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Hiring an Attorney Experienced in Both Criminal and Immigration Law
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Hiring an Attorney Experienced in Both Criminal and Immigration Law
Finding the right lawyer can be tough. You want someone who knows what they’re doing, but also someone you can trust and feel comfortable with. When you’re dealing with serious issues like criminal charges or immigration problems, having an experienced attorney on your side is crucial. In this situation, it often makes sense to hire someone who specializes in both criminal and immigration law. Here’s some advice on how to go about finding and hiring the best attorney for your needs.
Why You Want Someone Experienced in Both Areas
Criminal issues and immigration issues often go hand-in-hand. For example, if you’re not a citizen and you get arrested, it could negatively impact your immigration status. Or if you’re going through deportation proceedings, past criminal convictions could come back to haunt you. Having a lawyer familiar with both areas ensures all your bases are covered. They’ll understand how criminal and immigration laws and procedures intersect and complement each other. Some specific benefits include:
- Better equipped to negotiate plea deals that minimize immigration consequences
- Can advise on best legal strategies with both criminal and immigration outcomes in mind
- Familiar with relevant processes, laws, and options in both systems
- Better able to represent your interests across both criminal and immigration cases
Where to Start Your Search
Asking people you trust for referrals is always a good starting point. Friends, family members, colleagues who’ve been in similar situations, or even your existing lawyer may be able to point you towards someone. Here are some other options to find candidates:
- Search state bar association directories – can filter by practice area
- Look for membership in relevant professional associations (American Immigration Lawyers Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, etc)
- Search online directories like Avvo focused on legal professionals
- Look for lawyer profiles on law firm websites detailing experience and credentials
- Consult attorney rating services like Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings
Focus your search on lawyers with experience handling cases similar to yours. Immigration and criminal law are both vast fields – you want someone who specializes in the relevant niche.
Questions to Ask Potential Attorneys
Once you’ve identified some promising candidates, you’ll want to speak with them directly before making a hiring decision. Here are some key questions to ask:
- How long have you been practicing criminal and immigration law? What percentage of your caseload does each area represent?
- What specific experience do you have with cases like mine? Can you share any case results?
- Are you licensed in my state and permitted to represent clients in immigration court?
- Who in your office handles criminal matters? Who handles immigration? How do you divide responsibilities?
- How do you usually work with clients? How responsive can I expect you to be?
- Have you handled many cases dealing with the intersection of criminal and immigration law? Can you give examples?
- Who else will be working on my case? How will you coordinate efforts?
- What are the next steps if I choose to hire you?
Get a feel for their experience level, expertise, client service style and resources to determine if they seem like a good fit.
Warning Signs to Watch Out For
As you vet potential attorneys, keep an eye out for any red flags:
- They can’t give specifics about past relevant cases
- They overpromise specific outcomes they can achieve
- They pressure you to pay large upfront fees before doing any work
- They fail to listen and answer your specific questions
- They lack clear communication or seem disorganized
- They talk down to you or seem impatient
- Their office doesn’t return calls or emails promptly
Any of these could signal lack of experience or professionalism and indicate it may be better to keep looking.
Comparing Your Options
Don’t just go with the first lawyer you speak to. Take time to research and consult with several so you can compare. Factors to weigh include:
- Experience: Number of relevant cases handled and track record of positive outcomes
- Resources: Size of firm and access to experts and research tools
- Cost: Fees, billing structure and what’s included
- Communication style: Responsiveness and ability to explain legal issues clearly
- Rapport: Level of comfort and confidence they instill in you
- Availability: Time and focus they can devote to your case
Go with the lawyer you feel brings the optimal mix of expertise, resources and rapport at a fair price. This is a major decision, so take your time and trust your instincts.
Following Up After Hiring Your Lawyer
Once retained, your lawyer will discuss next steps. Be sure to:
- Provide requested information and documents promptly
- Follow their advice and guidance closely
- Ask questions if you don’t understand something
- Stay in regular communication and update on any new developments
- Don’t take independent legal action without consulting them first
- Alert them immediately if contacted by law enforcement or immigration authorities
The more your lawyer knows, the better they can represent your interests. Trusting their expertise and experience will give you the best chance of the most favorable outcome possible.