood of a particular judge awarding such a sentence), review search and seizure procedures, question witnesses, and gather evidence. Defense counsel can also advise on potential immigration consequences or other consequences of a plea, conviction, or criminal record.

Defense counsel also provide more personal services by giving the defendant a reality check as to the possible outcomes and by helping the defendant to deal with the frustrations and fears resulting from being thrown into the criminal justice system. And of course, if no plea deal can be made, the defense lawyer represents the defendant at trial.

Cost of Legal Representation

A huge factor when it comes to legal representation is the defendant’s financial status and whether the defendant can afford private counsel.

Private criminal defense attorneys charge either on an hourly basis (expect to pay $150 an hour or higher) or by a fixed or set fee. They are prohibited from charging contingency fees, which are payments that depend on the outcome of the case. If the defendant is indigent (cannot afford private counsel), the court may appoint a government-paid public defender or panel attorney.

Some—but not many—folks have enough money so that paying for a lawyer isn’t a financial strain. But arranging for legal representation often isn’t as straightforward for those who fall in between these groups of people.

The bottom line for judges is that the right to free (government-paid) defense counsel generally kicks in whenever an indigent defendant faces a jail or prison sentence. If there is no possibility of incarceration—for example, a judge states on the record that she will not sentence the defendant to jail time—then the defendant might not be entitled to free counsel (depending on state law).

Note that the right to free representation does not mean a right to the lawyer of choice. A defendant who’s been appointed counsel normally doesn’t get to pick and choose in the way that a paying defendant does.

Is a Private Attorney Better Than a Court-Appointed Attorney?

Defendants sometimes believe that private attorneys possess a distinct advantage over the overworked public defender’s office or panel attorneys who are paid a minimum fee. But do private attorneys provide better representation than court-appointed government-paid defense counsel?

Many private attorneys are former prosecutors or public defenders. Based on studies that evaluate the outcomes of having a private versus court-appointed attorney, data seems to indicate that the results for defendants are often the same. For example, one study indicated that defendants represented by private counsel and public defenders fared similarly in conviction rates and sentencing (although those represented by panel attorneys fared worse). Such statistical evidence is not always reliable or clear because of complicating factors. For instance, clients represented by private counsel often have short or no prior criminal records, while indigent defendants are twice as likely to be repeat offenders. What is also unclear—and what creates one of the biggest uncertainties of the criminal justice system—is whether private attorneys can negotiate better plea deals than court-appointed counsel.

Ultimately, the experience, skills, and commitment of the particular attorney at hand—regardless of whether he or she is a public defender, panel attorney, or private lawyer—are the best indicator of the quality of the representation.

Self-Representation (Pro se)

What is clear is that being represented by a lawyer is almost always the best option. Nevertheless, some criminal defendants represent themselves. The decision of whether a defendant can self-represent is ultimately made by the judge, not the defendant. The judge is required to determine the defendant’s competency. That’s because a defendant who cannot provide a competent defense cannot get a fair shake, even if the defendant is adamant about not accepting the services of a court-appointed attorney. When determining whether a defendant can go pro se, a judge will consider factors such as:

• the seriousness of the crime
• the defendant’s language skills and education
• whether the defendant understands the nature of the proceedings, and
• whether the defendant is knowingly giving up his right to counsel.

Finding an Attorney

When looking for a private defense attorney, look for an attorney who specializes in criminal defense and practices in the jurisdiction (city or county) where charges are pending. A local attorney will be familiar with the judges and prosecutors in that area. Learn more in our article on what to look for in a private criminal defense attorney. You can also find more information on our home page, Geez Criminal Defense.

If you don’t have the financial resources to pay for an attorney, you will typically need to ask for court-appointed counsel (before or at one of your first court hearings) and fill our paperwork on your financial resources. Learn more in our article on public defender representation.

The number of lawyers in the US could grow by 8% between 2016 and 2026. Unfortunately, that could make it more difficult for you to find a lawyer. If you’re facing criminal charges, you’ll need to find the best criminal defense lawyer for your case.

Otherwise, you could face serious charges.

If you’re in legal trouble, it helps to have a plan. Don’t make the mistake of hiring the first criminal defense attorney you find. Instead, use these seven tips to vet your options.

With these tips, you can find a lawyer with years of experience and expertise. Their case experience could help you avoid jail time. They might even get the charges dropped.

Beyond that, finding the best criminal defense lawyer in town will give you peace of mind in their abilities.

Start your search with these seven simple tips today.

1. Know What You Need

Before you hire a criminal defense lawyer, it’s important to be specific about what you need. Criminal defense law covers a mix of different cases. These cases are classified as:

• Violations
• Misdemeanors
• Felonies

You could face different consequences based on the charges.

Violations can include disorderly conduct, trespassing, or unlawful possession of marijuana. If you were charged with a violation, you might face 15 days in jail.

Misdemeanors are a little more serious. They’re broken into Class A, Class B, and Unclassified cases. These charges might include prostitution or graffiti.

Felonies are the most serious types of crime. They can include rape, murder, or arson. You could get jailed for life if you’re charged with a Class A-I or Class A-II felony.

You can read more about criminal law here.

Consider the specifics of your case. What type of criminal charges are you facing? For example, your charges might involve:

• Drug crimes
• Embezzlement
• Sex crimes
• Violent crimes
• Fraud
• Theft
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Domestic violence crimes

Once you understand the specifics of your case, you can find the right criminal defense attorney for your situation. Otherwise, you might choose a lawyer who lacks the experience or expertise you need.

2. Build a List

To find the best criminal defense lawyer in town, make a list of available lawyers in the area. You can start by visiting your local bar association website. Check for defense lawyers under the “certified criminal law specialists” tab.

Otherwise, check the Martindale-Hubbell directory. You can use their directory to find more information about each lawyer on your list.

Check your state or city’s criminal defense lawyer organization as well.

Otherwise, speak with a lawyer you’ve worked with in the past. For example, maybe you hired someone to draft your will or after a car crash. Ask if they can refer you to a criminal defense lawyer.

You can also Google “criminal defense lawyer near me.”

Try to learn as much as you can about each lawyer while you’re online. For example, are they a member of a local, professional organization? Look for lawyers who have held leadership positions over the years, too.

Their additional experience and expertise could strengthen your defense.

3. Look for Experience

As you look into each lawyer’s professional history, consider how long they’ve practiced law. Consider how long they’ve practiced in the area, too. Some laws can differ based on where the charges were filed.

Then, determine how long they’ve specialized in handling criminal defense cases.

It’s important to find a criminal defense litigator with years of experience. They’ll understand the laws and procedures relevant to your case. They can leverage their previous experience when building your defense, too.

An experienced lawyer will have an easier time building your defense strategy. Someone who just passed the bar, however, might struggle.

4. Consider Their Reputation

Start narrowing down your options by reading reviews from clients who were once in your position. You can find reviews on the law firm’s Better Business Bureau and Google My Business listings. Check their website for testimonials as well.

Pay attention to comments about the lawyer’s professionalism and confidence. You’ll want someone who is confident in their own abilities. Otherwise, they might struggle to argue on your behalf.

If you find an abundance of negative reviews, scratch that lawyer off your list.

Instead, choose the best criminal defense lawyer; someone with a strong reputation and the track record to back it up.

5. Schedule a Consultation

Schedule a consultation with one or two lawyers on your list. Meeting them in person can help you learn more about their abilities.

Pay attention to how the lawyer communicates. Are they easy to understand? If not, a judge and jury might struggle to understand them, too.

Use your consultation appointment to ask any lingering questions you have on your list. Discuss the details of your case, too.

6. Check Their Track Record

During your consultation appointment, ask each lawyer about their experience handling cases like yours, too. How many similar cases have they handled over the years? What was the outcome for each case?

For example, maybe they were able to get the charges dropped. Perhaps they were able to reduce the charges instead.

Asking about similar cases can help you develop realistic expectations moving forward.

Make sure to choose someone with a strong track record. You’ll want a winner at your side.

Ask the lawyer what outcome they expect for your specific case, too. Don’t hire a lawyer who gives you a guarantee. They can’t anticipate the outcome of your case.

Instead, choose someone who is honest and transparent. They’ll have your best interests in mind.

7. Ask About the Price

Criminal lawyers make nearly $81,000 a year.

Ask the lawyers you meet about their fee structure. Some lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Others work based on an hourly rate.

Make sure to review their contract. Then, look over your notes. Which lawyer do you feel most confident in?

Choose the best criminal defense lawyer based on their ability to achieve your case goals.

Make Your Case: 7 Tips for Finding the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer Around

Don’t hire the first lawyer you call. Instead, use these seven tips to find the best criminal defense lawyer in town. With these tips, you can feel confident in your final choice.

They’ll help reduce your charges. Want to discuss the details of your case with a member of our team? We’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule your case evaluation.

When you are accused of a crime and facing a criminal charge, you don’t want to go into court unprepared. Most individuals end up losing their case because they are unaware of their right, legal technicalities, and proper court procedures. There is a long list of procedures to be followed when you have to go to court. So, you must seek legal assistance from a criminal defense attorney when the stakes are higher than a simple fine. Many individuals do not hire a criminal defense lawyer to save the cost and fees associated with it. But the fact is that hiring a criminal defense attorney is always a wise decision because of the monetary fees of hiring a lawyer is always minimal as compared to the huge expenses resulting from losing your case. Hence, a criminal defense lawyer is necessary to have the best possible defense.

A criminal defense lawyer is well aware of the difference between all criminal cases so he can easily determine the factors and arguments that can be used to remove any charges relating to the alleged crime.

Let’s delve into some critical situations where you must seek the help of a criminal defense lawyer.

1.    Understanding of the Judicial System:

One of the most crucial reasons to hire a criminal defense attorney is that he has enough knowledge of how the judicial system of your country works. The legal system is complex and challenging to understand even for the people who work for it every day. Therefore, you should hire an experienced defense lawyer as he clearly understands the intricate workings and procedures of the court systems. He will guide you through the court process based on your case. Pasadena Criminal Lawyer has more than thirty years of experience in dealing with criminal cases.

2.    Following Proper Court Procedures:

When you have a good criminal defense lawyer in your corner, he will not compromise on your defense before even setting foot in court. There is so much paperwork involved when you are preparing to defend yourself in the court and a professional criminal lawyer knows the proper way of processing your case documents. Many legal hurdles can prevent your access to the court and the prosecutor may use this fact to his advantage. Most courts dealing with criminal cases involve rigid deadlines, bottlenecks, and legal procedures that can make you negligent of your personal responsibilities. Therefore, you should have powerful support of a well experienced and professional criminal defense lawyer. When the prosecutor knows that he is up against an experienced and competent lawyer, you are more likely to win a plea bargain.

3.    Relationships with Prosecutors:

An experienced defense attorney has developed relationships with prosecutors after working in the legal fields for years. While this may sound odd to you but lawyers have positive relationships with their counterparts as well. That is because both parties understand that they can have a better experience when they are familiar with each other. So, when you hire an experienced defense attorney, you can expect that he has developed a good relationship with your prosecutor. This relationship can prove to be useful for the outcome of your case. Their relationship may enable them to negotiate an affordable bond or a better plea deal. Your defense attorney is your spokesperson and knows how to rightly handle all the discussions and negotiations with law enforcement and prosecution. The discussion with the prosecution can often get heated but your lawyer can work to neutralize the situation. When your attorney has a good rapport and legal experience, you can rest assured that he will handle all the negotiations of your case professionally. If your lawyer has been working dedicatedly in your city, he may also be familiar with local judges and may be well aware of the best tactics to use for a particular judge when defending against the accusation.

4.    Better Examination of the Evidence:

Your prosecution has experts reviewing the evidence in the criminal case you are facing. So, you should also have a legal expert by your side. An experienced and competent criminal lawyer knows how to catch the evidence against you that may have been collected illegally to tamper your case. Moreover, your defense attorney knows how to deal with the witnesses who exaggerate the truth to prove the alleged crime and is able to point out any weakness in their statement immediately. Therefore, you need to hire a criminal defense lawyer to examine the evidence and witnesses presented by the prosecution. Moreover, when you hire a professional defense lawyer who belongs to a law firm, you will get support from a defense team. You can benefit from a wide range of connections your defense lawyer has with medical practitioners, private investigators, and expert witnesses. These connections can be consulted to add stronger evidence for your defense.

5.    Save You Money:

Although it may seem costly to hire a criminal defense attorney, you’ll actually end up saving money when you have an expert to guide you through the process. That is because when you have an expert attorney by your side, your case proceeds smoothly and efficiently. Therefore, a lawyer will reduce the amount of time your case can take to make it through the system. This can help you get back to your normal life as soon as possible. The financial considerations related to your charges can be higher as compared to the fee you pay to hire a criminal defense lawyer. Without a defense lawyer, the financial loss you bear can be higher resulting from lost income due to the time your case would take and the consequences of a potential conviction. Also, you can get a free consultation for your case from a well-reputed law firm.

6.    Get Expert Legal Advice:

A professional and experienced lawyer has spent years practicing law, so he knows how to deal with the charges in your case. He devises the legal ways to help defend your case. He knows how to use law in your best interests. You can rest assured that your defense lawyer has in-depth knowledge of the legal system and he is well aware of all the changes made to the law. He knows how to protect your rights from the prosecution and law enforcement. He will study your case carefully to find any evidence against you that may have been obtained improperly. He has the abilities to prove the wrong allegations with the help of strong evidence. Having your case reviewed by an expert criminal defense lawyer could lead you to have criminal charges dismissed successfully. He can easily identify the weaknesses that may exist in your case and knows the right tactics to hide them.

7.    Protect Your Future:

When you are facing a criminal charge, your life and future are on stake. Your life can dramatically change if you are proved guilty and you will have to pay high fees and penalties and spend years in prison. When you fail to defend yourself, the consequences can be serious from the inability to obtain a job to limitations on where you can live. A professional defense attorney can also help keep your criminal record clean so that it will not impact your future. Depending on your case and other circumstances, your attorney can have your charges reduces, penalties lessened, or the case dismissed. He can even help you set aside a conviction or have it removed from your record. He helps you avail the best possible options to reduce the impact a criminal conviction can have on your life.

8.    Get Personalized Attention:

While facing a criminal charge, you may feel like everyone is against you. You may not feel comfortable to share details of your case with the people who are close to you. When you have a sincere legal expert, you can comfortably discuss all your fears, insecurities, and everything regarding your case. Your defense lawyer will have your back. He will be there to support and guide you throughout the process. Many people suffer because of the lack of understanding of the court system and end up spending more time in jail or paying higher penalties. From not filing the proper paperwork to missing hearings, the process can be overwhelming for you to handle alone. A criminal defense lawyer understands the process when someone is arrested to the time when he or she is sentenced. That is why you need personalized attention of a criminal defense lawyer from the beginning of your case.

9.    Help You Consider All Settlement Options:

An expert criminal defense attorney can help you weigh all the choices you are offered from the types of charges to the plea deals options, and help you determine what’s best in your favor. He can also help you negotiate other potentially favorable options such as the possible dismissal of your case or reduction of penalties and charges. Other important options you may need to consider are whether you should accept a deal offered by the prosecution or go for the trial. Your attorney will inform you about all the potential consequences of every decision and the type of sentence you could face if you are convicted at a trial. He will also review all the outcomes of a guilty plea and can plea bargain a lighter settlement in exchange. You should not try to plea bargain without the help of a criminal defense lawyer.

Hiring a criminal defense lawyer is needed for any criminal case, but learn about the benefits of having one here.

Have you been charged with a crime and are worried about the way out? Don’t stress too much. Consult a defense lawyer to help you successfully navigate the legal system!

Being accused of a criminal offense can be scary and distressing, whether you’re at fault or innocent. It can even be more upsetting when the other party is hell-bent on sending you to jail, and they have government resources to do it. Plus, the legal and criminal process can be quite confusing and overwhelming for a first-timer.

There is plenty of paperwork to file, questions to answer from police officers, and evidence to gather. Any small mistake with these processes could jeopardize your case and mean a higher sentence, fine, or harsh charge on your record. You shouldn’t take chances.

Hiring a professional criminal defense lawyer can take away excess stress from you and significantly increase your chances of winning the case. Unless you know your way around the legal system, going it alone in criminal court is dangerous and not advised.

A criminal defense attorney will assess your case, build the best defense to support it, and protect your rights. Here are the main reasons why hiring a criminal defense lawyer is beneficial:

1. They Possess Extensive Knowledge Of the Legal System

When you want to win a battle, you take soldiers to the field and not teachers. Why? Simply because they are the ones that understand a war environment!

Good criminal defense attorneys are experts in criminal law. They have studied and practiced criminal law for several years. They know the ins and outs of the legal system and thus stand a better chance at building a solid case against your complainant.

They will assess the facts of your case; evaluate all the evidence brought forward, and find loopholes that can work in your favor. If you know nothing about criminal and legal procedures, you’ll most likely not even understand what your charges mean, let alone the consequences of those charges.

Having someone with knowledge of criminal defense law and some experience, as well as a good reputation, amplifies your chances of building a solid defense.

2. They Know People and Tactics to Navigate the Legal System

Part of winning a battle is knowing who the participants on the battlefield are. The chances of winning are also higher when you understand how the battlefield is laid out. In Criminal law, it’s imperative to have an understanding of the parties involved, including prosecution lawyers and judges.

If you decide to defend yourself, you’re likely to find yourself in murky waters if you don’t know any of the parties you’ll be dealing with. A prosecutor will consider you an easy target when they know you’re unrepresented.

On the other hand, criminal attorneys often interact with prosecution lawyers and judges, so they have a better understanding of how they operate. They know what arguments work best for them, as well as their biggest dislikes. There is nothing sinister about playing these facts to their advantage. After all, prosecutors and judges are also human beings, and they have their quirks.

Having this knowledge enables criminal lawyers to plan a smart defense strategy and know whether to go for a plea bargain or proceed to trial.

3. They Protect You From Hefty Penalties

In a battle, your opponents will definitely come down hard on you to ensure you lose and surrender. In a criminal charge, the prosecutors will be your biggest enemies. They will try as much as possible to crush you and add a win to their ‘accomplishment list.’

If you have been falsely accused of a crime, it can be quite distressing to receive a penalty for something you didn’t do. A criminal attorney will act as your shield against harsh prosecutors. They will help you prove your case and avoid severe penalties.

But if you’re found guilty (even when innocent), the attorney will make sure that you get a fair penalty. This could be a reduced sentence or fine.

4. They Have the Right Resources to Handle a Case Efficiently

Reputable criminal defense attorneys have the staff and resources to handle cases effectively. Legal representation is not all about court appearance to argue out points. It’s about gathering evidence, looking for witnesses and cross-examining them, and preparing winning strategies (as well as backup plans in case the chief plan fails).

Experienced criminal lawyers know how to obtain court resources to help their clients. For example, even if you hire an attorney, you may qualify for a court-appointed private investigator or court funds for expert witnesses, such as toxicologists or forensic scientists. Moreover, experienced criminal lawyers know how to use their resources efficiently and how to find experts who will make the best of what the court provides.

If you decide to represent yourself, it’s challenging to do all these things on your own. It will be expensive and time-consuming. Professional criminal lawyers delegate this work to their staff so that they handle different things simultaneously. Your criminal lawyer can worry about your case while you handle your daily life.

5. They Can Save Your Time and Money

All the time you’re likely to spend filling legal paperwork and following up on your case could be spent somewhere else. You could be at work or taking care of your family.
Defense attorneys are familiar with all legal proceedings relating to your case. As such, they know how to speed up the process, or slow it down, and foresee challenges before they happen. Hiring a criminal defense lawyer is your best shot at clearing your name fast and getting back to normal life.

Having an attorney by your side for criminal legal representation also saves you money in the long run. In the long term, your lawyer may save you money. For example, criminal restitution is often disputed successfully, which can save clients significantly more money than an attorney’s fee.

An attorney will ensure that they preempt any charges such as court costs, fines, and miscellaneous fees levied against you. They will also make sure you don’t miss many working days. If you’re found guilty, they will also negotiate for lower fines, saving you huge costs that can endanger your finances.

Hire a Lawyer

If you’re arrested or charged with a criminal offense, whether major or minor, don’t hesitate to consult a professional criminal defense lawyer. You stand to benefit from all the above advantages.
Contact us today if you need criminal legal representation!

Most people don’t keep the name of a good criminal defense attorney in their contact list (unless they’re personal friends).

That’s because most people don’t have to worry about getting arrested. But in the rare event you, or someone you love, gets arrested and needs to find a good criminal attorney ASAP, here are some tips.

Don’t automatically eschew the public defender. Generally, public defenders are among the best trained and most savvy attorneys you can get. They know the lay of the land, have probably tried more cases than most private attorneys, and generally are driven by mission, not money. That means they care. If you don’t make enough money to hire your own attorney and can get assigned a good public defender, don’t mortgage the house.  Better to use your money for bail than to pay for a high-priced attorney who may not do as well as the court-appointed one.  If you’re in a state or federal jurisdiction where the judge doesn’t inquire into your finances and pretty much assigns everyone public counsel, consider yourself lucky.

If you choose to hire a private attorney, how do you find a good one? Start with word-of-mouth.  Any friends who are lawyers know other lawyers in other fields.  They may be able to refer you to someone good, or at least refer you to someone knowledgeable who can then refer you to someone with the skills to do your case. (We’re all on listservs with access to info about good attorneys pretty much anywhere.)

Look on the internet, though this method is scattershot at best. Sometimes the attorneys who pop up first may not be the best. They could merely be the ones who invested the most money in Google ads or search optimization.  Yes, this shows they have good business acumen, but not necessarily good trial chops. That said, because we are now in 2019, the best attorneys should have a decent website that includes accomplishments, client reviews, important cases, and easy-access contact information. I’d look for how long this attorney has been practicing criminal law.  How many trials have they handled?  Did they come from a prosecutor or public defender background? (You make the choice of who would be more suited for your case.) You can always then cross-reference with a general Google search of the person’s name to see if he or she has handled many high-profile cases or has popped up in the news.

The amount of money a person charge doesn’t always correlate with excellence. I call this the “Hampton” syndrome.  A cousin of mine who works in the pool business in Southampton tells me if he doesn’t charge exorbitantly for his services, people won’t think he’s good.  So, the same job he’d do in Coney Island for 10K, he’d charge 50K for in the Hamptons. When I first opened my own firm after a stint at the public defender’s office, I didn’t know how much to charge clients.  A senior lawyer advised, “Find out what the person does for a living, figure out the highest amount he can pay, and that’s what you charge.”  I was the same exact lawyer I was when I was a public defender, but it’s funny how much my reputation improved when I started charging money.

Beware of the web so that claim to rate lawyer services like Avv. Their rating model is uneven at best.  Some of it makes sense.  They ask lawyers to solicit reviews from their clients and claim to have a system that ensures the reviews aren’t fake. However, their 1-to-10-star rating is based, in part, on what the attorney is willing to pay.  For example, all lawyers get solicitations from organizations selling accolades like “Best Of” awards.  Mail comes in from, let’s say, Lawyers of Distinction.  The letter states, “You’ve been chosen to be named among the 100 BEST Lawyers of the Year.”  The price was $350.   Avvo will award you an extra star if you pay for such an endorsement.  My theory is that Avvo gets a kickback from such companies.  (I’ve heard similar stories from doctors regarding their “Best Of” lists.)

In a criminal case, a defense is the argument(s) and supporting evidence that attorneys present to the courts with the aim of securing the best possible outcome for their clients. Therefore, for any criminal lawyer, a defense strategy is crucial to the case. Their choice of strategy can make the difference between winning and losing the case presented against their client by the prosecution. Strong arguments with a well-developed defense theory that utilize the best defense attorney tactics will result in a good sentence for the defendant. The choice of strategy could even result in a verdict of “not guilty” or a favorable plea bargain. On the other hand, poorly formulated defenses can result in the defendant facing fines or imprisonment.

As the most important aspect of fighting criminal charges and beating the prosecution’s claims, it is essential you know the best strategies and techniques in a criminal defense. In this article, we share proven legal defense and arguments that will help you win your case, along with essential factors to consider when formulating a theory.

7 Common Criminal Defense Strategies

1. Beyond Reasonable Doubt

According to US law, the defendant can only receive the verdict of “guilty” if the evidence presented to the courts points toward their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the jury, or in some cases the judge, does not receive satisfactory evidence, they will not be able to charge the defendant with committing the crime. In federal cases, the jury’s verdict must be a unanimous decision. Therefore, one of the most common court defense strategies is to establish reasonable doubt.

The best way to do this is to question the credibility of the witnesses brought forward by the prosecution. This can be done by demonstrating bias, making the jury believe the witnesses could be lying, or suggesting the witness has been bribed. A criminal defense lawyer may also question the plausibility of a testimony by offering other logical explanations for events that transpired. Poking holes in evidence can also spark doubt, so many attorneys will point out errors in police reports or in how physical evidence was gathered.

Accidental Crime

Determining whether the sentence will be handed out for an accidental crime, rather than a premeditated and deliberate incident, will vary from state to state. This process is entirely dependent on the criminal code. For example, California’s Penal Code differentiates between deliberate and unintentional offenses. The majority of other US states also serve a lesser punishment to the defendant if the event is shown to be an accident with no criminal intent. This is true even for major crimes, such as first-degree murder. For example, if a woman shoots a neighbor and murders them – the defense could argue that she simply intended to threaten the neighbor with the weapon and fired it accidentally. In such a case, the fact that she murdered the neighbour was unintentional and may be deemed an accidental crime.

Self-Defense or Imminent Danger

Similar to accidental crime, many states permit crimes if they were committed on the grounds of self-defense or to protect others. Examples of imminent danger include fear of being murdered, raped, burgled, or suffering from great bodily injury. If the criminal activity was carried out under duress of imminent danger, it may not be considered a crime, and no punishment will be imposed. However, for a self-defense argument to be accepted, the force used against the intruder must be proportionate to the harm feared. For example, courts may deem that a man who stabs an intruder who enters with a knife, may be deemed proportionate. However, if the man shoots and kills the same intruder who enters with a knife, this may not be deemed proportionate.

Defendant Alibi Evidence

Another of the most frequently used defense tactics is to provide an alibi for the defendant. It is impossible for the defendant to be guilty of the prosecution’s claims if it can be proven that they were somewhere else at the time the crime was committed. This is an appropriate tactic to use if the accused is in complete denial of committing the crime and has a way to prove they are not responsible.

To work as a defense strategy, the alibi must be backed up with evidence. For instance, a criminal lawyer may bring forward witnesses that can testify to the alibi, or any video footage, photographs, or GPS records that prove the defendant was not at the scene of the crime. The more physical evidence of the alibi presented, the more believable the alibi will be. However, for alibi defenses based on witness testimonies alone, credibility is crucial. The testimony needs to be trusted by the jury, so choosing witnesses who have no personal connections to the defendant and bringing forward multiple people can strengthen this type of defense.

Sometimes members of law enforcement commit misconduct, which creates another of the best criminal defense strategies. There are multiple ways that police may not conduct themselves appropriately or even illegally. Some of the most common forms of police misconduct include:

• Coercing false confessions or intimidating witnesses or suspects;
• Planting, doctoring, or mishandling evidence;
• Obtaining evidence without probable cause;
• Using unnecessary force on subjects that are cooperating;
• Exaggerating facts or lying in police reports; or
• Performing unwarranted surveillance, searches, or seizures.

If a criminal defense lawyer can prove misconduct among law enforcement occurred, the case will likely be dismissed by a district attorney or the courts prior to the trial. In such cases, there is also a chance for the defendant to pursue a civil rights case and claim for damages caused by law enforcement.

6. Plea of Insanity

For a defendant to be charged with a crime, there must be wilful intent. This cannot be proven if the person is legally insane. This is because the person accused may not have understood the criminal act or may not have been aware of the moral consequences. Therefore, another great defense strategy is to prove the client is legally insane. A plea of insanity works as a solid defense strategy in the majority of US states, with the exception of Idaho, Kansas, Montana, and Utah. These four states do not allow insanity as a defense argument.

In all other states, an attorney can prove insanity by utilizing an insanity defense test. The exact test used and the criteria for proving insanity vary widely and depend on the criminal code of each jurisdiction. However, all insanity defense tests rely on one of four legal standards:

1. The Model Penal Code Test: The defendant is unable to understand that the act they committed was criminal due to their mental disorder.
2. The Durham Rule: The defendant’s mental illness is responsible for the crime, regardless of whether they have been clinically diagnosed or not.
3. The Irresistible Impulse Test: The defendant is unable to control their inclinations and desires due to mental illness.
4. The M’Naghten Rule: The defendant is unaware of the moral consequences of their actions and cannot distinguish between right and wrong due to their mental disorder.

7. Statute limitations

The statute of limitations is the maximum period of time after a crime is committed that any legal proceedings may be initiated. Therefore, if a case is filed against a defendant for a crime committed many years ago, and this time period has passed d, it may be subject to dismissal. This legislation is in place as evidence can deteriorate over time and result in unfair convictions, such as alibis and witness testimonies holding less weight.

The criminal code of each US state determines the statute of limitations and varies drastically between each jurisdiction. In Wyoming, for instance, there are no limitations in place and legal claims can be brought forward for a case at any time. However, Michigan has a 6-year statute of limitations for misdemeanors. The nature of the crime will also influence how long the statute of limitations is, with many having no limitations on serious crimes such as murder charges, especially that of the first degree. Therefore, this defense may not be appropriate for all crimes. It is best to check the criminal code of each state before using this argument.

Considerations for Creating a Criminal Defense Strategy

While the above criminal defense strategies have all proven to get a case dismissed, it is important to remember that each criminal case is entirely unique. The best criminal lawyers will look at several factors and develop a theory based on the specific details of the case at hand. In criminal law, it is not a case of simply revealing the truth – lawyers will have to weigh multiple factors and choose the path that demonstrates the defendant’s innocence the most. This strategy gives the defendant the best chance of success against law enforcement, providing reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty.

If you are thinking about going to law school, there are several steps you can take while you are an undergraduate to help you succeed.

Aurora University alumni came together as part of AU’s Sundays @ 7 Career Conversations with Alumni to share their advice on how to prepare for law school. Becoming a lawyer requires a college degree, typically three years of law school, and passing the state bar exam.

Here are their top 10 tips:

1. Choose a major that interests you.
   Many majors can give students a competitive edge in law school. Three examples: English bestows reading and writing skills, psychology informs students on human nature, and criminal justice teaches students about legal processes. Law schools don’t require specific undergraduate courses, so select a major that interests you and challenges you to develop your critical reading, writing, and analytical skills. Communication, history, political science and public policy, and business administration are other good options.
2. Manage your time.
   For law students, few things matter more than time management. Learn to manage a busy schedule by participating in activities beyond the classroom as a student-athlete, in student government, as a volunteer, or by working a part-time job.
3. Get used to scrutiny.
   Law professors teach using the Socratic method, which entails openly challenging students. This may feel like they are picking on you, but your professors are actually trying to see if you can think on your feet. Become used to scrutiny by practicing public speaking, running in a student election, or speaking up more in class.
4. Look for internships.
   Internships give you insights into a potential profession in ways textbooks and the classroom can’t. If you’re intrigued by the law, find an internship that allows you to see how attorneys work. Internships with law firms, the court systems, lobbying organizations, and a company’s legal department are just a few options to pursue.
5. Get involved outside of class.
   Law schools get to know student applicants through their extracurricular activities. School admissions officers want to build a diverse student body and look for applicants who demonstrate a diversity of thought and experiences. Use your undergraduate years to explore many different activities.
6. Write a strong personal statement.
   When it comes time to complete your law school applications, the personal statement is key to showing law school admissions officers who you are. Spend weeks honing this statement. Outline exactly what you want to say. Remember: It’s harder to write a short, concise statement than it is to write a long, rambling one.
7. Keep up your GPA.
   Focus on academics. Earning a high grand point average is one of the most important factors in getting into law school.
8. Invest time in studying for the LSAT.
   Just like your GPA, your Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score is a determining factor for getting into law school. It also affects your ability to earn scholarships. Plan to study hard, either on your own with study guides or through a preparation course. Be sure to take practice tests, so when you sit for the LSAT, you are prepared.
9. Read landmark cases.
   Every panelist agreed: Students interested in law school should read Marbury v. Madison, a Supreme Court case in 1803 that established the principle of judicial review in the U.S. The landmark case is considered one of the foundations of U.S. constitutional law.
10. Keep an open mind.
    Just as many undergraduates change majors, once you are in law school, you may find yourself interested in new areas of the law that you hadn’t considered. Lawyers have a wide range of jobs in many different fields such as business, entertainment, environment, estate planning, family law, government, immigration, insurance, intellectual property, medical malpractice, military, and tax. Keep your mind open to be sure you find the area of law you most enjoy.

More about Sundays @ 7 Career Conversations with Alumni

AU’s Office of Alumni Relations and the Center for Student Success livestream the Sundays @ 7 Career Conversations with Alumni series at 7 p.m. on various Sunday evenings throughout the year.

The pre-law panel — moderated by Matt Dabros, AU associate professor of political science and pre-law advisor — took place in February via Zoom.

The panelists were:

• Yury Kolesnikov ’06 is an attorney at Bottini & Bottini Inc., a law firm in La Jolla, California, that specializes in representing the rights of shareholders, whistleblowers, and consumers in complex civil litigation. He majored in psychology and criminal justice at AU and graduated from University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.
• Kim Rios ’11 is a judge advocate for the U.S. Navy in Rota, Spain. She majored in political science and English at AU and graduated from DePaul University College of Law.
• Nina Tholl ’19 is a second-year law school student at UIC John Marshall Law School in Chicago. She majored in psychology and sociology at AU and was a member of the softball team.