How to Find a Good Criminal Defense Lawyer in Ohio

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Ohio, effective legal counsel can give you the best chance of success. Here’s how you can find the right attorney to protect your rights and seek the outcome you deserve.

Look for Local Expertise

First, you may want to look for a criminal defense lawyer with significant local expertise. Your criminal defense attorney should have in-depth knowledge of Ohio criminal law and sentencing guidelines. However, your attorney also should have experience with the local court system, including the particular rules and procedures of the courthouse where your criminal trial will occur. A good criminal defense lawyer will also have working relationships with court staff and judges, which they can rely on to move your case forward. A defense attorney with solid working relationships with local prosecutors may help you secure a more favorable resolution to your charges.

Assess Experience and Specialization

You can also consider a lawyer’s experience and specialization in criminal law and the specific charges you face. A defense attorney familiar with the criminal statutes involved in your case can better help you develop a tailored, compelling defense strategy. In assessing a defense lawyer’s experience, you can ask the attorney how cases involving your charges they have handled and their success rate (dismissal, acquittal, or a favorable sentence)

Research Credentials and Reputation

When considering prospective criminal defense attorneys, you should verify their credentials on the Ohio State Bar Association’s website, which may allow you to confirm the validity of their law license and review their disciplinary history (if any). You can also consider whether the lawyer has professional certifications, including board certifications from the Ohio State Bar Association.

Finally, you may ask for or look up an attorney’s client reviews, testimonials, and peer review ratings to assess their reputation among clients and legal peers.

Schedule Consultations

Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer, you should schedule an initial consultation. Although some criminal defense lawyers charge a fee for an initial consultation, a consultation will allow you to assess your future working relationship with the attorney. An initial consultation allows the attorney to assess your case and potential strategies. Having an initial consultation will allow you to ask important questions like:

• What are the potential outcomes of my case?
• What are your fees and payment structure?
• How often will you contact me about my case?
• How quickly can I reach you?

Evaluate Communication and Accessibility

Clear communication and responsiveness will significantly affect your working relationship with your criminal defense attorney. During your initial communications and first consultation, watch out for potential red flags, such as a lack of transparency, slow responsiveness/difficulty reaching the lawyer, or rude, curt, or dismissive behavior that makes it seem like the lawyer does not care about you or your case.

Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you face criminal prosecution in Ohio, hiring a seasoned, dedicated criminal defense attorney can give you the best chance to secure a favorable resolution to your charges. Contact DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder today for a confidential consultation with our legal team to discuss how we can help you face your charges and defend your rights, reputation, and freedom.