Hiring A New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney
If you’re currently in the process of trying to find a lawyer, you are probably scratching your head about how to find a lawyer that is right for your situation. You’ll probably want to know how much experience the prospective attorney has in handling legal situations like yours. Finding the right NJ criminal defense attorney, presents a unique set of circumstances. Your freedom and life may be hanging in the balance, and you want to be sure that your hiring decision is an informed one.
There are two predominant ways that people look for lawyers. First, you could ask a family member or friend to recommend someone. However, you might not have access to people that are familiar with the type of lawyer you need for your legal matter. Traditionally, the next route is to use the Yellow Book or some other form of directory listing. The problem with finding a lawyer this way is that it could take a lot of time. Furthermore, there is no good way to distinguish one lawyer from another by listing alone.
Finding the right lawyer for your situation is critical to maximizing your chances of a successful outcome. That is why the Supreme Court of New Jersey has commissioned the Board on Attorney Certification. The Board has created the certification process to protect people from false advertising and to increase the quality of representation of attorneys in New Jersey. The certification program was created to help you make an informed decision when you are in need of a lawyer.
There are 4 general practice areas for which the Board offers certification. These include, but are not limit to, civil practice, matrimonial practice, and criminal practice. The criminal trial lawyer certification provides consumers with a basis from which to make a decision about hiring the right NJ criminal defense attorney. These criminal attorneys are recognized for having a certain competence in the handling of criminal legal matters. Criminal Trial Lawyer certification means that the attorney has demonstrated the required amount of experience, learning, information, and prowess in criminal defense; has passed the required testing; and has been endorsed by colleagues as skillful and reputable in criminal law.
When looking for a lawyer, don’t hesitate to ask whether or not they have Board certification. While this shouldn’t be the only factor playing into your decision, it is a good guideline for helping you find criminal lawyers that are experienced in handling criminal cases in New Jersey. You can also review the list of certified criminal defense lawyers at the New Jersey Board of Attorney Certification’s website. There, you will find more information about the certification process, as well as, a complete list of all certified attorneys in the various practice areas.
Criminal charges can lead to a seriously tarnished record, heavy fines and even years in jail. Each decision you make today could affect your life for years down the road. Don’t speak a word to the police, and choose your NJ criminal defense attorney carefully. For more information on New Jersey criminal defense law, read our NJ criminal attorney blog.