The criminal justice system is complex and overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been accused of a crime before. When your future is at stake, finding the right criminal defense attorney to act as your advocate and protect your rights can be instrumental for achieving the best possible outcome, but where do you begin? Below are a few tips for deciding which law firm you should choose to defend your interests.

3 Tips for Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney

1. Ask for Referrals

Friends, family members, and acquaintances who have faced similar charges before may be able to recommend a skilled attorney. However, you may not be comfortable discussing your legal problems with people in your social circle, so online research can be a valuable tool. Browsing sites like Martindale.com can help you find the most respected defense attorneys in your area and give you an idea of what colleagues and former clients have to say about their services.

2. Research Your Candidates

Once you have a list of several names, find out whether the law firms you're considering have been subjected to any disciplinary action or ethics violations. Your state bar and licensing agency will provide all the information you need to narrow down your options.

3. Schedule Several Consultations

Many criminal defense attorneys offer free consultations, so meet with at least three law firms before making your choice. At the consultation, ask whether they’ve handled similar cases in the past, what outcomes they were able to achieve, and what they think they’ll be able to do for you.

Marc D. Orloff, Attorney At Law has over 30 years’ experience defending the rights of Goshen, NY residents charged with a variety of criminal offenses. No matter how serious your case may be, you can rely on these professionals for effective legal counsel you can trust. To schedule your free consultation with an accomplished criminal defense attorney, visit their website or call (845) 294-8974 and follow their Facebook page for more legal insight and tips.