When you find yourself on the wrong side of the law, whether for a minor or serious criminal charge, you need legal counsel. You may not be planning to have them represent you in court but having them available for consultation should be a priority. There are a number of things to consider when looking for a criminal defense attorney Pittsburgh pa residents need to know.
The first decision to be made is to choose between a private lawyer and a public defender. The latter is assigned to you by the court if you cannot afford private representation. Although private lawyers are quite expensive to hire and retain, they have hire success rates in winning cases compared to their public counterparts. The reasons for this are two fold; more resources and less workload.
The nature of offense committed determines whether a federal or state attorney will represent you. A federal attorney will be needed if you have contravened federal laws. This includes, for example, family disputes, robberies, traffic offenses and so on. These types of cases tend to be more complex and require a great deal of experience on the part of the lawyer. A state lawyer, on the other hand, would be needed if you broke a state law such as one related to the constitution, copyrights and patents.
There are a number of ways in which you can find a good lawyer. This may be done by getting in touch with attorney professional organizations that are closest to you. Most organizations have online directories that you can use to find telephone contacts. Another way of finding a lawyer is through referrals by friends or relatives who have been in similar situations.
It is advisable that one visits several attorneys before making their final decision. Look out for their track record and most importantly their experience with cases that are similar to yours. The lawyer should advise you on how they handled the case and what the direction they think your case will take.
Most law firms have several attorneys who may work on the same case at different time. As the defendant, make it your duty to meet the lead counsel as well as the other lawyers that will be involved in the case. Ensure that you can contact your lawyer at all times when need be so as to provide them with additional information when you have it or if you fall in trouble with the authorities due to related or unrelated matters.
You need to determine the cost implications. Usually, the cost of hiring a lawyer depends on the complexity of your case. Complex cases that require expert witnesses tend to be prolonged. You will most likely be asked to make regular payments (hire retainer) so that you can be represented every time your case is before the court. The mode of charging will vary depending on the situation. You may be charged at a flat rate or on an hourly basis.
Your role as an accused person is to be as open as possible with your lawyer. Sit down with them before the commencement of the case and give them all the facts. Let them tell you how they intend to argue. If there are any ancillary services that will be needed (such as a private investigation), details of the same should be discussed at this point.
The first decision to be made is to choose between a private lawyer and a public defender. The latter is assigned to you by the court if you cannot afford private representation. Although private lawyers are quite expensive to hire and retain, they have hire success rates in winning cases compared to their public counterparts. The reasons for this are two fold; more resources and less workload.
The nature of offense committed determines whether a federal or state attorney will represent you. A federal attorney will be needed if you have contravened federal laws. This includes, for example, family disputes, robberies, traffic offenses and so on. These types of cases tend to be more complex and require a great deal of experience on the part of the lawyer. A state lawyer, on the other hand, would be needed if you broke a state law such as one related to the constitution, copyrights and patents.
There are a number of ways in which you can find a good lawyer. This may be done by getting in touch with attorney professional organizations that are closest to you. Most organizations have online directories that you can use to find telephone contacts. Another way of finding a lawyer is through referrals by friends or relatives who have been in similar situations.
It is advisable that one visits several attorneys before making their final decision. Look out for their track record and most importantly their experience with cases that are similar to yours. The lawyer should advise you on how they handled the case and what the direction they think your case will take.
Most law firms have several attorneys who may work on the same case at different time. As the defendant, make it your duty to meet the lead counsel as well as the other lawyers that will be involved in the case. Ensure that you can contact your lawyer at all times when need be so as to provide them with additional information when you have it or if you fall in trouble with the authorities due to related or unrelated matters.
You need to determine the cost implications. Usually, the cost of hiring a lawyer depends on the complexity of your case. Complex cases that require expert witnesses tend to be prolonged. You will most likely be asked to make regular payments (hire retainer) so that you can be represented every time your case is before the court. The mode of charging will vary depending on the situation. You may be charged at a flat rate or on an hourly basis.
Your role as an accused person is to be as open as possible with your lawyer. Sit down with them before the commencement of the case and give them all the facts. Let them tell you how they intend to argue. If there are any ancillary services that will be needed (such as a private investigation), details of the same should be discussed at this point.
About the Author:
Ezequiel G. Asfaw is an able attorney with deep law acumen. Ezequiel believes that one of the best ways to make an impact in any lawsuit is to state the facts truthfully. If you are looking for Best Criminal Law in Pittsburgh he suggests you click here for more information.