If you are arrested for a criminal offense in Hackensack, the way you handle the situation and the next step you take can have a significant impact on your life. Whether you have charges of murder, assault, burglary, or arson against you, you need to look for a Hackensack criminal lawyer who has experience in that category. In this article we will take into account a few important factors that you need t consider when hiring a criminal lawyer in Hackensack, NJ.
- Level of experience
This is perhaps the first and most important thing to consider, as it will also determine your success or failure. Criminal chargers like shoplifting may not be that severe, but if you have charges of murder or burglary against you, you need a highly experienced lawyer.
Like it or not, things are not going to sail smooth inside the court room and you will be asked tricky questions by the prosecutor. Only an experienced Hackensack criminal lawyer who has years of experience in legal matters and who has handled different types of cases in his career can give you the right guidance. - Lawyer’s credentials
This is actually a continuation of the first part and the credentials are as important as the lawyer’s years of experience in the legal field. Don’t hesitate to ask a lawyer about his qualification, certifications, and if he is associated with any organization.
It can be great if you can talk to some of his previous clients and gather as much information as you can about him. Doing a bit of research is always better than going wrong with your choice of layer and repenting later. - Lawyer’s fee
Well, it does not take a scientist to understand that a highly experienced Hackensack criminal lawyer will have a high fee. It is always better to inquire about the fees structure, whether hourly or flat, before you hire a professional. Make sure to ask if there will be any additional charges involved other than what he quotes you.
While you may feel a bit apprehensive about paying high legal fees for an experienced lawyer, this is better than hiring an inexperienced professional who delivers no results or fails to negotiate on the penalty. You will end up losing thousands of money in order to save a few hundred dollars. - Comfort level
As they say, you must always choose a doctor and lawyer that you are comfortable with. You must be able to feel at ease with the Hackensack criminal lawyer and pour your heart out in front of him without any inhibitions. This is possible only if the lawyer makes you feel comfortable.
A lawyer may have a great portfolio, but if you do not feel relaxed when talking to him, then he is probably not the right choice for you. Choose a layer that gives you the kind of comfort level you are looking for. This important factor can determine the fate of your case. - Ease of access
The Hackensack criminal lawyer should be easily accessible when you need him. Make sure he has an office in the city that can be easily reached. You may also want to check his office hours to ensure that they are convenient for you. After the lawyer has taken your case, he should be available even after office hours if an important subject needs to be discussed.
When looking for a criminal lawyer in Hackensack, you will come across a plethora of options both online and offline. However, taking a decision in haste can have a detrimental impact on your future. Keep the above points in mind to choose a lawyer who is capable of defending you in the best possible way and negotiating the charges to ensure that you incur minimum loss of money or freedom.