For many, the idea of being in legal trouble is something they never want to experience. However, when you find yourself in handcuffs, understanding the implications you can face is critical. Unfortunately, many assume they can navigate these matters on their own without the help of Houston criminal defense attorneys, which can lead to unfavorable outcomes. As such, if you have been charged with a crime, understanding when to connect with a lawyer is critical. Keep reading to learn when you should contact a criminal defense attorney and what to consider when looking for one.
When Do I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney?
For many, facing a criminal offense is incredibly overwhelming. There are many considerations to be made, such as whether or not you should work out a plea deal or take matters to trial, and if you opt to pursue a plea deal, working with the prosecution to ensure you get a fair outcome. In addition, you’ll need to ensure your rights as a criminal defendant are protected so as not to be taken advantage of by the court system. As such, one of the most important rights you should know about is the right to an attorney!
Though you may assume you only need a lawyer when facing a serious crime like a felony or federal offense, this is far from the truth. In reality, any offense you’re facing, including seemingly minor misdemeanor offenses, should be left in the competent hands of an experienced attorney.
Generally, you’ll know it’s time to hire an attorney when any of the following circumstances occur:
- You have been formally arrested and charged with a criminal offense
- You are being accused of a criminal offense and your accuser has legal representation
- You are interrogated by the police regarding a crime
- You are unsure of your rights or feel overwhelmed by the legal process.
What Should I Consider When Seeking Legal Representation?
If you are in need of an attorney, it’s important to understand that you shouldn’t just contact the first lawyer that pops up on your search engine. As your future and freedom are on the line, taking the time to consider your options is critical.
Generally, one of the most important things you should consider is how long the attorney has been practicing. While everyone starts somewhere, letting an attorney with years of experience handle the serious charges against you is critical. As such, consider how long they have been practicing.
Next, you’ll want to consider their success rate with cases similar to yours. While the circumstances of every case are different, you can compare circumstances to determine if they have had good outcomes for others in similar situations as you.
As you can see, choosing an attorney is not a decision that should be made lightly. At the Gonzalez Law Group, our reputation speaks for itself. When you are in legal trouble, give our firm a call to schedule a free consultation with a member of our dedicated team to learn how we can help you.
