You can find a criminal defense practitioner in the phone book or online in less than a minute, but that doesn’t mean you should hire them. Contrary to popular belief, legal professionals are not all the same.
- They employ different strategies.
- They deal with clients in different ways.
- They have different degrees of knowledge about courts and judges.
Some are just starting their careers, while others are successful and well-established. As you can see, there is much to consider when choosing a representative.
Why local?
After an arrest for drug possession or theft (or any illegal activity), you can expect a trip through the Louisiana criminal justice system. A representative with roots in the community knows local laws, courtroom procedures and judge peculiarities.
For example, they know which judges are sympathetic to defendants with substance abuse problems and which ones treat drug offenses like cocaine possession harshly. This knowledge enables defense practitioners to custom-tailor a strategy that accounts for judicial preferences and other local matters.
Why experienced?
You may think any trained and educated representative can handle a criminal case. Those new to the industry are equipped with fresh training and education but lack real-world experience.
Defense representatives learn as they go in many ways because it takes time and practice to perfect courtroom strategies, especially in criminal cases. For example, less experienced counsel may encourage you to accept a plea deal that a more seasoned representative would urge you to reject.
When your freedom and way of life are at stake, experience can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Choose wisely to obtain the most favorable odds of overcoming your circumstances.