It happens to many people at various points in their lives: a criminal trial. No matter the case type, you need a criminal defense lawyer who can help you fight charges and potentially avoid fines and prison time. However, according to Law Firm, there are over 252,159 defense lawyers in the United States. With so many professionals to choose from, who's the best person to hire? Follow these six steps to narrow your options and find a lawyer you can trust to handle your case.

1. Know Your Charges

First, know exactly what you’re being charged with and why. Get official paperwork from the courts — including your charges — to make sure you know what’s happening. Your charges can greatly affect what type of lawyer works best for your case.

For example, some attorneys cover financial law specifically, such as embezzlement, while others cover violence, such as assault. Do a quick Google search for lawyers in your area who cover your charge. Then, you can expand your research to find a great legal defense expert.

2. Get Referrals

Many people hire lawyers for all sorts of case types. From personal injuries to DUI convictions to issues more minor like traffic violations, some law offices offer assistance with an assortment of cases. Therefore, when you're in search of an attorney, ask around to friends and family if they've worked with an excellent lawyer who can assist with your case.

You may want to collect a list of about 20 to 30 lawyers, depending on your case. It's better to have too many instead of too few options. You can then narrow down your choices to more specific attorneys who best suit your needs.

3. Focus on Experience

Not every criminal defense lawyer is built equally; some younger attorneys might be ready to take on the world but have little trial time. That said, older lawyers with decades of knowledge might lack that kind of go-get-em energy. Overall, more experience is usually better.

That said, the experience should apply to your case. If you’re in a criminal case for tax fraud, don’t hire someone with 30 years of work in murder defense. Sure, they probably know a bit about your case type, but working with a finance-based attorney will be a better choice.

4. Read Reviews Online

Should you really read online reviews when exploring your defense options? Absolutely. Read through the more thoughtful two to four-star reviews for a better grasp of a lawyer. Check out sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if a lawyer has any complaints, too. Specialized attorney sites, like Super Law, can also help you do some research. This more in-depth analysis is often accurate.

5. Call Lawyers Individually

Calling 10 or more lawyers probably sounds like a lot, but it’s important to have a conversation with an attorney before hiring them. Talk to them about their expertise, their fees, and any other information that you need to make a choice.

Most importantly, get a feel for them as a person; do you think you can trust them to defend you properly? That’s critical. You should mesh well with your attorney and feel comfortable with them.

6. Get a Free Case Review

Many criminal defense lawyers offer free case reviews to showcase their knowledge and provide you with the necessary information for your case before you hire them. They'll learn the ins and outs of your case to understand the best angle to take in court. From here, you can decide if an attorney is a suitable match for your charges.

Use these steps to find a criminal defense lawyer who understands your case type. Focus heavily on experience, quality, and customer service, as these factors improve your chances of success. Here at Ianniello Chauvin, LLP, we offer over 100 years of legal experience. We help our clients with personal injury, criminal defense, DUI/DWI, traffic violations, civil litigation, commercial law, commercial real estate, and business transactions. We also offer free case reviews. If you're in the Saratoga Springs, NY area, be sure to get in touch with our team. We look forward to hearing from you and providing you with the legal experience and expertise you require.