The court system alone can be quite confusing to anyone that does not have the knowledge or expertise to maneuver around within it. When you find yourself on the defensive end of the spectrum within this system, it is almost always better for you to hire a defense attorney instead of trying to defend yourself. A criminal defense attorney's main job is to defend you in court to the best of their abilities. They know the ins and outs of the system and will be able to provide you with the best chance towards the outcome you are looking to achieve. Some will have stronger defense abilities in a particular crime while others may have better abilities in another crime. Therefore, hiring the right defense attorney can be quite crucial.

First, ask around to find out about any lawyers around your area with a good reputation. You can ask family, friends or others you may know who have been through a similar situation. You can also look through the phone book in the yellow pages where you will find there are many attorneys listed. Most of them will highlight their areas of expertise in an advertisement within the yellow pages as well. It may be best to look for a lawyer specializing in your type of case.

Once you contact a criminal lawyer they will want to first meet with you on a consultation basis which is of no charge. This helps them decide if your case is one they are willing to take on as well as determine their fees and potential costs. The costs can vary greatly and will have a lot to do with the amount of work involved in your particular case, as well as their own level of expertise. If you feel their fees are too high then try and negotiate with them. You can often times negotiate a lower price or set up a payment plan with the defense attorney.

Fees may not be the only concern you have with the attorney. You will want to find out if they have handled cases similar to yours and how many. You can also gain their thoughts on how long they feel your case may continue until resolved. Ask and find out if they are going to be the only one working your case and how often they will be in contact with you. You will want to have regular updates on their progress.

Once you have your questions answered and if you choose to hire the criminal lawyer, you will need to sign an agreement or contract on their services and costs. Along with this, the defense attorney will expect a retainer fee from you. This secures their services for you, and once paid, they will begin to work on your case. Having a well-qualified criminal defense attorney on your side will help you as you make your way through the sometimes confusing legal system. Be sure to do thorough research before making your final decision.