If you have been charged with a criminal offense in San Marcos, Texas, you will likely need the services of a San Marcos criminal defense attorney. Throughout the Lone Star state, there are hundreds of attorneys to choose from, and they all claim to have the knowledge and know-how necessary to resolve your criminal matter. Finding just the right attorney for you is as important as securing legal representation.
When searching for the right attorney, several factors should affect your decision. For starters, you will want to look for a criminal defense attorney who specializes in the type of criminal charges you are facing, and one who has experience trying cases in the jurisdiction where you have been charged.
Experience Matters
Lawyers who have experience handling the type of crimes you have been charged with are preferred over those that do not. If you have been charged with driving under the influence, you will want a criminal defense lawyer that either specializes in DUIs or has extensive experience trying those cases. Many lawyers may claim that they can effectively represent you, but those without experience defending against the charges you are facing may not have the level of knowledge and expertise that a lawyer who has tried many cases like your case will have. Additionally, lawyers experienced in representing individuals charged with the offense you have been charged with typically have established connections within the courthouse or prosecutor’s office to get you the best result possible.
Location Matters
There are many towns, cities, and counties in Texas. No lawyer will have experience handling criminal cases in every courthouse across the state. It is recommended that you hire a lawyer who has experience trying cases in the jurisdiction where you have been charged. Different courthouses have different rules, and the various judges that hear cases in those jurisdictions have various styles and demeanors. A lawyer who has handled cases in the jurisdiction where you have been charged will be familiar with court rules and will know how the judges rule on certain types of charges and evidence. You can be sure that a lawyer who is experienced in handling cases in your jurisdiction will likely have an advantage over a lawyer who has never stepped foot in the courthouse where your case will be heard.
Look For Past Client Reviews
One of the best tools available to help you find the right lawyer for your criminal case are previous client reviews. A lawyer or firm with many satisfied former clients can be an indication of how they will treat your case. You can typically find these reviews on the lawyer’s website or an aggregate legal rating service or publication. Still, you should look at multiple sources for previous client reviews, as an attorney or law firm can filter out negative reviews. Clearly, you may want to stay away from a lawyer who has overwhelmingly negative reviews or no reviews at all. Reviews of previous clients charged with the same or similar crime you are facing will be the most helpful in making your decision.
Meet Them In Person
The lawyer that you choose to represent you may have a significant impact on your future. Consulting with a potential lawyer over the phone or through email may not give you a full picture of their personality and demeanor. You will want to meet them in person before you agree to have them represent you. During your meeting, you will get a chance to see how they communicate and get a feel for how they may handle your case. You will also be able to view their office and observe the support staff and level of organization. A lawyer who seems flustered or overwhelmed during your meeting may not be the right attorney for you.
Cost And Fee Arrangements
It goes without saying that how the lawyer’s fee is calculated, and the overall cost of the legal representation matters a great deal when figuring out which lawyer is the right one for you. Most lawyers will charge an hourly rate to handle a criminal matter, but some will arrange a flat fee. Depending on your case, there are advantages to either type of fee arrangement. Still, no matter how their fee is calculated, you will want to choose an attorney who is clear and open about what and how you will be billed for their services. If you are required to pay a retainer, you may want to ensure that the attorney notifies you when the retainer is exhausted so you will not be surprised when your case is over and you receive a large bill. Lastly, you and your lawyer should be clear about the types of things you will be billed for. For example, you will want to know if phone calls and emails between you and your lawyer about your case will be billed against your retainer.