Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Philadelphia Criminal Lawyer

Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Philadelphia Criminal Lawyer

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Philadelphia, hiring the right criminal defense lawyer is crucial. A good lawyer can help you understand the charges, build a strong defense, and get the best possible outcome for your case. However, there are some common mistakes people make when hiring a lawyer that you’ll want to avoid.

I’ve made plenty of mistakes in my life – we all have. But when it comes to legal matters, who you choose as your lawyer is too important to mess up. I’ve seen folks hire the wrong lawyer and suffer consequences that changed their lives forever. From my own experience and seeing others learn the hard way, here are the biggest mistakes to avoid when hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Philadelphia.

Not Doing Thorough Research

Don’t just pick the first lawyer you find or go with someone random your friend recommends. You need to research thoroughly – we’re talking hours of research here. Search online for lawyers who specifically handle your type of criminal charges. Look at their websites, read reviews, check out their experience and credentials. How long have they practiced criminal law? Do they have a track record of success with cases like yours? Have they ever been disciplined? Research is tedious but super important.

Not Asking the Right Questions

When you consult with a lawyer, you need to ask lots of questions before deciding whether to hire them. Here are some good ones:

• How much experience do you have with my specific charges?
• What are the likely outcomes if I go to trial versus take a plea deal?
• How often will you communicate with me about my case?
• Have you handled cases in front of the judge who’s overseeing my case?
• What are your strategies for building the strongest defense?

A lawyer who can’t or won’t answer your questions directly is a red flag. You need someone who communicates clearly from the start.

Focusing Only on Price

I get it – lawyers are expensive. But the cheapest lawyer may not be the best, especially for serious criminal charges. The last thing you want is an inexperienced lawyer who doesn’t put in enough time on your complex case. On the flip side, the most expensive lawyers aren’t necessarily the best either. Find someone with a good balance of experience and reasonable rates.

Not Checking References

Any lawyer can say they’re the best on their website – but can they prove it? Ask for references like past clients you can contact. Hearing first-hand experiences can give you a better sense of what it’s like to work with that lawyer. If they hesitate to provide references, I’d be wary.

Hiring a Family Friend

It might seem like a good idea to hire your cousin who just finished law school to save some money. But a serious criminal case requires an experienced specialist. As much as we love helping family and friends, your freedom is on the line. Don’t take chances – hire a seasoned pro.

Not Being Honest with Your Lawyer

I know it’s tempting to sugarcoat things or leave out certain details you’re embarrassed about. But your lawyer needs to know the full truth – even if it’s ugly – to build your defense. The more they understand the facts, the better they can represent you. Tell them everything.

Not Having a Written Agreement

Before hiring a lawyer, get a written agreement detailing what services they’ll provide and what you’ll pay. This protects both of you. Outline the lawyer’s responsibilities, fees and payment schedule clearly. Never hire a lawyer without a contract.

Hiring the right criminal defense lawyer takes time and diligent effort. Avoid these common mistakes, do your research, ask lots of questions, and be brutally honest. Your freedom depends on it.

Need a lawyer you can trust? Click here to schedule a free consultation with my firm. I’ve helped hundreds of people through difficult criminal charges in Philadelphia – let me help you.