If you've been charged with a crime, then choosing the right defense attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make. Your lawyer must be experienced enough to know what they are doing and skilled enough to win your case. Here are some tips for choosing the right defense attorney.

1. Get Recommendations From Family and Friends

The first thing you can do is ask your family and friends if anyone knows a good defense attorney. Make sure the attorney they recommend has experience with the type of crime you have been charged with. Also, find out if they have won their cases or not. If someone you know has a great lawyer, that is probably the first place you should start your search.

2. Look up Reviews Online

You should also check out online defense attorney reviews to see what other people are saying about them. The best way to do this is by googling things like "Name of Attorney" + "reviews." You can also look on Yelp and other review sites to find out how people feel about attorneys they have worked with.

3. Visit the Attorney in Person

Once you have done your research, look up where their office is located and make an appointment to meet with them in person. You generally do not need to pay anything until you are sure that they are the right defense attorney for you.

4. Ask Questions That Matter to You Most

The most important thing is to ask them all the questions you have. How long have they been practicing law? What types of cases have they won? Have they ever lost a case? What percentage of their cases do they win? Ask them anything and everything that is on your mind. If you like what you hear from them, this may be the attorney you want to work with.

5. Trust Your Gut Instincts

After you have met with them, trust your gut instincts. If you feel comfortable with an attorney, that is a good sign. Also, if their personality meshes well with yours, then you'll probably work well together.

6. Legal Fees

You should also consider the cost of hiring a defense attorney. Not all attorneys charge the same amount, and some may be more affordable than others. If you can't afford an expensive lawyer, then try to find one with a sliding fee scale (which means they will only charge you what you can afford). No matter how much money you have, you should always hire a defense attorney.

People represented by public defenders or assigned lawyers are more likely to be sentenced to jail or prison than people who have private attorneys. A personal attorney is worth the money because they can negotiate better plea deals, work with prosecutors better, and take other actions to help their clients avoid jail time.