Envision yourself being arrested, investigated, or accused of a crime. For most of us, such a situation would be a game changer. Most of us would lose our jobs, our reputations, our possessions, or our livelihood. Meanwhile, we would be facing the possibility of being convicted which brings about its own set of life-altering scenarios; scenarios involving jail, prison, probation supervision, fines, drug screens, community service, curfews, court fees, and a rap sheet that never goes away. So, needless to say, folks who need a criminal defense lawyer actually and desperately NEED a CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER. This is not a luxury. It is a necessity. This particular situation demands an attorney who devotes most, if not all, of his or her practice to defending people accused of crimes. This situation does not call for the expertise of a worker’s comp, top criminal law practice, medical malpractice, or bankruptcy attorney in much the same way that a toothache does not warrant the services of a cardiologist.
So, how do you know if the Tennessee criminal defense lawyer you are considering meets those qualifications? Ask him or her about their experience, conduct some research online, visit the Sean Park Law‘s office, call the local bar association in your area, and find out whether the attorney is a member of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers or the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. An attorney should have no problem telling you about their background and experience, information which you can then verify. A visit to the attorney’s office should easily reveal to you the firm’s focus, the professionalism of the staff, and the personality and character of the people to whom you are considering entrusting yourself and your future. The attorney should be forthright with you, answer your questions about what the criminal process in your case might entail, and demonstrate an obvious and sincere interest in the particular circumstances of your case. The attorney you are considering should be knowledgeable about the law and abreast of recent changes and aware of current trends in the law. He or she should also be approachable and well-spoken. Remember, your attorney will usually be the first and last person to speak to the judge, the prosecutor, and a jury on your behalf.
Choosing the right lawyer is one of the most important decisions anyone will ever face. Most people can’t afford to hire a second lawyer if their first choice doesn’t work out. Most people may struggle to find the funds to hire an attorney. But the struggle is a necessary one because being accused of a crime is a game changer. It alters the lives of the person charged as well as that person’s family and friends. Remember, the best criminal defense lawyers consider “Good” to be the enemy of “Great”. These lawyers are the ones you want to prepare you, your family, and your case for the rigors of the criminal justice system. These lawyers are the ones who you want by your side, in your corner, as your shield and your sword. These lawyers demand of themselves the highest degree of professional integrity and devotion to their clients. They will lose sleep, skip meals, work tirelessly, return your phone calls, keep you informed, prepare the motions, argue the motions, protect your rights, explain all your options, and they will be your champions when you go to court. They will care about you. They will properly assess your case and they will properly assess the value of their service. Yes, they will probably charge you a fee that initially shocks you. Yes, they are worth every cent. Then again, so are you.
James A.H. Bell is an experienced criminal defense Lawyer in Knoxville, Tennessee shared some thoughts regarding the importance of selecting the right criminal defense attorney when faced with a criminal charge.
