How to Find the Best Criminal Defense Attorney

If you or someone you love has been arrested or charged with a crime, then speaking to an attorney is extremely important. He or she can offer you guidance on how to proceed and answer your most pressing questions. However, you probably do not have the name and number of a criminal defense attorney stored in your phone. You will need to do some research on how to find the best criminal defense attorney in your area. Continue reading for our advice on finding a criminal defense attorney who is the best fit for your case and will deliver the best possible outcome.

Determine Your Legal Needs

If you are looking for a top-rated criminal defense attorney, then it is important to narrow your focus and determine your legal needs. Depending on your specific case, you may need the counsel of a state or federal attorney. If you are charged with violating Arizona law, then you should find an attorney who is authorized to practice law in Arizona state courts. However, if your case is being prosecuted under federal criminal law, then you should find a licensed federal attorney for the District of Arizona.

You should also consider the details of your specific case. If you are charged with domestic violence or drug possession, then meeting with an attorney who specializes in white-collar crime is not the best idea. It is important to find a criminal defense lawyer in Phoenix, AZ who focuses on your specific area of defense.

However, many criminal defense lawyers defend people charged with a wide range of criminal offenses. It is important to look at an attorney’s client reviews to see what kind of cases he or she handles most often. You should also feel comfortable asking any attorney for a list of references. An experienced and professional criminal defense lawyer should have a list of clients who will happily speak to you over the phone and tell you about the legal services they received.

Finally, you should write down a list of qualities in a lawyer that matter to you the most. If having an honest and ethical criminal defense lawyer with strong communication skills is important to you, then you should keep that in mind when conducting your search. You can often get a good feel for a lawyer by reviewing his or her attorney profile and meeting for an initial consultation.

Conduct an Online Search

After you have determined your legal needs, you can begin the process of finding the right criminal defense attorney for your case. If you have family or friends who have been through a criminal case, then you can ask them for a recommendation. However, if no one in your life has faced criminal charges, then you should start by conducting an online search. You can use the search phrase “criminal defense attorneys near me” to find dozens of pages of qualified lawyers in Phoenix, AZ and the surrounding areas. You should spend some time going through these results to find the best criminal defense attorney for your specific needs and budget.

We highly recommend working with an attorney inside your metropolitan and/or geographic area. Hiring an attorney outside of your geographic location could result in you failing to receive the level of communication and access you deserve. Additionally, a local defense attorney will know the court system and judges that may preside over your case. His or her level of familiarity with the Maricopa County legal system could give your case the edge it needs.

If an attorney in Phoenix, AZ catches your eye, then you should review his or her attorney website. Look to see if he or she has won any legal awards and is a member of any professional organizations. Additionally, you can confirm that an attorney is certified to practice criminal law in Arizona by searching for him or her on the Arizona State Bar website. The more research you do, the better chance you have of finding the best criminal defense attorney in your particular region.

Contact Potential Candidates

Once you have gathered a list of potential candidates, you should contact them directly to assess their qualifications and book an initial appointment. The majority of law firms in Phoenix, AZ have an online submission form you can complete. However, speaking to an attorney over the phone can give you some additional insight into how your case would be handled. You should ask the following questions during your initial conversation with a criminal defense attorney.

• What is your background and experience with criminal defense law?
   
• Do you have experience with cases similar to mine?
   
• What is your assessment of my case?
   
• Who will handle my criminal defense case?
   
• What is your preferred method of communication with clients?
   
• How do your attorney fees work?

The attorneys you speak with should have the ability to answer these questions. The answers they give you will help you determine which one is the right person for the job. Your freedom, future employment and personal relationships are at stake during your criminal case. It is important to choose a criminal defense attorney carefully and make your decision with as much helpful information as possible.

Contact a Phoenix AZ Criminal Defense Attorney

If you live in a large city like Phoenix, AZ, then there are many criminal defense attorneys for you to choose from. However, having such a large selection can make your decision more difficult. It is important to know how to find the best criminal defense attorney in your area. The attorney you choose should have decades of experience handling cases similar to your own and have the ability to provide you with a compassionate and aggressive legal defense.

Since 2006, Attorney Aaron Black has represented clients charged with a variety of criminal offenses. He is more than qualified to represent you throughout the entirety of your case and will help you secure the best possible result. Contact the Law Office of Aaron Black today at 480-729-1683 to book an appointment. You can also send us a message describing your criminal case. Call today!