Choosing a Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are in the process of choosing a criminal defense lawyer, there are a few things you need to look for. First of all, you will want experience, and an attorney who has spent years successfully defending clients. New Jersey criminal defense attorney Carl Spector has spent decades in the courtroom achieving successful verdicts for residents of New Jersey and New York City. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
Choosing a Criminal Defense Lawyer | What to Look For
If you have a criminal case in New Jersey, you’re going to want to search to find an attorney. Some people are too embarrassed to ask their friends and family because they’ve just gotten arrested. We all want to use our network, whether you need an attorney or a doctor, something like that, and you should do that in this situation. However, if you’re going to go on the internet, look for reviews of the attorneys just like you would to find a restaurant. Don’t just look at the stars, read the actual review. See how the people who have hired that attorney think about them. That way, you can have a feel for how your experience might be.
Realize that, in the very beginning, you’re going through a stressful time. Try to find an attorney that you think you can relate to through their reviews and give them a call and set up an appointment.
Choosing a Criminal Defense Lawyer | Public Defender
If you’ve been charged with a crime or a traffic offense that has a significant magnitude, such as jail time or a suspension of your driving privileges, you’re allowed to apply for a public defender. It’s a form called a 5A Form. You reveal all your financial assets, your job, and the members of your household. The judge will then review that, and if you’re eligible, you can pay as much as $200 for the public defender. However, even people that apply for and are accepted for the public defender may decide they want a little more attention paid to their case with a private lawyer.
Every case has a story, every person has a back story, and sometimes the public defenders could be a little busy to get it all. I’ve handled many cases as a private attorney for people who decided they might qualify but they want the attention. Therefore, they’re willing to pay for a private lawyer to get the attention because they have a story to tell and they’d like somebody to listen. Even if you qualify for a public defender, but want to consult with a local experienced attorney, I would suggest you do that.
To schedule a free consultation and case review, contact our office today. Let our experience work for you.
