Are you facing a criminal charge in Fort Worth, TX? If so, you can benefit from having experienced legal counsel. However, finding a good criminal defense lawyer in Fort Worth may seem daunting. Below are tips for finding the best criminal defense lawyer in Fort Worth for your case.
What To Look for When Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fort Worth, TX
Before researching criminal defense attorneys, it helps to know what qualified to look out for. These include:
- Familiarity with the local court practices, judges, and prosecutors
- Substantial experience handling criminal cases
- Knowledge of the criminal law that applies in your case
- Strong decision-making skills to explain your legal options and the chances for success with each
- A good reputation with other attorneys and previous clients
- Paying attention to detail to find weaknesses in the state’s case
- A respect for confidentiality and discretion
- High level of preparation during every aspect of your case, from your free consultation through the trial
- A strong negotiator with the ability to persuade judges, prosecutors, and jurors
Knowing if an attorney has the qualities that make them a great criminal defense lawyer can be challenging. The best way to find out is to meet with several attorneys for a free consultation. Meeting an attorney in person is the best way to judge their character and skills.
How To Research Criminal Defense Lawyers in Fort Worth, TX
Criminal defense cases are complicated legal matters with a lot at stake. Therefore, you should research attorneys before selecting a lawyer for your criminal case. Before you begin your search, you should keep certain information in mind.
For example, are you charged with a state or federal crime? Some lawyers only handle state criminal cases. Also, what are your specific criminal charges? Are you charged with drug crimes or sex crimes?
A Fort Worth criminal defense lawyer may only take specific types of criminal cases. Knowing the details about your criminal case can help narrow your search for a criminal defense attorney.
Now that you understand your criminal charges, you can begin to search for a criminal defense lawyer. You’ll want to choose attorneys with extensive experience and a winning track record handling the same type of criminal offense you face.
Ways to find a criminal defense lawyer in Fort Worth, TX, include:
Referrals
While it might be embarrassing to discuss a criminal case with friends or family members, they may be the best source for finding a good criminal defense lawyer. Personal referrals from people who have faced your situation allow you to judge an attorney’s performance meaningfully. If they were happy with their lawyer’s performance, set up a free consultation.
Local and State Bar Associations
Bar associations are a great way to obtain referrals for attorneys who handle cases similar to your case. If you are in Tarrant County, you can access the Lawyer Referral & Information Services (LRIS) on the Tarrant County Bar Association webpage. If you are in another county, try the LRIS page on the State Bar of Texas website.
Third-Party Services
Many third-party services make referrals to criminal defense lawyers. You can use these services to compile a short list of attorneys to interview in the area. However, you should conduct independent research online to gather information about the attorney.
Some third-party services are paid services, so you want to verify the attorney’s experience and track record through independent review sites, including Google, Yelp, Martindale-Hubbell, and more.
Questions To Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer During a Free Consultation
Before meeting with a criminal defense lawyer, prepare a list of questions to ask. Questions that can give you insight into the attorney’s abilities and character include:
- How long have you practiced criminal law?
- How many cases have you handled with the same criminal charges as are involved in mine?
- What work do you perform in my case outside of court hearings and trials?
- How do you or your office keep me updated about the progress of my case?
- What has been the outcome of cases you handled similar to mine?
- How often do your cases go to trial?
- Do you regularly handle cases in this jurisdiction?
You should feel free to ask the attorney any questions and raise any concerns you have about your case. If you do not feel comfortable during the consultation, continue meeting with attorneys until you find the best criminal defense lawyer for you in Fort Worth, TX.