The overall crime rate in Kansas City is much higher than the national average. In fact, it’s 128% higher than the country’s average. The city is full of individuals who have committed crimes, as well as those who haven’t committed crimes but are wrongly accused.
If you’re facing criminal charges, you should find a Kansas City criminal defense attorney. But there are many attorneys to choose from. To make the best decision, look for someone with the following qualities.
1. Experience with Criminal Cases
There are many different aspects of the law. While some lawyers handle mostly civil cases, others are experts in criminal law. It’s important to work with an attorney who has represented many clients in criminal cases.
This is because civil attorneys often represent people in civil matters, like personal injury claims and immigration proceedings. They don’t have a great deal of knowledge of the criminal court. Therefore, they aren’t familiar with the processes or the laws.
You should also look for an attorney who has extensive knowledge about criminal law and has represented people in cases similar to yours. For instance, a drunk driving case is nothing like an assault case. Before you decide to work with a law firm, ask about their areas of expertise. They should be willing to answer all of your questions.
2. Someone Local
If possible, you should hire a local lawyer. Although laws tend to be the same throughout the state, courthouses differ. The procedures in a St. Louis courtroom could be different from that of a Kansas City courtroom.
By working with a local attorney, you get someone with insider knowledge. They know about the biases of Jackson County judges, for instance, and the likelihood of a prosecutor, for instance, to sign off on a plea bargain. In some cases, they can use this knowledge to your advantage.
Meanwhile, an attorney from another city is going into your case blind. They need to do research to find out more about the local court. In addition to costing you money, that research could also be inaccurate. Their lack of local experience could hurt your case.
3. Excellent Communication
Your defense attorney will be speaking on your behalf. For that reason, it’s important that they listen to you and understand what you want. It’s equally important that they communicate well with you. They should be clear about their defense strategy and willing to answer your questions about it.
One of the keys to choosing a Kansas City criminal defense attorney is finding someone with whom you are comfortable. They shouldn’t intimidate you or make you feel as if you can’t ask questions. Rather, they should do the opposite. They should give you the feeling that you are a partner in your case. After all, you’re the one who has to live with the outcome. The best way to find out about how you and an attorney would work together is to schedule a consultation.
4. A Good Reputation
No attorney has a perfect reputation. However, some are more well-regarded than others. Do some research and look for reviews on several local law firms. As you read the reviews, keep in mind that no law firm is perfect. Look for the overall picture. Are most of the clients satisfied? What are the complaints regarding?
If there are multiple complaints about communication or defense strategies, you should consider looking at another firm. But if the majority of clients are happy with their representation, you should consider requesting a consultation.
