If you have committed a crime, or are accused of doing so, it's always in your best interest to obtain proper legal representation. With the quality assistance of a defense lawyer, you'll have a better understanding of your rights and the benefit of a better potential outcome than if you decide to represent yourself. All lawyers aren't the same, so you should do your due diligence and understand what's involved with a criminal defense. Here are things to know when hiring a defense lawyer.

1. Defense Is More Affordable Than You Think

During a criminal trial, some people may assume they can't afford to hire an attorney. When people think of criminal defenses, they may think of high-profile cases with millionaire clients. Going off the average salary of a typical lawyer, some defendants assume because they have lesser means, that a defense attorney is beyond reach. As a result, many people go with a court-appointed attorney. This is only doing themself a disservice since they won't have the amount of insight and pull that a more experienced defense lawyer has. They also don't have the same relationship with you because you didn't choose them. Your local defense lawyer may be available by way of a payment plan. Many of them also offer free estimates and consultations, so you can do your due diligence in terms of assessing their style, background, and legal fees.

2. Contacting Them Early Is Essential

It's never too early to contact a lawyer if you think the case is brewing against you. The earlier you get a legal team on your side, the earlier they can start building a defense plan. After all, it's your lawyer's job to gather evidence, call witnesses, contact the police if necessary, and do whatever they can to help your situation.

If you don't connect with a private counsel early, you may end up with a public defendant. This is not in your best interest since, according to Prison Legal News, convicted defendants represented by public or assigned counsel were more likely to be sentenced to incarceration. Roughly two-thirds of convicted defendants with private attorneys were sentenced to either prison or jail; a decrease when compared to those represented by public defendants.

3. Expect a Lot of Communication

Going through a criminal defense trial is a serious matter. A good defense lawyer will always keep you updated on anything that comes up. Whether it's new evidence or a change in court dates, your lawyer doesn't want to leave you hanging or be surprised. Plus, it's essential that you're communicative and transparent on your end. If something happens regarding your case, such as someone admitting they are lying about you or threatening you, get that information to your lawyer as soon as possible.

4. You Can Have More Than One

Depending on the extent of your case, you may want to get a defense team instead of just one lawyer. It's perfectly acceptable to hire more than one lawyer if you have the money and feel it will help you. When you're building a team, instead of just one lawyer, make sure these lawyers can work together on your case. After all, lawyers have different working styles, egos, and success rates. Therefore, you want to ensure it's a good match that can work in your favor and not against you.

5. Find Out About Their Success Rate

Try to avoid hiring a defense lawyer with a poor track record. If half their clients are sitting in jail now or undergo harsh sentences, you may want to look somewhere else. You can always ask about the lawyer's success rate during a consultation or do some research with the Bar Association.

6. You Don't Have to Be Innocent

A defense lawyer's job is to be impartial with their clients. Therefore, they understand some clients are guilty. If it's obvious that you're guilty of a crime, while your lawyer may not be able to defend your innocence, they may be able to see if they can get you a reduced sentence, depending on your background or the motivation behind the crime.

Whether you're guilty, innocent, or had motivation behind a crime, such as self-defense, a professional defense lawyer can help you. Understanding their services and what to expect can help you make the right choice. If you want a defense lawyer with Association memberships, experience, and offers free consultations, look no further than our firm. Contact the Law Offices of Jason Pollack, Esq today to learn about how we can help.