Don’t risk getting stuck with substandard representation!
If you’re involved in a criminal investigation or a criminal court proceeding, do not waive your right to counsel! Your attorney can provide important services to help secure the best possible outcome to your case. Here are 5 things that you should know when deciding to hire a Los Angeles criminal attorney.
You Don’t Have to Wait Until You’re Charged With a Crime
If you’ve been detained in connection with a crime, you don’t have to wait for the police to file charges in order to seek counsel. In fact, it is in your best interests to ask for a Los Angeles criminal attorney as soon as the police begin questioning you. Definitely ask for an attorney if you have been read your Miranda Rights. You are also entitled to an attorney during certain procedures such as a lineup. It is very important to have your rights represented every step of the way in a criminal proceeding in order to avoid accidentally giving evidence that could hurt your case.
A Public Defender May Cost You Your Freedom
Because the Sixth Amendment guarantees everyone the right to an attorney during a criminal proceeding, each county has its own public defenders office that exists to provide counsel for individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford an attorney. If there is any possible way at all for you to avoid using the services of the public defender and hire your own Los Angeles criminal attorney, you should go for it. Despite their best intentions public defenders are often overworked and unable to give each case the attention it deserves.
Public Defenders Aren’t Free
Another reason you might want to avoid using the public defender is that this counsel is not necessarily guaranteed to be free. Your eligibility for free representation is based on your current debts, responsibilities, assets, & income and is by no means a straight forward calculation. Even if you are flat broke, state law requires you to be charged a registration fee of up to $50 to use a court-appointed attorney. You can still get representation even if you can’t pay this fee immediately, but you may have to pay it later with interest. Additionally, after your trial is over the judge may conduct a hearing to reconsider your ability to pay some or all of the costs of having a public defender represent you. Don’t risk getting stuck paying for an overworked attorney! Hire your own expert attorney from the start.
How to Find a Los Angeles Criminal Attorney
One of the best ways to find a skilled Los Angeles criminal attorney is to search sites like Avvo.com. You can find attorneys in your area who specialize in the specific aspect of criminal law relevant to your case and read reviews from real clients. If you are already in custody by the time you decide you want an attorney you can have a trusted family member search for an attorney for you.
You Don’t Have to Hire the First Attorney You Find
The relationship between an attorney and their client should be one of trust and respect. If you don’t feel comfortable with the first attorney you find, keep looking. Many criminal attorneys offer free consultations to help you understand how they might approach your case and give you an idea of the level of service you can expect to receive from their law office.
