{"id":352229,"date":"2024-01-12T17:30:16","date_gmt":"2024-01-12T22:30:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-legal-help\/getting-criminal-lawyer.html"},"modified":"2024-01-12T17:30:16","modified_gmt":"2024-01-12T22:30:16","slug":"getting-criminal-lawyer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-legal-help\/getting-criminal-lawyer.html","title":{"rendered":"Using a Criminal Lawyer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Finding the Right Criminal Lawyer for Your Case<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Anyone facing criminal charges should consult an attorney. You need advice from a legal professional when facing jail time or a trial. But, in some cases, you may not need to hire an expensive attorney to stand next to you in court.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

If you already have a criminal record, you may have an attorney, but they might not be the right lawyer for this case. You may have been charged with a different crime or be in a jurisdiction other than your original case. Maybe you’re not happy with how the first case turned ou<\/p>\r\n

You need a good criminal defense attorney if you get pulled into the criminal justice system. Many articles and websites can help you find a criminal lawyer<\/a>, but that may not narrow things down for you. If this is your first criminal case, finding the right attorney is particularly important because the outcome will affect the rest of your life.<\/p>\r\n

Read on to learn how to find the right criminal attorney for your case and where to look for the best legal advice you can afford.<\/p>\r\n

Do You Need a Criminal Attorney?<\/h2>\r\n

There are three types of criminal offenses:<\/p>\r\n