How To Choose A Criminal Defense Lawyer In New York

Being arrested for a criminal charge can be a scary and life-changing experience. Regardless of the particulars surrounding your specific case, realizing you are about to enter police custody can be incredibly taxing. It’s easy to feel lost and isolated in a situation like this. But the right criminal defense attorney can provide the support and guidance you need to get through this difficult time.

Every American citizen has the right to legal counsel when charged with a crime. If the defendant cannot afford to hire an attorney to represent them, the court can appoint a public defender at no additional cost. While this may seem like a prudent choice (and an easy way to save money on legal fees), it’s important to know what a private defense attorney can offer in your situation.

An experienced private criminal defense attorney in New York can make an incredible difference in the outcome of your impending case. You may not know the defenses available to you, how to establish an alibi, or how to prove the police violated your rights. Whatever your case entails, the Law Offices of Coleman Schneider Law Group can provide the comprehensive legal counsel you need to get through your difficult situation.

Finding the Right Defense Attorney in New York

When it comes to finding a defense attorney you can trust, you’re likely to find many attorneys claiming to have vast professional experience handling all types of clients. Taking the time to look through the attorney’s reviews from past clients can be incredibly beneficial. This should be able to tell you what working with that attorney will be like.

Time is a critical concern for anyone after an arrest, but it’s important to take time to weigh your options when it comes to defense counsel. If you have the opportunity to consult a prospective defense attorney in New York, a few of their qualities you should evaluate include:

1. Make sure the attorney has many years of professional experience as an attorney, specifically in the area of criminal defense that your case pertains to.
2. A good attorney maintains a balanced number of cases to ensure they can provide each client with the attention they need. Ask the prospective attorney how frequently they will be in touch with you during your case.
3. Every defense attorney has a different legal philosophy and a different approach to representing their clients. Ask the attorney about their initial impression of your case and how they anticipate your proceedings unfolding.
4. Defense attorneys typically charge for their counsel by the hour, so the more time they spend on a case, the more it costs the client. Verify an attorney’s billing policy before signing a contract for their legal representation.

Ultimately, you need to work quickly after an arrest to secure the right defense representation you need for your case. This can feel like you don’t have enough time to fully weigh your options. Some defendants are released from custody after booking and given their court date. Others are kept in police custody unless they can post bail (if bail is available). While your situation may seem desperate, taking the time to find the right defense attorney for your case could pay off significantly in the long run.

When you choose the Law Offices of Coleman Schneider Law Group to represent you in your criminal case, we take the time to determine the best defenses available to you for your situation. We have helped many past clients overcome seemingly impossible situations through various defenses. Whatever your case may entail, you can trust our team to provide responsive and compassionate guidance throughout all stages of your proceedings.

Criminal Defense Lawyer FAQs

Q: Can A Defense Attorney Refuse to Represent a Client?

A: Private criminal defense attorneys in New York have the right to choose whom they defend. An attorney may choose not to represent a defendant for many reasons, and ultimately every attorney uses their judgment to decide which cases they take. Public defenders are court-appointed defense attorneys and can choose what types of cases they handle but do not have direct control over specific clients themselves.

Q: How Do I Find the Best Criminal Defense Attorney?

A: Experience is a crucial concern whenever you need a defense attorney in New York. You should choose an attorney with many years of defense experience behind them. However, you must also verify they have experience handling the specific type of case you face. For example, if you are facing a drug charge in New York, your attorney should have several past drug offense cases they can reference to establish their experience.

Q: Is Criminal Defense a Difficult Area of Law?

A: Criminal law can be very challenging for the attorneys who practice it for many reasons. Some find it difficult to represent clients whom they know have committed heinous criminal offenses. Others do not enjoy the public perception of being a defender of criminals. Ultimately, every attorney must make personal choices regarding the area of law they wish to practice and the type of client they wish to represent.

Q: Is it Worth Hiring a Private Criminal Defense Attorney?

A: Regardless of whether you need to prove your innocence or minimize a conviction when guilty, the right attorney can make a tremendous positive impact on the outcome of your case. While public defenders may be available at no cost, they have demanding jobs that afford them little flexibility to offer clients much individual attention. A private defense attorney, by comparison, can offer far more individualized legal counsel.

The Law Offices of Coleman Schneider Law Group have years of experience defending New York clients in a wide range of criminal cases. If you need defense representation you can trust, we can provide the compassionate and detail-oriented counsel you need to approach your case with confidence. Contact us today and schedule your consultation with a New York criminal defense attorney.