Any criminal charge is stressful, whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony. As well as immediate criminal penalties you may face upon conviction, including jail time, prison time, or fines, you may face life-long harm to your future. A criminal conviction can impact your social and professional reputation, and a criminal record can impact your ability to get jobs and housing. This is why it is essential to obtain legal support from a qualified New York criminal defense lawyer.
However, you do not want to leave the skill of your legal representation up to chance. You’ll want to work with an effective and skilled attorney so that you have a higher likelihood of mitigating or eliminating your criminal penalties. If your attorney is inexperienced or ineffective, you may find yourself having spent significant money for few results. Many individuals do not know how to find and assess a qualified New York criminal lawyer.
What to Look for in a Good Criminal Defense Attorney
It’s important to do your research when looking for attorneys by reviewing state and local bar associations, as well as discussing potential defense lawyers with people you trust. There are several qualities to look for when researching and interviewing potential criminal defense attorneys:
- Level of Experience
An attorney with many years of experience in criminal defense will have a more in-depth and nuanced understanding of state, local, and federal criminal laws. They will also have a more effective understanding of how those laws apply to your unique situation and the potential pitfalls in your case that less experienced attorneys may miss.While reviewing an attorney’s experience, determine how often they have taken cases to trial. Trial experience is necessary for an effective criminal defense attorney and means the attorney is more likely to be comfortable taking a strong and aggressive stance for your legal defense. - Credentials
You also want to review the credentials and certification of potential defense attorneys. Check state and local bar associations for the credentials and licensure of the firm and attorneys and whether or not the attorney has board certification. Effective attorneys have strong educational and professional backgrounds. - Experience Relevant to You
Many attorneys work in multiple fields of law. You want to find an attorney who works largely in criminal defense and who has significant experience in the type of criminal charges you are facing. Not all criminal defense attorneys have covered all criminal charges and defenses. It’s important that your attorney has had experience and success in cases like yours. - Defense Strategy
After researching potential attorneys, it can be useful to consult with each of them if possible. Ask your potential attorneys questions about how they would approach your unique case and what defenses they might employ. A case dismissal is not possible for every situation, and an attorney should be honest with you. - Availability
A criminal case is a very serious and very stressful situation for you. You should feel confident that your attorney will be available to answer your calls and questions. Pay attention to how quickly you receive a response from a potential attorney and their ability to schedule you for a consultation. Also, ask an attorney about their current caseload. A busy attorney may be unable to devote the necessary time to your defense.
FAQs:
Q: How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in New York City?
A: The average hourly rate of a New York state criminal defense attorney is $374 an hour. However, the cost of a criminal defense lawyer’s services can vary based on many factors. This includes how much experience and success they have in cases, the location of their firm and the firm’s unique policies, and how complex your specific criminal charge and case is.
If your case is likely to proceed to court, it will be more expensive. This is because it will take more hours to resolve and because attorneys typically charge higher rates for trial cases. The cost of legal defense also depends on their fee structure, such as whether they charge a retainer fee.
Q: What Is the Most Valuable Tool for Defense Attorneys?
A: The most valuable tool for defense attorneys is using their resources to thoroughly investigate the scene of a crime and/or an arrest. By being able to present their own evidence of the event or introduce doubt into the prosecution’s evidence, they may be able to reduce or remove the criminal charges against their client.
The exact evidence used will vary based on the unique circumstances of each case. The investigation of evidence can help a defense attorney build a stronger legal defense.
Q: How Do I Find a Lawyer in New York City?
A: Once you have identified the area of law you need a lawyer for, there are several ways you can research and find an attorney:
- State and local bar associations: Bar associations are a good place to find attorneys in the field of law you need, and they also show the attorneys’ credentials.
- Trusted friends and family: If you know that people you trust have dealt with similar cases, ask them if they would recommend the attorney they worked with.
- Online reviews and websites: Most attorneys have websites where you can review their case results and client reviews.
Q: What Four Defenses Might a Defendant Use in a Criminal Case?
A: There are many criminal defenses that exist, but only specific defenses will apply to the unique case a defendant may be faced with. The main categories of these defense strategies are:
- Not guilty: This attempts to prove that the defendant cannot be found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Self-defense: This is typically used in violent criminal charges, and this attempts to claim there was a danger to the defendant’s life or their loved ones.
- Constitutional violations: If the defendant’s rights were violated at any point in their arrest or case, charges or evidence against them could be waived.
- Insanity: This claims that the defendant did commit the crime but was not in their right mind.
Protect Your Future With a Skilled Defense Attorney
At the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, we know how much a criminal conviction can affect your life, and we provide the individualized and caring legal support you need. We work hard to investigate your case and build a defense accordingly. Contact our team today.
