Hiring the Best Lawyers in Las Vegas: How to Choose Right
Facing criminal charges can be an overwhelming and daunting experience, whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. Although many things are out of your control, choosing the right attorney to fight for you is not. Having the right lawyer on your side can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Knowing what to look for when vetting lawyers in Las Vegas is the best way to ensure that you choose the right lawyer for your case.
Identify Your Needs and Priorities
If you have been charged with a crime, you need a criminal attorney to represent you. There is an important difference between attorneys who handle a variety of types of cases, including criminal prosecutions, and attorneys who only handle criminal cases. It would be best if you also prioritize your needs. For example, is avoiding a conviction crucial to you or do you want someone to negotiate the most advantageous plea agreement?
Seek Referrals
As soon as you recognize the need for legal representation, ask friends, family members, and co-workers for referrals. Even if they have not personally needed the services of a criminal law attorney in the past, they are likely to know someone who has. You may be surprised at how many referrals you receive by reaching out to your network.
Do Your Research
Research potential lawyers in Las Vegas before you reach out to make appointments. You can start by searching the Lawyer Referral Service on the State Bar of Nevada website. Searching for criminal attorneys on the internet can also provide you with a wealth of information.
Know What to Look for in an Attorney
While no two criminal prosecutions are identical, there are several important characteristics that every defendant should look for in a criminal defense attorney, including:
• Experience: Consider how long an attorney has been practicing law. Specifically, how long have they been defending people in criminal prosecutions in Las Vegas? You want an attorney who has the experience needed to protect you and your rights.
• Expertise: While you want to look for an attorney who has been practicing law for a significant time, finding one who focuses on criminal defense is even more important. The criminal justice system is very different from the civil justice system. Having an attorney on your side who has considerable experience representing defendants and navigating the criminal court system in Las Vegas is in your best interest.
• Resources: When choosing a lawyer, take into account the resources they have available, including access to a private investigator, expert testimony, and dedicated staff members. These resources can be invaluable additions to your defense team.
• Communication: At your initial consultation, pay attention to how well an attorney listens to you and your story and how well they communicate their thoughts and ideas to you. Ideally, you want an attorney with whom you can easily communicate, given that the attorney may have your future in their hands.
• Compatibility: Finally, pay attention to the intangible “gut instinct” when choosing an attorney. Hire a lawyer who you feel comfortable with and who you instinctively trust to represent you.
Schedule Consultations
Most criminal defense attorneys offer a free or low-cost initial consultation. Narrow your options down to two or three attorneys and schedule consultations. Go into those consultations prepared with a brief list of questions and concerns that you want to address. Ideally, your choice will be clear after the consultations.
Do You Have Additional Questions about Hiring the Best Lawyers in Las Vegas?
If you have been charged with a criminal offense, and you are looking for an attorney, consult with The Vegas Lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your next steps. Call us at 702-707-3000 or contact us online.