Most criminal defense attorneys receive very similar educations in law school. However, there is more to being an excellent defense attorney than learning the law.
Actual courtroom experience is vital for a successful criminal law defense.
Experienced attornies help clients understand the process
Most clients do not fully understand the complexities involved in navigating the criminal law system. An experienced defense attorney can explain what to expect at a time when clients are often confused and afraid.
Experienced attornies know when and how to make a deal
Going to trial isn’t always in every client’s best interest; however, an experienced attorney prepares each case as if it will go to trial. It is better to prepare for a trial that never takes place than to face an unexpected trial without proper preparation. For this reason, the best defense attorneys are both experienced litigators and skilled negotiators. Attorneys can not acquire these skills purely by studying the law. It takes years of actual experience to finely hone these abilities.
Additionally, an inexperienced attorney or an attorney who does not like to go through the trial process may encourage clients to accept a plea bargain when it may not be in the client’s best interest. An experienced defense attorney knows when it is best to make a deal and when a case should go to court.
An experienced criminal defense attorney provides clients with the best chance to successfully defend their case. If a client does lose a case, an experienced attorney can also obtain a more favorable sentence.