How to Hire a Battery Lawyer

Anyone being investigated or charged with battery needs an experienced criminal defense attorney. Many times the need for a criminal defense attorney is urgent because charges are pending or an investigation is underway.

So what needs to be known before selecting a battery lawyer?

• The first thing is to generate a list of potential criminal defense attorneys. Recommendations from friends and family or a lawyer who has handled some other legal needs in the past may be one way to find an attorney. Attorney groups, such as the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), not only gives names of potential criminal defense lawyers but also indicate that attorneys involved in the organization have an interest and focus in criminal law.
• Knowing about involvement in reputable associations is important because the next step is to evaluate a lawyers’ level of experience. Not all criminal defense lawyers handle all types of criminal cases. Make sure the attorney is experienced in the area of expertise that is needed before making an appointment.
• After locating attorneys with whom to consult, find out if their initial consultation is free or will require a fee. The cost of a criminal defense attorney can vary widely. Lawyers generally charge a flat fee or an hourly rate. If it’s a flat fee find out if it covers the cost of going to trial or if additional payments will be required.

Be wary of lawyers who promise a positive outcome or push toward a particular course of action without knowing a great deal about the case. Even the best lawyers don’t always get the results they want. Some attorneys are better at negotiating deals with the district attorney’s office rather than going to trial. An attorney who can negotiate a good deal and minimize prison time may be better to hire in cases where evidence is strong and cases easily lost. If the case is going to trial no matter what, ask the lawyer about his or her trial experience.

Finally, listen to your gut instincts. Being charged with a crime is a distressing experience. It is important to trust and feel comfortable with the lawyer during the hiring process because a lot of time will be spent with this person throughout the case.