What Does A Criminal Lawyer Do?
Fort Worth Criminal Defense Attorney Guide
Part 1: Introduction
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Become a Proactive Criminal Defense Client
When you are faced with criminal charges, picking the right defense attorney can be the most important part of the entire ordeal. Knowing from the beginning what you can expect a qualified criminal defense attorney to do for you can save you time, money, your reputation and possibly your life. If any one of these four things is important to you, then you should dedicate some time to researching, calling and meeting multiple defense attorneys until you have found the right one.
This introductory article is the first in a 12-part series to help inform our readers about the capabilities and responsibilities of a quality criminal defense attorney. Using this guide to help educate yourself on what to look for when hiring a defense attorney and what to expect throughout the criminal justice process will show your attorney that you are proactive and expect results.
Become an Informed Criminal Defense Client
Many people who have no prior experience with the world of criminal law will probably spend at least a little time on the Internet, but don’t aimlessly waste time Googling “best criminal defense attorney in Fort Worth.” Just as important as finding the best attorney is knowing what you expect that attorney to do for you once you find them. As in other professions, all criminal defense attorneys are not created equal. Although we are all required to adhere to the same set of rules and ethical guidelines, there is a tangible range of skill, capability, education, and experience that serves to set each attorney apart. Similarly, no single criminal case is identical to another, and so should be treated as a new and unique set of problems to be analyzed and prioritized by your defense counsel. Criminal offenses can range from Class C traffic tickets, to minor and serious juvenile crimes, to misdemeanor thefts and possessions of marijuana, to felony assaults and robberies, to federal offenses—but they all have one thing in common: representation on any type of case by an inexperienced defense attorney can cause more harm than benefit.
Any attorney you interview should be upfront and honest about their abilities and current case load (the American Bar Association recommends limiting it to 100 cases), familiarity with the elements of the crime you’ve been accused of, potential outcomes and willingness to work towards your desired conclusion for the case, ability to take the case to trial if necessary, and expected and potential case costs. You should disregard any attorney that guarantees a particular outcome, tells you they are unfamiliar with the crime you’ve been accused of but are willing to learn, that charges you for an initial consultation or that is unwilling to specifically explain how their fees work.
Become a Serious Criminal Defense Client
According to the State Bar of Texas, “The primary and most fundamental obligation of defense counsel is to provide zealous and effective representation for the client at all stages of the criminal process. Counsel’s role in the criminal justice system is to fully protect and advance the client’s interests and rights.” Here’s what this boils down to: The criminal defense lawyer works for YOU and therefore has an obligation to zealously and effectively represent YOUR interests and rights throughout the entire process. It follows that YOU must know what your interests are and communicate them to your attorney.
This helpful guide will assist you in communicating with your hired attorney, developing and asking important questions along the way, assisting in preparing your case for trial, and knowing about the possible outcomes of a plea negotiation or jury trial. You should never be afraid to ask questions, propose solutions, and feel like you are a serious contributor to the outcome of your criminal case.
Become a Successful Criminal Defense Client
At Cofer Law, P.C. we are committed to giving every client the very best representation, regardless of the degree of difficulty or level of offense. Fort Worth criminal attorney Cody Cofer is board certified in criminal law and is ready to take on your case. If you have been arrested or even suspected of committing a crime, then you need to find your criminal defense attorney immediately. Cofer Law, P.C. created this guide using our extensive knowledge of criminal law as a way to help our clients prepare themselves for the road ahead. Our clients can count on us zealously representing their interests in and out of court, being upfront and reasonable about the results you can hope to expect, and taking our cases all the way to a jury verdict if necessary. Contact us right now to schedule a complimentary consultation and find out how we can help you.
