HOW DO I SELECT THE BEST CRIMINAL LAWYER FOR MY CASE?

PLEASE NOTE: Criminal lawyers only represent the person ACCUSED of committing a crime.
If you are the VICTIM of a crime or want to ACCUSE SOMEONE ELSE of a crime, you MUST talk to a police officer to bring ("press") charges. An attorney you hire CANNOT "bring" criminal charges. If the police will not bring charges, you may try contacting the Prosecutor (or City Attorney) directly.  The prosecutor's office is usually located in or near the Court building, or you may be able to find the Prosecutor's Office information online at:  http://www.michiganprosecutor.org/PA-Pages.htm    

SIX RULES FOR CHOOSING A GOOD CRIMINAL LAWYER:    

• (1.) Look for a lawyer who is very experienced specifically in criminal law.  They will be more likely to know the current laws about that crime, and how those laws can be applied to get you the best results. A lawyer who regularly handles criminal cases will also be more familiar with issues such as posting bonds, penalties, sentencing rules, and entering pleas, than someone who is not an experienced criminal lawyer.
  Lawyers in this data base are screened for extensive experience in Criminal Law. 

• (2.) Find someone who practices law in the District Court or the County Court where your case is going to be tried.  They are more likely to  have a better relationship with the judges, prosecutors,  court personnel, detectives & police officers involved.
  All lawyers on this site have experience in area District and County Courts.
                  

• (3.) Make sure the lawyer is in good standing with the Bar Association, with no history of successful malpractice actions, complaints and/or disciplinary actions.
  Lawyers on this site are screened for being in Good Standing with the Sate Bar.        

• (4.) Interview lawyers who give a Free Consutation to find someone whose  "style" and personality suits you. It is important to be able to communicate with your lawyer.
  All LAWYERS on this site give Free Telephone Consultations.  

• (5.) Cost is always an important consideration, but do NOT select a lawyer only on on the basis of who is the cheapest.  Remember: usually, "you get what you pay for."   A  "cut-rate"  lawyer may not have the experience and/or may not devote the time & effort needed to get you the best results.
  Lawyers in this data base are screened for being reasonably priced.

• (6.) Convenient locartion should be less important than finding the "right"  lawyer.  Just like finding a good Doctor, you may have to travel a few extra miles to find someone who is more specialized. The closest lawyer may not be the best one for you.
  Always choose a lawyer by his or her experience, NOT by the closest location.
  

  HOW MUCH DOES A CRIMINAL LAW ATTORNEY COST ?
  This is the most frequently asked question asked by "defendants" (the person accused of a crime) and their families. 

  The "cost" of a criminal attorney usually depends on three factors:

  • (1.) The amount of time that is likely to be involved;

  • (2.) The severity of the crime; and,

  • (3.) The experience level of the attorney.   

  • In Michigan, most attorneys charge in the area of $200 per hour (or more). Therefore, most criminal lawyers will require a "retainer" (downpayment) of at least one thousand dollars or more. If it is likely that you will be able to enter a "plea" and  the case will not go to "trial,"  total fees will be less, because less time is involved.  However, going to trial is extremely time consuming and can take days of an attorney's time for preparation and in the court room. Total fees for representation in a serious felony case can often range from $5,000 to $10,000, or more.

  • Remember that a lawyer's services are like anything else: "you get what you pay for." The better, or more experienced, lawyers are likely to charge more than a new or  inexperienced attorney. Often, it is the lawyer's experience in working with your judge, your prosecutor or handling similar cases that will make him or her better qualified to represent you. 

  • Spending a little more money now, to insure quality representation, can save you thousands of dollars in the long run - by keeping you out of jail, and by keeping you from loosing your job (or future jobs), as well as by protecting your record. 

  CAN I  USE A FREE "COURT APPOINTED" LAWYER (OR PUBLIC DEFENDER) ?
  
  Most people do not realize that the Court ONLY "appoints" free counsel to defendants who are "indigent" (i.e. below the poverty level).  It is UP TO THE JUDGE to determine if you are poor enough for him/her to "appoint" a lawyer to represent you.  If you have a job and/or own your own home it is unlikely you will qualify for "appointed" counsel.
  
  Further, while some appointed lawyers are very good, MANY lack the experience that a hired lawyer will have.  Often, lawyers who take Court appointments are younger or new to practicing law.  Also, the Court does NOT pay appointed lawyers very much, so often appointed lawyers simply can not afford to devote the time to your case that a paid lawyer can.   Finally, when a lawyer is "appointed" for you, you have no say in who your lawyer will be...so you may be taking a real chance with a case that is certain to affect your future.  To read more about the drawbacks of appointed counsel you may wish to go to:    http://www.freep.com/voices/editorials/ecourt12_20021112.htm 

  WHEN CAN I CONTACT A CRIMINAL LAW ATTORNEY ?
  Most Law Offices are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  If you call in advance, many lawyers will schedule appointments after regular hours,
  if it is necessary to accomodate your schedule.
  Most criminal lawyers on this site have 24 hour answering services, for emergency situations only.
  You can also reach all of the criminal lawyers listed on this site by e-mail. 
  
  IF YOU ARE UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR A CRIME, OR IF YOU ARE BEING CHARGED WITH OR ACCUSED
  OF A CRIME,  YOU SHOULD TALK TO AN EXPERIENCED CRIMINAL LAWYER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
  It is important that you understand your "rights" before discussing your case further with ANY law enforcement personnel or judges. Good lawyers often fill their schedule many days in advance, so do not "wait until the last minute" to contact a criminal lawyer.
  
  IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY CRIMINAL MATTER &  ARE TRYING TO FIND A LAWYER AFTER HOURS:
  please call the numbers listed on the criminal lawyer's page and leave a message with the lawyer's 24 hour answering service.
  THEY SHOULD CALL YOU BACK VERY SHORTLY.  If you do not get a response in a timely manner call:
  1-877-529-4664 and leave a voice message. Every attempt will be made to put you in touch with an experienced Criminal Lawyer in your area as soon as possible.
  
                             CLICK ON YOUR COUNTY TO FIND AN EXPERIENCED CRIMINAL LAWYER
                                    

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