Being arrested or charged for a crime is a terrible feeling. In this situation, it’s important to have someone you can trust by your side. Your criminal defense lawyer is supposed to be this person, but not all attorneys serve equally. If you or someone close to you is ever facing criminal charges, a good criminal defense attorney can make a world of difference.
Here are the top 5 indicators of a good criminal defense attorney:
1. They Understand the Rights of Their Client
First of all, a good criminal defense attorney cares that their client’s rights are protected. Plain and simple. The attorney should take the necessary steps to make sure that a client is treated not only fairly, but justly. Things may not always go smoothly in court, especially when dealing with criminal charges. A good criminal defense attorney is going to fight for a client’s rights no matter the severity of the charge. This should be obvious to the client and within the courtroom.
2. They Focus on Protecting Rights Rather Than Proving Innocence
A good criminal defense attorney does not care if their client “actually did something.” Of course criminal defendants want their attorney, along with everybody else, to believe they are innocent of a charge. However, rather than being concerned with whether a person is innocent or guilty, a good criminal defense attorney is more interested in protecting and fighting for defendants using their resources at hand. This ties back to point one – good criminal attorneys care about protecting people’s constitutional rights.
3. They Leave No Stone Unturned
Good criminal defense attorneys don’t just stop with police reports. After receiving prosecution and police reports, this is where the work for a criminal defense attorney really begins. They should immediately start investigating any allegations along with a criminal investigator in a discovery process. At this point, the defense attorney is learning everything he or she possibly can about a case by talking to witnesses, gathering records, and any evidence related to the allegation. When they go above and beyond simple reports and demanding more from prosecutors and other sources, criminal defense attorneys can really create major advantages for their clients. By the time they are in court, a good criminal defense attorney shouldn’t be surprised by anything.
4. They Know When to Plead the Fifth
A good criminal defense attorney insists that their client exercise the right to remain silent (also known as the Fifth Amendment). The client should not talk to anyone about the case, except their criminal lawyer and the investigator – that’s it. This is a delicate time and a lawyer can advise on what should be said at a given time, if anything. A good criminal defense lawyer knows how to protect their case and their client.
5. They Keep Their Client in the Loop
Lastly, a good criminal defense attorney keeps their client constantly updated on whether or not they are looking at jail time. People being charged, especially with severe allegations, are at constant instability on whether being locked up is a likely possibility. This can cause extreme stress. By keeping clients constantly updated and showing them that they truly have their best interests in mind, criminal defense attorneys can set themselves apart from other criminal lawyers and ease some of their client’s stress. Simply taking the time to meet with their client and discuss the case and options can help ease many worries and questions. The client should always be the priority of a criminal defense attorney.
Need a good criminal defense attorney in San Marcos?
If you are looking for a criminal defense attorney in San Marcos, we highly encourage you to contact us. Our team defends individuals facing all degrees of criminal charges, and we are proud to get the opportunity to prove our dedication to your case. You can rest assured we will fight for your rights.
