Tips For Finding the Top Criminal Defense Lawyers in Minneapolis
There are few things in life that are more stressful than facing criminal charges. While some offenses are considered more serious than others, and a criminal record could have a devastating impact on your life. That says nothing of the fact that you could face incarceration upon your conviction.If you have been charged with a crime, you could benefit from the guidance of the top criminal defense lawyers in Minneapolis, MN.
The right legal counsel could help you understand the legal jeopardy you face while developing a plan for your defense.The attorneys of Gerald Miller have a long track record of successfully defending against criminal allegations.
Our firm has beaten charges at trial and negotiated dismissals for a wide range of cases. Reach out as soon as possible for a free consultation and learn more about how we could help.
Find an Attorney Focused on Criminal Law in Minneapolis
Attorneys come in all shapes and sizes. There are countless areas and niches within the law, and it is impossible for an attorney to have a wealth of experience in each of them. For that reason, you could benefit by seeking out an attorney that focuses on criminal law.
Criminal law is complex and ever-changing. State and federal court cases constantly reshape this area of law and the rights that come with it. When you hire an attorney that limits their practice to criminal law, you are more likely to find legal counsel that understands the law as it applies to your case.
In fact, many criminal attorneys limit their focus to specific areas of criminal law. If you have been charged with a DWI, you could benefit from finding an attorney with a wealth of experience in fighting drunk driving charges. The attorneys of Gerald Miller have a long track record of success when it comes to DWI defense.
Seek Out Someone Local
The geographical area where your attorney typically practices is also important to your case. This is because there are significant differences between how judges in each county handle their dockets. State law might be uniform, but the rules and practices of each courtroom can differ significantly.
Having an attorney with knowledge of the Hennepin County courthouses in your case could be invaluable. Judges earn reputations as being harsh with sentencing or willing to listen to strong arguments regarding the exclusion of evidence. This local knowledge cannot be learned in a book, as it requires an attorney to spend time in these courtrooms.
Just knowing the local customs could help your attorney put you at ease. Small things like where the judge likes a defendant to stand or what time the judge is likely to take the bench could be useful information that you can only learn first-hand.
Look Beyond the Advertisements
Attorneys go to great lengths to market themselves. From television ads to sponsored content online, these legal professionals work to show you that they would be the right fit for your defense. If you want to find the top criminal defense lawyers to work on your case, you will need to look past these marketing efforts.
The best way to get to know your prospective legal counsel is by speaking with them directly. Most attorneys—including our firm—offer free initial consultations to anyone considering legal counsel. The opportunity to speak with an attorney at no cost to you is rare, and you should make the most of it. One of the best ways to do so is by writing down all of the questions you have before you go.
During your free consultation, you will have the chance to get insight into the thoughts and views of an attorney that cannot be expressed through a website or advertisement. You could get a chance to meet them on a personal level and determine if they are a good fit for your case.
Ask for Referrals in Minneapolis
While speaking with attorneys can provide invaluable insight into how they might handle your case, it is also helpful to learn about how they have handled similar cases in the past. This is best done through a referral from someone you know personally. Reach out to your network of friends and family for recommendations. Having someone that will vouch for the skill of your prospective attorney could provide you with useful insight into how they might help with your case.
Talk About Fees Upfront
It is never in your best interest to leave the discussion of your attorney’s fees to a later date. This only invites the possibility of a misunderstanding complicating the relationship with your attorney. By setting expectations regarding legal fees early, you can go into your defense knowing what to expect from a financial perspective.
There are different ways an attorney could bill you for their services. In criminal cases, some attorneys choose an hourly approach. This means that you will pay them their hourly rate for the time they spend on your defense. This approach can be costly and hard to estimate. What’s more, attorneys that work hourly generally require a retainer. With a retainer, you must pay the fees upfront and the attorney will draw from this pool of money as they work.
Other top criminal defense lawyers will work on a flat fee. This means when they handle a specific type of case, they will take it on for a set amount. This is especially common with charges like DWI.
Other attorneys will work on a hybrid approach. They might work on a flat fee initially in an effort to resolve the case through a negotiated plea bargain. If it becomes clear the case is likely to go to trial, the attorney could begin to charge hourly.
Ask About the Trial Experience
Some attorneys are comfortable taking criminal cases to trial. Others will go out of their way to avoid a trial—even when litigation might be in the client’s best interest. It is important to learn whether your attorney has a track record of trial experience or if they have mostly avoided going before a jury.
No one goes into a criminal case looking forward to being put on trial. However, there are times when it is in your best interest to fight for an acquittal before a jury of your peers. For that reason, it is vital that you work with legal counsel that will not shy away from a trial when it is the best thing for your case.
In fact, aggressively pursuing your case as if a trial is a certainty can improve your chances of securing a fair plea offer. When it is clear to the state that you will not accept an unreasonable plea and are unafraid of trial, they are more likely to make you a fair offer.
Find an Attorney You Get Along With in Minneapolis
If you are going through the criminal justice system, you can expect to spend a significant amount of time with your legal counsel. Given that you are likely to be in close proximity with this person, it is helpful to find an attorney you get along with on a personal level.
Attorneys are more than just a resume, they are human beings. They have personalities and emotions, and those personalities might not always mesh with yours. Given the amount of time you could potentially spend with this person, it is important that you are able to get along with them on a personal level.
If there are conflicts right away with your attorney, it might not be a good fit. You should not suffer through with an attorney you cannot get along with on a personal level, as these disagreements could put your case in jeopardy.
Talk to Our Team of Top Criminal Defense Lawyers Today in Minneapolis
Your choice of an attorney is one of the most crucial decisions you will make following your arrest. The right attorney could help you secure a favorable outcome, while the wrong attorney could make things more difficult for you.
The attorneys of Gerald Miller know how important your case is. Our firm stands ready to evaluate your case and develop the strongest defense strategy possible. To work with top criminal defense lawyers in Minneapolis, MN, call right away for a free consultation.
