By Attorney James Czarnecki|Czarnecki & Taylor PLLC|NOV 1, 2022
When you want to find a great Michigan criminal lawyer near you, the search process can be complicated. There are many aspects to consider when searching for representation, and knowing what to look for can help you find the right lawyer for your case. There are many qualified lawyers in Michigan, so how do you choose the right one? Here are some tips to help you find a great criminal lawyer near you.
Warning: Beware the lawyer’s fake “award” scam
Before we get into the rest of article, we want to discuss this topic. It’s important to you. We mention it in our other articles, but for your convenience, we will present it here. We will provide links to those articles here and here.
There is an increasing trend where attorneys are using “fake award” badges of recognition on their website.. Attorneys use these fake awards to market their law practice, by misleading the potential client into thinking that the award was earned based on merit. It isn’t.
The only qualification an attorney needs to earn an award is a valid credit card. These awards are not based on credentials, case results, or recognition from the local legal community. How do we know? We get solicitations from all of them. They all want to list our firm, or any law firm, as “Best trial attorney”, “Best criminal lawyer”, “lawyer of distinction”, and on and non.
The badges are such a scam and false advertising that the Federal Trade commission issued a press release titled, “Look beyond the award when you hire a lawyer.”
If you look at attorney websites, you will see that the badges in this picture resemble those used by attorneys. The FTC states:
If you suddenly need to hire a lawyer, you might start searching online. When you do, you’re likely to see lawyers and law firms with fancy-looking seals and badges on their websites claiming they’re among the best in their field. Before you move forward, know that some of these seals or badges might be “vanity” or “ego” awards that lawyers can buy.
It can be tricky to tell whether an award is earned through merit or is simply a marketing ploy, but a few questions can help. How long has this award been in existence? What requirements does someone have to meet to earn the award? How many awards are given out each year? Is a marketing company awarding it? Try searching online for the name of whoever’s giving the award plus words like “vanity,” “ego,” “marketing,” and “scam” to find out.
When choosing a lawyer, be sure to look beyond any seals or badges on lawyers’ websites.
Federal Trade Commission
We don’t put fake awards on our blog or website to deceive clients. We let our results tell the truth. Review other attorney websites. They all have the badges because they buy them. It’s dishonest, and our team does not operate that way.
Ask yourself this question, “if a lawyer needs to post fake awards on their website, can I trust them when my life is on the line?”
What are the criteria to be ranked as a “best lawyer?” A valid credit card. Attorneys know these rankings are not awarded for quality representation or based on peer voting. Honest attorneys don’t need or use them.
So, how do you know a lawyer’s experience and qualifications? By looking at the results an attorney has achieved for their clients. Our track record speaks volumes about our skills and experience as criminal defense attorneys. We would be happy to discuss your needs during a free consultation.
The initial consultation.
Everyone has different needs and expectations. Choosing a law firm is not a one size fits all approach. One person’s choice for the best attorney may not be your best choice. However, there is a way to help you find the best Michigan criminal lawyer for your case. The initial consultation can help find a great Michigan criminal lawyer near you.
Your initial consultation with your criminal attorney is critical for several reasons. First, it allows you to get a better understanding of what your legal options are and how your attorney plans to pursue them. It also gives you the opportunity to ask questions about the case and gain insight into the process from someone who has experience handling these types of cases.
One of the most important things that a criminal attorney can do during your initial consultation is to listen carefully to all the details surrounding your case so that they can develop an accurate picture of what happened and assess whether there are any defenses or mitigating circumstances that could help you avoid or minimize the penalties associated with your charges.
Your attorney will also be able to provide you with guidance about how to proceed in your case and what types of evidence may be available for use.
As you talk, the lawyer should take notes regarding your background and history so they can learn a little more about you. Any records that you bring to the consultation must be closely reviewed. At all times, the lawyer should keep an open mind regarding the facts of the case, witness statements, and evidence. The initial consultation is the first step to establishing a good working attorney-client relationship.
During the first consultation, ask yourself the following questions:
- Does the criminal lawyer understand how important this case is to me?
- Does the lawyer understand how the case can impact my family or children?
- Can I work with and speak openly to this lawyer?
- Does the lawyer explain things in a way that I can understand?
- Does the lawyer show a genuine concern for me?
- Does the lawyer seem like they have a strong desire to want to help me?
- Do I trust this lawyer?
Ask if the lawyer has experience handling your type of criminal charge.
With finding a great Michigan criminal lawyer near you, one of the most important factors to consider is their experience with cases like yours. You need an attorney who has extensive knowledge and expertise in your particular type of case, and who has a proven track record of success. For example here is the Czarnecki & Taylor track record.
There are many reasons you should ask about your attorney’s experience before hiring them. First, having an experienced attorney on your side will give you the best chance of securing a favorable outcome in your case. Experienced attorneys know how to approach cases like yours, and they have the skills and knowledge to build strong legal strategies that can help you achieve the results you want.
Besides having solid legal knowledge, experienced attorneys also have extensive knowledge of the court system and courtroom procedure. This allows them to navigate the legal process smoothly and effectively, which can help you achieve a more favorable outcome in your case.
Another important reason it is crucial to hire an experienced criminal attorney is that they can provide you with valuable insight and advice throughout your case. An experienced attorney will guide you through every step of the legal process, and they can give you helpful tips on how to handle different situations as they arise.
If you are looking for a criminal attorney who has experience handling cases like yours, be sure to do your research. With the right attorney on your side, you can feel confident that someone will handle efficiently your case and effectively, and that you will get the results you deserve.
You could ask the following questions:
- Do you have experience handling charges similar to mine?
- Who will handle my case?
- Do you go to trial? What types of cases have you taken to a jury trial?
- Can you provide examples of good plea deals you have negotiated?
- What are your attorney’s fees? Do you offer a payment plan?
- Do you have any sample motions or legal briefs?
- How often are you in court?
- Are you familiar with the judge that will handle my case?
- How is your relationship with the prosecutors?
- What percentage of your work is criminal defense?
- Does the criminal lawyer value your input or take the time to listen to you?
Based on the lawyer’s experience, can they explain the outcomes in your case?
An expert criminal lawyer advises you about the outcomes of a particular decision in a way that makes you feel confident. Always remember that an attorney cannot ethically guarantee a result. However, an experienced criminal lawyer can honestly explain the most likely outcome of your case.
A criminal defense lawyer’s role is to professionally and ethically investigate the facts and law of your case. Your criminal lawyer must provide you with a prediction about the outcome of any legal decision you make so that any decision you make is well-informed. When you are fully informed, you know what to expect. Ultimately, you will have to decide to take a plea or go to trial based on your criminal lawyer’s experienced advice.
They should take the time to explain the criminal charges against you, what the prosecution must prove, how the evidence weighs in favor of the defense and prosecution. Lastly, you want to know what consequences you may face if you are convicted.
Ask for referrals from family or friends.
If you are facing criminal charges and need to find a great Michigan criminal lawyer, it’s difficult to know where to turn for referrals. Asking your family or friends for recommendations is often the best place to start, as they may have gone through similar experiences and can provide valuable insight. Here are some tips for asking for criminal lawyer referrals from your family or friends:
1. Make sure that the person you ask has actually used a criminal defense attorney in the past. Many people may seem like they have lots of experience with lawyers, but this may just be based on their own speculation or media portrayals of legal professionals. If possible, talk to someone who has actually hired an attorney and dealt directly with the legal system.
2. Be upfront about what kind of lawyer you need. Different lawyers specialize in different areas of law, so it is important to know exactly what type of lawyer you need before asking for referrals.
3. Ask around and get multiple recommendations from different people. One person’s opinion may not be enough to give you an accurate picture of who makes a good criminal defense lawyer, so try to get referral information from as many people as possible. Ask everyone you know, including friends, family members, coworkers, and even acquaintances.
4. Look for attorneys online. Online resources are a great way to quickly identify which lawyers may be worth considering further. Look to see if they write articles or post about legal topics.
Asking for criminal lawyer referrals from your family or friends is often the best way to find an experienced and qualified attorney who can help with your case. With a little of research, you should be able to find a good lawyer who can help you achieve the best possible outcome in your legal situation.
Trust your instincts when you want to find a great Michigan criminal lawyer.
As you can see, it’s challenging to find a great Michigan criminal lawyer near you. Here is another article on who is the best criminal lawyer near you. If you do not feel comfortable after the initial consultation, or your instincts suggest you look elsewhere for a criminal attorney -do so. After all, it would be best if you were satisfied with the lawyer representing you. You want someone to advise you honestly. You want to know all of your options. If your lawyer makes you uncomfortable, is impatient, or pressures you into quickly making a decision, choose another lawyer.
About Czarnecki & Taylor
If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Michigan, our team understands who important it is to find a good criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. This is because a skilled attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and work to get the best possible outcome for your case.
Our team has extensive experience handling all types of criminal cases. Our team is committed to providing the highest quality criminal defense. Our dedication to excellence is evident in our case results. We have a proven track record of success in representing clients facing all types of criminal charges, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. No matter how complex or challenging your situation may be, you can trust that we will do everything we can to get you the results you need. Our strong track record shows that we can achieve not-guilty verdicts in the most serious of cases, negotiate favorable plea deals, and secure positive case outcomes no matter the charges.
We have decades of experience working with clients who have been charged with serious offenses such as homicide, attempted murder, assault and battery, drug trafficking and possession, sex crimes, drunk driving, embezzlement, and fraud, among many others.
Our experience as criminal defense attorneys also allows us to see areas where other lawyers may miss opportunities or making mistakes. We understand how important it is to identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and address them head-on so that our clients’ interests are always protected. And when we work with our clients, we take the time to truly understand their unique situations and goals so that we can provide tailored representation that meets their needs.
If you want a criminal defense team who has years of experience navigating the complicated court system with complex cases and who knows how to effectively represent someone facing serious legal charges – look no further.
Our team has strong professional relationships with the courts, prosecutors, other attorneys, and experts in different fields, such as investigators and forensic experts. This can be especially important if your case involves extensive evidence or complicated circumstances that require more in-depth investigation and knowledge of the system. By establishing strong connections in the legal community, we can gain valuable insights into how criminal cases are handled and increase our chance of securing a positive outcome for your case.
Many things set us apart from other criminal defense law firms in our area. Perhaps the most important of these is our team approach to providing legal representation for clients. We believe that no single attorney has all the knowledge and experience necessary to provide top-notch legal representation, which is why we work together to provide comprehensive and effective legal services for our clients.
One thing that makes us better than other criminal defense lawyers is our deep understanding of the legal system and how it works. Unlike many other lawyers who take whatever plea deal they offer to their clients, we always strive for the best possible outcome for our clients through diligent advocacy in court. Additionally, we are committed to providing high-quality representation at all times and work tirelessly to ensure that each client’s rights are protected throughout their case.
Another key factor that sets us apart from other firms is our focus on building strong relationships with each of our clients. Many law firms in our area only care about winning cases, often at the expense of their clients’ best interests. At our firm, we take a different approach – we always put our clients’ needs first and work hard to provide the best representation possible.
Finally, our firm is known for its highly personalized services. We understand that no two cases are ever the same, which is why we offer individualized legal advice and representation based on each client’s unique needs and circumstances. When you choose our law firm to represent you your case will be given the time and attention it deserves throughout every stage of the process.
Overall, what sets us apart from other criminal defense lawyers is our dedication to providing exceptional service and pursuing the best possible outcome for every client. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, we strongly encourage you to get in touch with us today to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help you. If you need to find a great Michigan criminal lawyer near you and need top-notch legal representation, look no further than Czarnecki & Taylor.
Contact Czarnecki & Taylor
Are you facing a criminal charge? We can help. Czarnecki & Taylor PLLC’s experienced attorneys will handle your case with care and help you through every step of the process. For a free consultation, call us today at (586) 718-2345 or online for a prompt response. We are available 24/7 and have weekend and evening appointments.