Hiring a criminal defense lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make if you’ve been charged with a crime. The right attorney can protect your rights and work toward as favorable an outcome as possible, and the wrong one can put your freedom and your future at risk.
Not all lawyers handle cases the same way. Some are skilled and dedicated, while others may be inexperienced or disorganized. If you’ve hired a defense attorney or are about to, it helps to know the signs that you’re in good hands.
What Should a Good Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?
A good criminal defense attorney should be proactive, prepared, and responsive. From the moment they take your case, they should begin building a strategy that fits your situation. That means more than just showing up to court; it means putting in real work behind the scenes to prepare a solid defense.
At a minimum, a quality attorney should:
- Meet with you in person or over the phone to learn the full story behind your charges
- Go over the evidence the prosecution plans to use
- Review police reports, body cam footage, and witness statements
- Talk to you about possible defenses and legal options
- Explain what’s likely to happen next and how the process works
- File key motions to suppress bad evidence, if appropriate
- Be ready to negotiate with the prosecutor or take your case to trial if needed
You should feel like your attorney understands your goals and has a plan to help you reach them. That doesn’t mean they’ll always give you good news. A good lawyer will be honest with you so you can make informed decisions about what to do next.
Red Flags That You May Have Hired the Wrong Lawyer
Even if your attorney has experience, that doesn’t always mean they’re the right fit for your case. Some defense lawyers take on too many cases at once, don’t stay in touch, or rely too heavily on quick plea deals without exploring other options.
Watch for the following warning signs:
- Poor communication: If your lawyer rarely returns your calls or emails, it’s a sign they may not be focused on your case. You shouldn’t be left wondering what’s going on or the next step.
- Lack of preparation: If your attorney doesn’t seem to know the facts of your case or hasn’t reviewed the evidence, they might not be taking your defense seriously.
- No clear strategy: A strong defense involves planning. If your lawyer can’t explain what they’re doing or why, it might mean they’re not thinking ahead.
- Pressure to take a plea deal immediately: Plea bargains are common in criminal cases, but shouldn’t be rushed. A good attorney will walk you through your options and investigate the case before recommending a deal.
- Unrealistic promises: No lawyer can guarantee results in advance. If someone says they’ll “definitely” get your case dismissed or promises a not-guilty verdict, they’re not necessarily being honest.
If more than one of these red flags applies to your situation, it may be time to examine whether your current representation is helping or hurting your defense.
What Should the Attorney-Client Relationship Look Like?
Facing criminal charges is stressful. Your lawyer should make the process more manageable, not more confusing. You should feel like you’re part of the team and that your input matters. Regardless of the amount of experience your attorney has, that doesn’t excuse bad communication or a lack of effort.
A strong attorney-client relationship is built on trust, respect, and responsiveness. Your criminal defense lawyer should explain legal terms in ways you can understand and keep you in the loop about court dates, filings, and negotiations. If something changes with your case, you should hear it from your lawyer first, not from the court or a third party.
The relationship also needs to feel professional. You should be treated with respect during every conversation, no matter where or how it takes place. You should never feel dismissed or ignored.
Contact the Tucson Criminal Defense Lawyers at Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys for Help Today
If you’re starting to wonder whether your criminal defense lawyer is doing enough for you, it’s better to ask questions now than wait until it’s too late. You have the right to feel confident in your representation and to understand what’s happening every step of the way.
A criminal charge doesn’t define who you are, but how it’s handled can shape what happens next. Make sure you have the right person in your corner to protect your rights and fight for your future. Contact an experienced Tucson criminal defense attorney at Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation TODAY at (520) 510-0439.