If you’re facing criminal charges, the stakes couldn’t be higher. When you choose an Indiana criminal lawyer to represent you, this decision can be the difference between a favorable outcome and a series of life-altering consequences.
Too many people make mistakes when selecting an Indiana criminal lawyer, and these mistakes are easily avoidable. Here are three errors to watch out for when you’re choosing an attorney.
1. Don’t Hire an Attorney Without Experience
One of the most common mistakes people make is not looking into the types of law an attorney practices. You don’t want a family law attorney defending you when you’re facing criminal charges.
The truth is that a lawyer who only dabbles in criminal law might not be helpful at all. A dabbler can be an easy mark for an experienced prosecutor, and this can end up hurting you and your case. Not every attorney is equally suited to every situation.
2. Don’t Choose an Attorney Who Doesn’t Employ an Office Staff
Another major mistake is hiring an Indiana criminal lawyer who doesn’t have any employees. It’s easy for a solo attorney without a support staff to drown in administrative tasks, leaving them unable to focus on your case. An overwhelmed attorney is an inaccessible attorney.
When an Indiana criminal lawyer has a competent support team—including paralegals and legal assistants—this goes a long way toward keeping the lines of communication open. These professionals can respond to your questions, keep you updated, and handle the necessary formalities of your case. A strong support team allows your Indiana criminal lawyer to focus on what’s most important to you—crafting a strong defense strategy.
3. Don’t Settle on an Attorney Without Doing Any Research
In today’s digital age, there’s no excuse for not thoroughly vetting your attorney online. Don’t just take their word for it—verify their credentials and their experience. Check them out on Google Reviews, Avvo, and other online resources to see what their past clients have to say.
Make sure the attorney you’re considering has a solid track record as an experienced Indiana criminal lawyer, and don’t just settle for an attorney who may be well-respected but doesn’t practice criminal defense. If an attorney has an impressive history defending against insurance claims, that doesn’t necessarily mean you want them defending you in criminal court. It’s your future on the line, so don’t sign up to be somebody’s guinea pig.
Why Experience Matters
Let’s look at DUI charges as an example. Many attorneys see a DUI case as easy money, because who gets arrested for DUI? Normal, everyday people. The typical DUI defendant has a lot to lose, and many of them can afford to pay.
Serious DUI defense, however, is going to take specialized knowledge and skills that go beyond general legal experience. Indiana DUI cases are complex, with severe penalties that can affect your life for years. The last thing you need is to hire an attorney without DUI experience who’s going to take your money and plead you guilty.
Make the Right Call
Here’s the bottom line: You want your first choice of an Indiana criminal lawyer to be the right one, so don’t make a hasty decision in the heat of the moment. Don’t sign with a lawyer who only dabbles in criminal law, lacks a competent support staff, or has a questionable online reputation.
That said, it’s rarely too late to make a change. If you’re in doubt about your current attorney or know in your heart that you’ve chosen the wrong lawyer, there’s still time to pick up the phone.
If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges in Indiana, you owe it to yourself to consider the Marc Lopez Law Firm. Call us today at 317-632-3642 and remember—always plead the 5th!