How To Choose A Criminal Defense Lawyer
Even if you are a law-abiding citizen, you may find yourself or a loved one charged with a crime. If you find yourself in this situation, it is imperative to retain an experienced and qualified criminal defense attorney to protect your rights. Here are some tips on how to choose a criminal defense attorney in the state of Mississippi.
Finding The Right Lawyer
If charged with a crime, you have a constitutional right to be represented by an attorney. If you do not secure your own attorney, one may be appointed for you. Court appointed lawyers are good at what they do, but because of their heavy case load, they may be extremely limited to the time they have to devote to your case.
If you decide to hire an attorney, you should start with the following criteria:
- Located in your region: The attorney you chose should have experience in the jurisdiction where you are charged. They may have an established rapport with the legal system that can stand you in good stead during the trial. Local attorneys are also more familiar with local laws and ordinances and even the peculiarities of particular judges.
- Criminal law experience: Obviously, you want to find someone with experience handling the crime with which you are charged. If you are arrested for DUI, you want a lawyer experienced with DUI cases.
- Trial experience: Criminal cases are more likely to go to trial than their civil counterparts so your attorney needs to be experienced in handling the complexities of a criminal trial.
A Former Prosecutor Who Now Defends Against Criminal Charges
Attorney Mel Coxwell, founder of the Law Offices of Mel Coxwell, is a former prosecutor who brings more than 25 years of experience to his clients’ representation. We will provide an initial consultation where we will review your case thoroughly in plain English, not legalese. If you or a loved one needs a criminal defense attorney, call 601-724-8723 or use our online contact form to start building your case.
