Did you know that the criminal lawyer you choose could make or break the outcome of your case?
If you are under investigation or charged with a crime, the last thing you want is to have inexperienced lawyers fighting for your freedom.
Your future hangs in the balance…
But here’s the secret…
The criminal justice system is a “game” that most people are not equipped to play and fight. Prosecutors are at the table, but without a proper defense, defendants and their families face the brunt of losing every time. Experienced criminal defense lawyers are critical to securing a better outcome.
In this guide, you will learn…
- Why experience is more important than anything else
- How experienced criminal defense lawyers affect the outcome of cases
- The facts behind criminal defense statistics
- What separates experienced criminal defense lawyers from the rest
How Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers Help Clients
The Criminal Defense Landscape: What You’re Up Against
Before we jump into how experienced criminal defense lawyers help clients, we must first establish what you are up against.
In America, the criminal justice system is “hard”.
According to research, 90% of all criminal defendants plead guilty, and just 2% of all cases go to trial.
Not only that…
Federal criminal conviction rates are over 99%.
In 2021, less than 1% of federal defendants who had a trial won their case.
The system is made to pressure defendants into taking a plea deal. With conviction rates this high and so few cases making it to trial, those numbers should terrify you.
And they are there for a reason…
You need a criminal defense lawyer who is not afraid to fight, dig into the facts, and understand what is best for your future.
Why Experience Matters More Than You Think
Did you know that in the United States, there are currently over 252,000 criminal defense lawyers?
The question is…
How do you know which lawyer to hire?
Experience doesn’t just mean how long someone has been practicing criminal defense law. It means knowing how prosecutors think, which judges are more receptive to which arguments, knowing the judges in the courtroom, and knowing which case patterns to spot and which ones to avoid.
When you hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer, you’re not hiring someone who went to law school and passed the bar exam.
You’re hiring someone who has navigated the system for years and knows what works and what doesn’t. Experienced lawyers have seen your situation before. They know the playbook and will do everything in their power to put that plan into action.
The Real Difference Between Experience Levels
Let’s look at some things…
Public defender success rates have more than doubled in recent years, from 18% to 35%.
So what changed?
The public defender’s offices’ most experienced defenders have gained a depth of expertise and a record of success that works. Experience matters!
Unfortunately, that’s where the challenge with public defenders comes in…
Public defenders are overworked, with an average caseload that leaves each public defender with 25% less time to defend each case properly.
A private experienced lawyer can control their caseload, have the resources to conduct a thorough investigation and build a better defense, and most importantly, have the time to focus on YOUR case.
How Experienced Lawyers Actually Change Outcomes
Experienced criminal defense lawyers don’t just show up to court and pray.
They have battle-tested strategies that work.
Here’s what they do differently to change outcomes.
They investigate…
Experienced criminal lawyers know that cases are won and lost on the details. Experienced criminal defense lawyers dig deeper than inexperienced attorneys to find the evidence that will change the outcome of the case.
They negotiate…
Not every case should go to trial, and sometimes the best outcome is a negotiated favorable plea deal. Experienced criminal defense lawyers have built relationships with prosecutors and know how to get better deals.
They Fight!
When the evidence is lacking, and charges are incorrect, experienced criminal defense attorneys will take your case to trial. They know how to present the evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and effectively argue in front of judges and juries.
Criminal defense lawyers understand the consequences…
Beyond just the criminal charges against you, experienced lawyers think about the long-term impact. How will a conviction affect your employment? Your family? Your future?
The Federal System: Where Experience Matters Most
Federal cases are a completely different game.
The federal government is not limited by resources. They have an army of investigators who work on your case before charges are ever filed. When you are indicted, the government has usually had years to build an incredibly strong case against you.
This is where experience comes in…
Federal criminal defense is a highly specialized area. State criminal defense lawyers may not know the ins and outs of federal sentencing guidelines or procedures, for example.
An experienced federal defense attorney understands federal sentencing guidelines, the relationships between defense lawyers and federal prosecutors, and how to negotiate plea deals in federal court.
The difference between a 5-year sentence and a 10-year sentence is still the same “conviction” in the statistics, but it’s your whole life.
What To Look For In An Experienced Lawyer
Do your due diligence when hiring an attorney.
Ask the following questions.
- How many cases like mine have you handled?
- What were the results of those cases?
- Do you have trial experience?
- What is your relationship with the prosecutors in this jurisdiction?
Here are some red flags to watch for:
Lawyers who promise specific results. There is no lawyer who can guarantee specific results. The criminal justice system is unpredictable.
Lawyers who don’t return your phone calls. Communication is essential. If they won’t call you back before they are hired, they won’t call you after.
Lawyers who don’t have specific experience with cases similar to yours. Criminal law is a wide area, and you want to make sure your attorney has handled cases just like yours.
The Cost of Inexperience
Most people don’t know the truth…
The cheapest lawyer usually ends up costing you the most in the long run.
An inexperienced attorney may be able to take your case for a fraction of the cost. But if they don’t know what they’re doing when it matters, if they miss important evidence, if they don’t know how to negotiate effectively… it will cost you years of your life.
Experience comes at a premium for a reason. Criminal defense lawyers have been perfecting their skills for years. But the value they provide to defendants is immeasurable. Freedom isn’t free.
And the cost of a good lawyer is nothing compared to the cost of losing your case.
Taking Action: Your Next Steps
If you are facing criminal charges, time is of the essence.
The sooner you can hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer, the better. Evidence disappears, and witnesses forget important details. An experienced criminal defense lawyer needs time to build your case.
Don’t delay, and don’t try to do this alone. And by all means, don’t hire the first criminal defense lawyer you find.
Take your time, ask questions, and hire the best lawyer you can find. Your freedom is on the line.
Wrap Up: The Facts
The criminal justice system is designed to convict.
With federal conviction rates over 99% and only 2% of all cases going to trial, the criminal justice system is designed for defendants to lose.
Criminal defense lawyers tip the odds in your favor. Experienced criminal defense attorneys know the criminal justice system and how to fight effectively. Most importantly, they have the skills and relationships necessary to secure a better outcome for their clients.
Experience is more important than anything else when your future is on the line.
The difference between an inexperienced lawyer and an experienced criminal defense attorney could be the difference between walking free and years in prison.
Choose wisely. Your future depends on it.
