If you are charged with a crime in McKinney, TX, you are probably feeling overwhelmed and worried about your future. Regardless of your charges—whether a misdemeanor, domestic violence offense, or a white collar crime—the outcome of your case often depends on various factors. One factor that’s entirely within your control is whether you have a qualified attorney representing you.
Not every lawyer has the knowledge and skills needed to competently handle criminal matters. Entrusting your case to a legal professional who isn’t equipped to represent you can lead to unnecessary delays and frustration in resolving your case.
Evaluating a Criminal Defense Attorney in McKinney
A good criminal defense lawyer will offer an initial consultation where they can gather more information about your case, provide answers to your most pressing questions, and explain how they can assist you in resolving your charges. This is also your opportunity to evaluate the firm and see if its attorneys are the right fit for your situation and goals.
When evaluating a criminal defense attorney in McKinney, certain characteristics are important to consider.
1. Qualifications
First and most importantly, confirm that the attorney is licensed to practice law in Texas and is a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
Generally speaking, attorneys who aren’t licensed in Texas can’t appear or represent clients in the state. Additionally, a licensed attorney can have a better understanding of Texas law and legal procedure than an out-of-state attorney.
2. Experience
Lawyers with experience handling criminal matters know how the law works, not just what it says. For example, any licensed attorney may know how to read the Texas controlled substances statutes, but an experienced criminal defense lawyer will know how these statutes are regularly interpreted and applied in state courts.
When interviewing an attorney, don’t just ask how long they’ve been practicing. Instead, consider how much of their practice is devoted to criminal defense, how many criminal defense cases they’ve worked on throughout their legal career, and the recency of their experience.
3. Fee Structure
The attorney-client relationship can quickly deteriorate if the lawyer fails to explain their fees plainly. A good lawyer is transparent with clients when it comes to all fees and costs.
A reputable Texas criminal defense lawyer will be straightforward with you about what their services cost and what they include. That includes explaining any retainer they require before starting work on your case and what will happen if you cannot pay.
4. Communication Style
If the attorney you’re thinking about hiring doesn’t talk about their communication style, bring up this topic with them yourself. You deserve to know how often you can expect to hear from your attorney, when they’ll return phone calls and emails, and how the two of you will reach one another in case of an emergency.
If an attorney doesn’t offer to communicate with you as frequently as you would like—or if they give vague answers when pressed to explain their communication tendencies—consider looking elsewhere for representation.
5. Community Involvement
Even though Texas law applies uniformly across the state, it pays to have an attorney who’s involved in the city or county where you’ve been charged.
A Texas criminal defense attorney connected to the local community will be more familiar with local law enforcement officials, unique court procedures, and specific community resources that may benefit you.
6. Results
Every criminal case is different. Just because an attorney has a winning record doesn’t mean they’ll be able to resolve every matter successfully. That said, a lawyer who routinely pleads out cases quickly may not be the best fit if you want to challenge your criminal charges.
Pay attention to your initial gut reaction to how an attorney makes you feel. If you don’t leave a consultation feeling as though the attorney with whom you just met understands your situation and expectations, it’s best to move on to the next one.
Lacking confidence in your attorney’s skills or priorities will only cause you needless stress in the future.
Contact Texas Defense Firm Today to Speak With a McKinney Criminal Defense Attorney
While you shouldn’t delay in seeking legal assistance with your case, you also can’t afford to simply hire the first attorney you come across. Take the time to evaluate several lawyers who serve your area. Look beyond the advertising and carefully examine whether each professional possesses the knowledge, experience, and temperament to represent you effectively.
This initial investment of time and effort can pay dividends later on in your case. Hiring the right attorney could lead to the suppression of illegally obtained evidence, a more favorable plea deal, or potentially even the acquittal of the charges against you.
Texas Defense Firm is here to help you with your criminal case. Contact us today at (972) 369-0577 to schedule an initial consultation with a McKinney criminal defense lawyer to learn more about what we can do for you.