You’ve found yourself in some legal trouble in Nashville, Tennessee, and now you need a criminal defense attorney. Finding the right lawyer can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is doing your research and asking the right questions.
In this article, you’ll get tips on how to look for attorneys and how to know if you’ve found someone who really understands your case and who will fight for the best possible outcome.
Identify What You Need
When looking for a Nashville criminal defense attorney, you first need to identify your specific needs. Do you need someone to represent you for a misdemeanor charge like a DUI or petty theft? Or are you facing more serious felony charges?
The severity and complexity of your case will determine the level of experience you need in an attorney. For less serious misdemeanors, you may be fine with an attorney with a few years of experience handling similar cases. They will be able to guide you through the legal process and aim for the best possible outcome, which may be a dismissal of charges or a plea deal with minimal penalties.
For a felony case, especially violent felonies or drug charges, you’ll want an attorney with at least 5-10 years of focused experience in criminal defense.
Ask for Recommendations from Friends and Family
One of the best ways to find a good criminal defense attorney is to ask people you know for recommendations. Your friends and family want the best for you, so they will likely suggest attorneys they trust. Ask if they have worked with a criminal defense lawyer before and whether they would recommend them.
Get the details of the attorney and see if they handle the type of case you need help with. Call them up and ask them a few questions about their experience, availability, and fees. See if you feel comfortable talking with them – your gut instinct can tell you a lot.
Conduct Online Research
Before you start calling attorneys at random, do some research to find potential candidates. The internet is a great resource for finding and vetting criminal defense attorneys. Do a search for “criminal defense attorneys in Nashville, TN” or similar.
Look for attorneys who specialize in criminal law and have experience defending cases similar to yours. Check each attorney’s website to review their credentials, experience, and client testimonials.
See what other clients say about the attorneys you’re interested in. Websites like Avvo, Lawyers.com, and Google Reviews allow clients to leave reviews of their experience. Look for attorneys with mostly positive reviews mentioning things like attentive service, good communication, and favorable outcomes.
Meet Potential Lawyers for Consultations
Meeting with potential attorneys is the best way to find the right fit for your case. Schedule consultations with a few lawyers you’re interested in to discuss the details of your situation. Come prepared with questions about the lawyer’s experience, availability, fees, and track record with cases similar to yours. Some things you’ll want to know:
- How long have they been practicing criminal defense law? Experience matters.
- What percentage of their caseload is devoted to criminal defense? You want someone focused on this area of law.
- What is their trial experience? If your case goes to court, you need a lawyer with litigation experience.
- Do they have experience with cases similar to yours? For example, if you’re facing drug charges, you want a lawyer with experience handling drug cases.
Pay attention to the lawyer’s communication style and whether you feel comfortable with them. They should listen to the details of your situation, answer your questions clearly, and explain your options in a straightforward manner without a lot of legalese.
Reach Out to a Nashville Criminal Defense Lawyer!
When facing criminal charges, you want an experienced Nashville criminal defense attorney fighting for you. Look no further than Byron Pugh. Byron has dedicated his career to defending the rights of individuals in Middle Tennessee.
He understands that good people sometimes make bad choices or find themselves in unforeseen circumstances. Byron will evaluate your unique situation to develop the strongest defense strategy possible. He will explore every option to get your charges reduced or dropped and work to minimize the penalties if convicted.
For a free consultation about your case, call Byron Pugh Legal at 615-255-9595.