6 Things to Look For in a Las Vegas Criminal Attorney

April 29, 2024

If you have been charged with a criminal offense, the most important thing you can do to protect yourself, your rights, and your future is to hire a criminal defense attorney. If you have never before needed a criminal attorney, however, the prospect of choosing one can be daunting. Knowing what to look for in a criminal defense attorney is crucial if you hope to hire the best attorney for you and your situation. To help you get started, the Vegas Lawyers offers six things to look for in a qualified Las Vegas criminal attorney.

1. Experience Practicing Criminal Law

Most people do not realize that law school provides a future lawyer with the foundation needed to practice in most areas of the law but does not allow students to “specialize” in a specific area of the law. Consequently, any licensed attorney can represent a defendant in a criminal prosecution. When your freedom and future are on the line, however, you want an attorney who has gained extensive experience practicing criminal law in the jurisdiction where your case is being prosecuted. You want an attorney who has experience working with law enforcement officers, prosecuting attorneys, and judges who will be involved in your case.

2. Trial Experience

How a criminal case is ultimately resolved is something that cannot usually be determined at the beginning of a case. As a defendant, you have a right to take your case to trial before a judge or jury. For that to be a meaningful choice, you need an attorney on your side who has successfully represented numerous defendants in criminal trials.

3. Communication Skills

A good criminal attorney in Las Vegas needs good communication skills. You need to feel comfortable talking to your attorney about your case and your attorney should be able to explain important aspects of your case to you in terms you can understand. Your attorney should also listen to you and consult you when important decisions need to be made, such as the decision to accept or reject a guilty plea agreement.

4. Aggressive Strategist

Successful criminal defense attorneys are willing and able to implement aggressive strategies when devising a defense. When your future is on the line, you do not want an attorney who is afraid to “ruffle some feathers.” You want an attorney who is willing to fight for you both inside and outside the courtroom.

5. Excellent Negotiation Skills

Preventing a conviction is always the desired outcome for a defendant in a criminal case; however, sometimes a conviction is unavoidable. When that is the case, you want an attorney on your side who is capable of negotiating a favorable guilty plea agreement on your behalf. The same skills may be necessary during a sentencing hearing if you are convicted at trial.

6. The Wisdom to Create an Exceptional Team

A successful criminal defense attorney spends a considerable amount of time in court, meaning his or her staff spends a considerable amount of time communicating with clients, court staff, and prosecuting attorneys. A wise attorney chooses his/her supporting team members (associate attorneys, paralegals, secretaries) carefully because they frequently represent the attorney to the outside world.

What Should I Do If I Need a Criminal Attorney in Las Vegas?

If you have been charged with a crime in Las Vegas, consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney at The Vegas Lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your legal options and defenses. Call us at 702-707-7000 or contact us online.