Checking a Dallas Assault Charge Lawyer’s Trial Record and Experience

Checking a Dallas Assault Charge Lawyer’s Trial Record and Experience

If you have been accused of assault in Dallas, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is crucial for building the strongest possible defense. When researching potential lawyers to represent you, one of the most important factors to consider is their trial record and prior experience handling assault charges. Here are some tips on how to check a Dallas assault charge lawyer’s background:

Look at Online Reviews

One of the easiest ways to get insight into a lawyer’s track record is to read online reviews from former clients. Look for reviews on Google, Yelp, and Avvo. Pay attention to how many assault cases they have handled, their success rate at trial, and what former clients say about their legal skills. While a few negative reviews are normal, look for patterns of dissatisfaction or misconduct complaints. A lawyer with consistently positive reviews is likely a strong choice[1].

Verify Their Credentials

Make sure any lawyer you consider is licensed to practice law in Texas. You can look up any Texas attorney on the State Bar of Texas website to confirm their active status[2]. Also verify which law school they attended and when they graduated. Top law schools like Harvard, Yale, and UT Austin provide a rigorous education. Lawyers who graduated near the top of their class often have stronger legal skills as well[3].

Ask About Their Focus

Not every criminal defense lawyer specializes in assault charges. Some may focus on DUIs or drug crimes instead. Ask potential hires what percentage of their caseload involves assault charges specifically. Look for at least 50-75% focus on assault cases for the best experience level[4].

Request Case Results

Don’t be afraid to ask a potential lawyer for specifics on their past case results. How many assault trials have they taken to verdict in the past 5 years? What were the outcomes? Did they secure any dismissals or acquittals? Ethical lawyers will provide these details willingly[5]. Beware any lawyer who is vague or refuses to give specifics.

Check Published Case Reports

Many criminal trial verdicts are published in official court records or legal databases. Your lawyer should be able to provide citations for any trials they claim to have won. Look up those published case reports to verify their accounts[6]. Beware any major discrepancies between a lawyer’s claims and the official court records.

Ask About Settlements

Settling a case or securing a plea bargain can also demonstrate a lawyer’s skills. Ask how many assault cases they have settled favorably for their client. Settlement terms are usually confidential, but a lawyer should disclose general statistics. High settlement rates indicate negotiation skills that could benefit your case.

Request Referrals

Speaking directly to a lawyer’s former clients can provide invaluable insight. Ask the lawyer for 2-3 referrals to former assault clients you can contact. Speaking to former clients directly lets you ask specifics about the lawyer’s skills, communication style, and results.

Compare Experience Levels

The more assault trials a lawyer has under their belt, the better. Look for at least 10-15 jury trial verdicts, along with 50+ settlements. Lawyers with less experience may lack the skills to mount an effective defense in your case.

Checking credentials, verifying experience, and researching a lawyer’s background takes time. However, finding the most qualified assault defense attorney you can significantly improves your chances of success. Don’t leave your future up to chance – do your diligence before hiring a Dallas assault charge lawyer.