Finding A Defense Lawyer in Chester County

The process for retaining or finding a criminal advocate for you often starts with finding a criminal defense lawyer who understands your legal problem; has the criminal defense experience to provide you legal advice that matters and makes sense to your Chester County charges; and has the tenacity and determination to resolve your legal problem, whether by negotiation or litigation.

Unlike a medical crisis, where you often have your family doctor’s help in selecting a specialist, the decision for hiring the best criminal defense lawyer and getting the best legal advice for your family is often made without that benefit.  Most people do not have a family lawyer or a criminal defense lawyer they feel close enough to come to for criminal defense legal advice.

Often, people begin looking for a criminal defense lawyer to represent them in Chester Count either themselves, a family member or a loved one facing criminal charges, juvenile charges, detention, loss of license suspension or worse. Consider hiring an attorney who is both friendly and supportive, but also experienced and ready at taking on the tough cases in Chester County.

Lawyers should be selected for their expertise and experience in specific categories of cases. The “right lawyer” is the person who has substantial experience handling a case very similar to yours, who can and will take action at once. She or he does not have to “look into it,” “think about it and call you back” or “check the most recent court decisions.” The “right lawyer” knows what to do immediately, acts effectively and with little wasted effort or wasted expenditures of your money.

Think carefully about the legal services you require. You may need on-going, regular legal advice from someone who has experience advising individuals or businesses in your line of work. Other attorneys have particular experience in drafting contracts or wills, representing estates or working through land development or zoning-related issues. Many lawyers practice law for a lifetime and never set foot in a courtroom because their work is primarily consultative and oriented toward planning. Other attorneys focus on providing remedies that require litigation, and are experienced in appearing before juries and trying complex civil and criminal cases. The bottom line is that there are many, many lawyers. You just need one. The “right” one.

Factors to Look for When Hiring a Defense Attorney in Chester County

Hiring a criminal defense attorney is an incredible decision that could impact your future for years to come. Not all attorneys think alike. Some may be more creative or experienced in a specific area of the law than others. Some attorneys may have resources to help support you better than other law firms can.

As you compare all of the criminal defense attorneys in Chester, there are a few very important aspects to consider about the law firm and how they can help you.

Proven History in the Area You Are Facing Criminal Charges

Choose a criminal defense attorney who is capable of providing you with exceptional legal insight because they have won cases in the field in which you are facing charges. Criminal law is very complicated in that the defense strategies used must be effective within that specific area of crime. Each law has numerous stipulations and requirements that must be met.

When you choose an attorney who has ample experience in that area of the law, they know how to use past cases and defense strategies that have been proven effective to achieve the best results possible. They know what works and what does not, ensuring that you do not waste your time.  

They Make Time for You

Criminal defense takes a good amount of one-on-one time with clients. If you hire a criminal defense attorney who is too busy, they may not have the time necessary to devote to your case. That could end up costing you in the long term. The better objective here is to ensure you have an attorney with a proven track record who also makes the time for consultations, follow-up questions, answering emails, and answering the phone when you call. That is going to ultimately make a huge difference in your experience.

A Solid Local Reputation

Our Chester criminal defense attorneys are known in the area. They are known for being aggressive but fair. They are also noted for being hard-working and dedicated professionals who are supportive of our community and clients.

It is always wise to hire an attorney with a reputation like this. It can prove to be critically important. You do not want to work with an attorney who is known for providing inferior service to clients or those who have a poor reputation with a judge. That could harm you in this case, even if it is not supposed to do so.

Look for an Attorney Willing to Fight for You

There are some cases in which the evidence is significant and you even admit that you did what you are accused of. In these cases, you need a criminal defense attorney who remains committed to helping and supporting you, even when there is a lot of work to be done.

Look for an attorney who will fight and not just settle. There are many instances in which it is not ideal to work with a criminal defense attorney because they want you to simply take the plea agreement and move on. Instead, hire an attorney who has faith in you and is willing to work hard to prove your case to a judge and jury.

The Right Level of Experience

If you are facing federal crime charges, you need an attorney with experience in this area. It is very different from what typically occurs in lower-level cases. An attorney with known experience in the very best and most complicated cases is one that is going to be a better fit for you than a criminal defense attorney who may only have local experience. 

Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Attorney Before Hiring Them

When you work with a criminal defense attorney, you are hiring a professional who will work with you hand-in-hand. Interview them and be confident that they can provide the level of support you need. Ask these questions to find out more about the attorney:

• What amount of time will you dedicate to my case in particular? Even if your case is not the largest one the firm is taking on, it needs to be important enough that enough time is put towards your defense strategy.
• What resources does the firm have to support the investigation and development of a defense strategy? In this situation, you need to know that the defense attorney has a strong network of professionals to rely on for accident recreation or expert witnesses. Do they have the resources to prove your innocence?
• Which attorney will you be working with for your case? Find out as much as you can about the actual attorney who will represent you, including their history, abilities, and successes.
• How will your case be handled? Discuss the likely process for building a defense case. You may want to ask how often you will meet with an attorney and what to expect in terms of timelines. Ask questions about the complexity of your case and how well-versed they are in handling cases like this.
• What limitations may apply in your case? In some situations, the law firm may limit the number of hours or the specific people working on your case to keep costs down. However, you do not want to be any less important than any other client for that firm.

Before you leave that meeting with the defense attorney, ensure all of your questions are answered. You want to walk away from this interview with enough information and guidance to totally make a decision about whether this law firm is the right choice for your particular needs. If you are unsure, it is best to turn to a legal team that you feel confident in. This is your life on the line, after all.

Finding a criminal defense attorney you trust can help you learn about all of your legal strategy options, the type of timeline and communication you will have with the team, and who will be your go-to personal attorney to call when you need help.

Meet with Us to Have a Conversation 

Turn to our legal team today to set up a consultation. We would be happy to answer your questions and get insight into what your legal status is. From there, our team will work to provide you with exceptional support and guidance throughout your case.

If you are not comfortable with our legal team, we encourage you to find another attorney who is better suited. You do not want to go without an attorney and risk not getting the best possible outcome in your case. Let us help you. We will work hard to guide you through this process.

Finding a Criminal Defense Law Firm Serving Chester County May Not be an Easy Decision

At Ciccarelli Law Offices, our criminal defense attorneys in West Chester are both passionate in what they do and compassionate in their treatment of their clients. You deserve an experienced lawyer who serves Chester County clients, that is available when you need him, treats you with respect, and protects your rights vigorously.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a member of our team, contact our office 24/7 at (610) 692-8700.