When people need a criminal defense lawyer, they often don’t know where to start. Many turn to Google, hoping the algorithm will work some magic and deliver a reasonably priced attorney who “knows the law like Johnny Cochran.” But when your freedom is on the line, you don’t have the luxury of Google shopping. By the time you need a criminal lawyer, time is already working against you.
That’s why the real work of finding the right lawyer should happen long before you ever need one.
A good place to start is the community. Who shows up? Who educates instead of performs? Who tells people the truth, even when it’s hard to hear? The right lawyer is rarely the one who tells you what you want to hear. It’s the one who prepares you for what’s actually coming.
A good criminal defense lawyer is also a teacher. While you will rarely speak for yourself until trial, you should understand your case well enough to feel confident, grounded, and informed. Like any great teacher, a great lawyer only succeeds when effort is put in on both sides. Preparation is a partnership.
Trust is everything. Your lawyer will make judgment calls that affect your life, your family, and your future. That trust doesn’t come from promises or friendliness, it comes from experience, discernment, and the willingness to fight when it matters. Many people think they want a lawyer who is friends with everyone. In reality, good outcomes come from strong advocacy, not strong friendships.
The initial consultation is critical. Did the lawyer explain what lies ahead? Did they calm you without sugarcoating reality? You shouldn’t leave feeling like everything is “fine.” You should leave feeling prepared for a long fight.
Ultimately, choosing a lawyer is also a matter of instinct. You know who you want standing next to you in court, someone who understands who you are, who won’t miss the mark when it counts, and who will fight for you even when you don’t yet see your own potential.
That’s what real advocacy looks like.
If you would like a consultation on this or any legal matter, do not hesitate to contact Scaringi Law at 717-657-7770.