Being charged with a crime in San Marcos, Texas is no laughing matter. Depending on the nature of the crime you’ve been accused of, a conviction could result in fines, fees, probation, and even time in prison. Even if this is your first offense, you may face significant penalties if you are found guilty. Taking your chances with a public defender or a pro bono criminal lawyer in San Marcos is not recommended, given the high-stakes nature of the situation. Similarly, representing yourself is an almost surefire way to lose your case, statistically speaking.
You need a skilled, experienced criminal defense attorney by your side who knows the law and who will fight hard to protect your rights. But selecting the right lawyer for you can be tricky. Here is some helpful information on how to choose a San Marcos criminal defense attorney who is worthy to represent your interests.
What To Look For
Choosing a lawyer to handle your criminal case can be a confusing process if you do not know what questions to ask or what to look for. Hiring a lawyer who you cannot trust or who leaves you in the dark about your case could lead to disastrous results. While you may be able to change lawyers mid-way through your case, that turn of events could cause substantial delays and ultimately affect the outcome of your case. Here are a few things you should keep an eye out for when selecting a San Marcos criminal defense lawyer:
Client Reviews – Authentic, recent client reviews are an excellent resource. They can help you to learn about how attorneys handle their cases and can serve as a good gauge of how satisfied their former clients are with their representation. Be sure to look at as many reviews as possible and assess both negative and positive reviews. Everyone receives negative feedback sometimes. But a significant number of negative reviews is a red flag.
Credentials and Licensing – Any lawyer you choose will need to have a valid Texas law license in good standing. You may want to search the Texas Bar’s website to confirm that your lawyer has an active law license and has not been subject to license suspension or revocation in the past. Various publications and consumer advocacy groups rank lawyers and law firms and give out awards for exemplary service. These sources can be a good reference point when searching for a criminal defense attorney.
Experience – If you are facing criminal charges in San Marcos, you may want to consider lawyers who are local to the area and have experience handling similar cases in the San Marcos court system. While any lawyer licensed to practice law in Texas can technically represent you, defense lawyers with experience handling criminal matters in San Marcos and surrounding areas have the unique advantage of knowing the local court rules and how the local court system operates. These lawyers also have typically spent years forming relationships with prosecutors, judges, and court staff that can be leveraged to help you receive the most favorable outcome in your criminal case.
Choosing The Right Lawyer For You
Aside from credentials and qualifications, selecting a San Marcos criminal attorney also involves finding one who will work well with you as you navigate difficult circumstances. Here are a few tips on how to find the right lawyer for you:
Communication – A good lawyer is also a good communicator. But individual lawyers have different communication styles. Because communication and availability are crucial to a solid working relationship, you should choose a lawyer who has a communication style that works well with yours.
Additionally, if you prefer to be in consistent contact with your lawyer, it is recommended that you hire someone who will keep you posted on the status of your case and be readily available to answer your questions or concerns.
Compassion – If you have been charged with a criminal offense, you are likely going through one of the most difficult times of your life. Your lawyer is one of the few people who will understand the ins and outs of your case and how it is impacting your life. This means that whomever you decide to hire to represent you should approach your case with the passion and focus that it deserves.
Cost – Unless you are independently wealthy, how much your lawyer will charge you will be an important factor in determining who to hire. It is essential to understand that the most expensive lawyer is not always the best, and the cheapest attorney may not be the worst. How much your lawyer will charge and how the fee is calculated is certainly something you will want to be clear about before you hire them. If you have questions about their fees, it is essential you gain clarity before your lawyer begins working on your case.
San Marcos, Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you are facing criminal charges in San Marcos, not only is your good name and reputation at stake, but your freedom could also be in jeopardy. With so much on the line, it is not recommended that you entrust your future to a public defender or a pro bono criminal lawyer in San Marcos. It is crucial that you find a criminal defense attorney with whom you feel comfortable and who will fight to protect your rights.
The attorneys at Cofer & Connelly strongly believe that every person charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty and that this right cannot be taken away no matter what the person has been accused of. Lead attorney, Rick Cofer, has handled thousands of criminal cases and knows the San Marcos court system inside and out. Rick has also been named one of the best attorneys in the area for the last two years. Under his leadership, every attorney at Cofer & Connelly works tirelessly to better ensure that its clients receive favorable outcomes under their unique circumstances. If you’re facing criminal charges, reach out to Cofer & Connelly today by calling (512) 991-0576 or by contacting them online to learn more.
