Welcome back, and thanks for joining us as we wrap up this discussion on how to choose the right defense attorney to represent you during a child abuse or neglect defense case. IF you are just joining us now, we recommend that you  take a moment to go back and catch up on the prior points we listed. If you’ve been with us from the beginning, however, let’s pick up where we left off.

 

• Do your homework

Once you have chosen an attorney you would like to work with, take a little time to do your homework. Anyone can look good on their own website, but is there any other information available to back up their claims? What reviews were left for them by others who hired them in the past? Which national, statewide and local media outlets have covered this lawyer?

 

Look at the professional memberships and legal organizations they belong to. A practicing Michigan attorney must belong to the State Bar of Michigan. A lawyer who belongs to the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) or the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan (CDAM) are other good indicators that the attorney in question is serious about their practice.

 

• Where were they educated?

Another indicator of a good attorney is a good education. Find out where your attorney of choice went to get their law degree, and what degree they hold. Having a Juris Doctorate, also called a Juris Doctor, from a reputable law school goes a long way, especially if the attorney graduated cum laude (which means “with honors” in Latin). However, this should not be among the only major factors that sway you one way or the other. Top criminal defense attorneys agree that learning how to defend against criminal charges really begins after law school ends.

 

This information should be available on every attorney’s web page, along with information about where they are legally permitted to practice law. Pay attention to a lawyer’s scope of practice. While an attorney who can practice law here in a Michigan court can do a great job, an attorney who can practice law in both federal and state courts may have more experience, and a history of handling more complex cases.

 

• The importance of a meeting

Most attorneys offer a free consultation, which allows you to meet with them before deciding to hire them. Always make use of this free consultation! It’s an opportunity to learn more about your case, and to determine whether or not your attorney is a good fit for you. Pay attention to communication skills, as these will be crucial during this process.

 

Making sure that you choose the best possible abuse and neglect defense attorney to represent your interest in a criminal case can make a huge difference in how your case turns out. A skilled attorney can mean the difference between a dismissal and 20 years in prison. When choosing an attorney to represent you, make sure that you select someone skilled and aggressive, with experience in the area that you will be needing help.  

 

The highly skilled defense attorneys at The Kronzek Firm have worked with thousands of criminal cases over the decades. Our lawyers have extensive previous experience in abuse and neglect defense, police work and in dealing with CPS. We believe that our team has an edge, because we understand every angle of a case, whether it’s taking place in criminal court or in family court. So if you or a loved one are facing allegations of child abuse or neglect, we are available 24/7 at 1 866-766-5245. Call us immediately. We are here to help.