The Top Criminal Defense Attorneys Have Similar Characteristics.

All lawyers are not the same and different attorneys are capable of achieving different results. The top, retained criminal defense lawyers will have a reputation for achieving extraordinary results.

What Makes a Highly Respected, Great Criminal Defense Lawyer?

The role of a defense lawyer is to protect the legal interests of his or her client and advise and counsel a client during a pending case. This role encompasses all aspects of a client’s interests. A defense lawyer must step in between the government and the client, make sure the government acts appropriately, follows the rules, and does not trample on a defendant’s rights. A defense lawyer should never shrink from a fight with the government and must have the guts to go to bat for a client who is virtually helpless against the government without the lawyer. The government has almost unlimited resources, and without a fearless lawyer by his or her side, the government would easily overwhelm a defendant. In short, the defense lawyer’s job is to obtain the best possible result for the client, including getting all charges dismissed if possible and doing whatever is necessary to help the client avoid jail or prison. If you face criminal charges and your wondering, “is it worth hiring a criminal defense lawyer?” the answer is “definitely yes.”

“I’m Accused of Doing Something Pretty Bad. Will my Lawyer Still Do His or Her Best?”

It is natural and human for a defense attorney sometimes to have an aversion to the alleged crime committed by a client. But the best lawyers know how to put that aside and do their best, even for a client that may have done something wrong. In fact, putting aside personal feelings comes naturally to the best lawyers, and they really don’t even have to think about it. Everyone has heard the familiar question put to attorneys: How can you defend someone like that? The answer of an experienced, reputable, and top-rated attorney is: “That’s my job, and I have no problem with it.” The best attorneys never internalize the alleged crime or harbor resentment against a client.

A seasoned defense attorney has seen clients who have made a terrible mistake. On the other hand, an experienced defense lawyer knows that prosecutors frequently try to gain an unfair advantage in court, police officers often exaggerate evidence or hide favorable facts, and judges frequently take sentences to the extreme and ignore mitigating facts. In any case, a great lawyer can find a way to fight for and protect every client, regardless of the allegations.

Why Are Lawyers Called Attorneys and Counselors?

Attorneys are more than people who fill out forms and file documents with the court. Of course, this is part of it, but as the title indicates, attorneys are also supposed to be the most trusted counselor and advisor a defendant can have. The best attorneys give moral support and comfort to people who are in perhaps the most challenging time of their lives, possibly facing jail and a loss of their reputation and their employment, maybe more. Doing an excellent job in court and fending off the government is what the public sees. What is unseen are the after-hours telephone calls and the conversations giving comfort, hope, and advice on a personal level before and after the time in court. The attorney may communicate with the client’s family when the client can not communicate, and the attorney affirms the client’s humanity when the client feels the entire world is against them. When deciding whether it is worth hiring a criminal defense lawyer, you should determine if the lawyer is willing to talk with you, answer your questions, and work with you to develop a winning strategy.

Are Court-Appointed Attorneys as Good as Retained Criminal Defense Lawyers?

Many good attorneys take court-appointed cases. The question is whether they will spend the time and effort needed to do everything possible to defend a client in court and to counsel a client outside of court to the extent the client needs it. The answer is very often, “no.” The attorney handling a court-appointed case has diminished resources compared to a retained attorney. They typically are not paid for many efforts they should be taking, such as doing thorough research on issues in the case, interviewing witnesses, and obtaining expert witnesses when they are needed, to name a few. Failure to do all that is necessary is a recipe for a bad result in court. Faced with a lack of funds and not being paid to do many critical tasks, a court-appointed attorney will naturally be tempted to arrange a plea bargain and wrap up the case quickly. This is not to say a court-appointed attorney will always “sell you down the river,” but they will indeed be tempted to try to end the case as quickly as possible. This can never be in the client’s best interest. One thing is clear; the only way to choose the best lawyer for you is to hire someone privately.

You might be trying to decide if it is worth spending the money and hiring a criminal defense lawyer. The best way to figure out the answer is to talk with a retained defense lawyer and see what they have to say. You will want to ask about their reputation, track record, experience, methodology of defending clients, and attorney fees.

The Best Criminal Defense Attorneys and Counselors

The dedicated, experienced, and zealous defense attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have successfully represented thousands of clients on felony and misdemeanor charges in Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw, and Livingston Counties and throughout Southeastern Michigan. We have a well-earned reputation for providing the highest quality defense and aggressive representation, while showing empathy and care for each client. If achieving the best possible outcome, including the possibility of a dismissal of charges and avoiding jail, is essential, there is no doubt that it is worth hiring a great criminal defense lawyer.

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete a Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.