Finding the Right Criminal Defense Attorney in Leon County
Hey there! If you’re reading this, chances are you or someone you care about is facing some kind of criminal charge in Leon County, Florida. That can be a scary situation, but the good news is there are some really great criminal defense attorneys in the area who can help. In this article, I’ll give you the lowdown on finding the right lawyer for your situation in Leon County.
Why You Need a Local Lawyer
First things first – when you’re dealing with criminal charges, you want a lawyer who knows the Leon County court system inside and out. Laws and procedures vary from place to place, so hiring a local attorney who regularly works in the Leon County courts will give you the best chance at the best result.Someone from out of town just isn’t going to have the same familiarity with the judges, prosecutors and processes that a seasoned Leon County criminal lawyer will have. There are no knocks against out-of-towners, but in this situation it pays to go local.
Finding Candidates to Consider
Okay, so you need a local lawyer – but Leon County has a ton of attorneys to choose from! Start your search by asking people you trust if they have any recommendations of criminal defense lawyers who have done right by them. If you don’t have personal connections who can give referrals, turn to good ol’ Google – search for terms like “Leon County criminal defense attorney” or “Tallahassee criminal lawyer.”You can also check online legal directories like Avvo.com, which lets you filter for criminal defense attorneys located in Leon County. Take some time to browse a few different options – most criminal defense lawyers offer free consultations, so you’ll want to set up meetings with a few to find the best fit.
Questions to Ask During a Consultation
When you sit down with a prospective attorney for that free consultation, make sure you go prepared with questions. Here are some important ones to ask:
- How long have you been practicing criminal defense law in Leon County? You want someone with ample experience in the local courts.
- What percentage of your practice is devoted to criminal defense? A lawyer who focuses purely on criminal defense is likely your best bet.
- Are you a former prosecutor? Some people like hiring former prosecutors because they have insight into how the other side operates. Others prefer never-prosecutors. Up to you!
- How many cases like mine have you handled? You want an attorney well-versed in defending cases similar to yours.
- What are the possible penalties I’m facing if convicted? A good lawyer will give you an honest assessment upfront.
- What defenses could apply in my case? Their response here will give you a sense of their legal strategy.
- What are your fees and how do you bill? Get all financial details on the table early.
Finding the Right Fit
After you’ve met with one or more candidates, how do you decide who’s the right fit? Go with your gut here. The lawyer who makes you feel most comfortable, listens to you, answers all your questions and seems genuinely interested in helping you is likely the best choice. Cost and experience are important factors too, but make sure you choose someone you have good rapport with.It’s also fine to ask an attorney for references from past clients. A good lawyer shouldn’t hesitate to put you in touch with people who will vouch for their skills and commitment.
Once You’ve Found Your Lawyer
When you’ve found the Leon County criminal defense lawyer that’s right for you, congratulations! Now it’s time to work as a team. Be honest and upfront with your attorney about every aspect of your case. Follow their advice to the letter. And keep the lines of communication open as the case proceeds through the courts.With an experienced, dedicated Leon County criminal lawyer on your side, you’ve given yourself the best possible advantage when facing criminal charges. So take a deep breath – with the right legal guidance, things are going to work out okay. All the best!