From DWI arrests to misdemeanor and felony crimes, your criminal defense attorney plays a key role in your life and the lives of your loved ones. With such high stakes, you obviously don't want to leave these sensitive legal concerns to just anybody. Why, then, do so many clients take attorney selection so lightly?
While New York may be home to several and various attorneys, not every legal representative will prove an ideal match for your particular circumstances. The more thoroughly you vet your future criminal defense lawyer, the better. In doing so, keep these essential tips in mind as you choose the best possible attorney to handle your case:
Consider Case History and Trial Ability
In this age of social media, it's difficult to feel comfortable with any commitment unless you're aware of others' experiences. Word of mouth is valuable, of course, but you can also learn more about your attorney by looking into past cases and examining reviews from a variety of clients. Along these lines, one of the things that separates the top Westchester defense attorneys from the rest is their experience in the courtroom and ability to defend clients at trial. Nothing is more challenging than taking a criminal case to trial and having a criminal defense attorney with a proven track record of trial success demonstrates that they are capable of handling the serious issues that always present themselves.
Ask Questions
Don't be afraid to take a deep dive with detailed questions during your initial consultation. Questions worth asking include:
- How long have you practiced criminal law?
- Do you regularly handle cases that resemble mine?
- What is your preferred legal approach for defending cases like mine?
- Which outcomes are possible or most likely for my case?
Assess Your Comfort Factor
You should feel completely at ease when working with your attorney. After your initial consultation, determine whether you are capable of being 100 percent open and honest when conversing with your prospective lawyer. The attorney-client relationship is the foundation of any successful case, so choose accordingly. One of the key factors in criminal cases is the accessibility of your lawyer. Sometimes things occur that are not during “regular business hours”, it’s important to be able to reach your lawyer in an emergency.
Stephen J. Riebling, Jr. and Marcia Payton are criminal defense attorneys at Riebling & Payton, PLLC, located in Westchester County, NY. They have a reputation for effective representation, and have an unmatched record of achieving successful outcomes, dismissals and jury trial acquittals for their clients. To learn more about them, the firm and their approach please visit Riebling & Payton, PLLC at www.RieblingPaytonLaw.com.