Being charged with a crime is no laughing matter and is likely to be one of the most stressful times in any persons life. There are options available to people who find themselves in this situation. The best thing a person in Jupiter FL can do is either accept the state appointed public defender or look for criminal defense lawyer in Jupiter FL. If hiring a defense lawyer is an option, there are a couple of things to look for before paying the retainer.
Reputation
The most important thing to look for is an established reputation, both amongst their peers and the public. Reputation is an import factor because when it comes to criminal cases, you want a lawyer that will treat you with respect and dedication. If they have a reputation of responding to their clients slowly, or not at all, leaving their clients in the dark about the progress of their case, or other signs of neglect, it’s a good indication that they are not going to treat your case properly.
You should look for lawyers with a strong reputation of treating their clients respectfully, keeping them up to date on their case’s progress, and quickly responding to questions and concerns. One way to learn about a lawyers reputation is through asking around. If there is another lawyer you trust but doesn’t handle criminal cases, they can suggest one or two lawyers they know who do. When a lawyer recommends another, it’s a good indication that said lawyer has a well respected reputation.
Experience
Experience is another big factor to keep in mind when looking for criminal defense lawyer in Jupiter FL. This would include a proven track record in similar cases, which can be accessed either through asking the lawyers or through the courthouse records. When looking for their experience, it’s important to consider what percentage of their cases went to trial, and how well the lawyer performed in front of the jury. You should also find out how long they have been practicing criminal defense, what kind of cases they handle most often, and what other forms of law they practice.
The combination of a well respected reputation and proven court experience should be the biggest deciding factors when looking to hire a criminal defense lawyer. If you find yourself charged with a crime in Jupiter FL, the lawyers at The Law Office of Laura E. Kenney, P.A. will work for you.
