Houston’s drug crime rate is 5.8 per 1000 residents. A drug crime often has a penalty attached that requires a lengthy prison sentence in a correctional facility. Suppose you are facing drug crime charges.
In that case, it is crucial to find an expert Houston criminal defense attorney who can provide the best possible litigation representation so that you don’t face incarceration for an extensive period.
An excellent criminal defense attorney will help develop a defense based on the facts of the case and, if it is a strong one, negotiate with prosecutors to get you a reduced sentence. Here’s how to find them:
1. Obtain a List of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Your Area
Though you can find lawyers online or by asking family and friends, it is best to start with the list your lawyer will provide. This list typically includes information on criminal defense lawyers in their practice area(s) qualified to work on cases like yours.
2. Check Experience and Qualifications
The most qualified Houston criminal defense attorney for your case will possess extensive experience defending clients facing similar charges, especially if they successfully won the case and negotiated a reduced sentence compared to what they could have gotten.
They should also be familiar with the local court’s laws, federal laws, and other applicable laws.
3. Schedule a Consultation
After you have read reviews and visited their websites, ask yourself if this is someone who comes across as an experienced professional with integrity.
Do they make you feel comfortable and confident in their ability to defend your case? If so, call and set up a consultation. Find out the details about their fees and their payment plans.
Make sure to mention any concerns you have about the case and everything that you know or have been told about it so far.
4. Discuss Your Case
You should be able to tell from the way your lawyer responds whether they are confident in their ability to fight for your rights and defend your case.
They should take a genuine interest in you and the details of your case, especially if they have a history of successfully defending criminal defense clients facing similar charges.
While every case is different from one another, know that an experienced criminal defense attorney has represented many clients just like you and has been able to negotiate for reduced or dropped charges as well as get their clients light sentences.
5. Trust Your Discretion
If you are not feeling comfortable with a particular lawyer, plenty of others out there can help defend you against drug crime allegations. Prepare yourself for the costs and make sure that you can make monthly payments if necessary.
Criminal defense lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you do not have to pay them an hourly rate or up-front costs. If they win your case, they will get the fees for their services from the court. On the other hand, you would owe them nothing if you lost your case.
Final Thoughts
The key is to do your legal research and trust your gut when finding an experienced and highly qualified criminal defense lawyer who can help get you the best possible outcome for your case.
Ayesha completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and started her career as a College Lecturer in 2013. Today, she’s a happy mom of 2 Kids in the field of digital marketing. She loves reading books, spending time with her family, and making delicious food for her husband.
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