How Do I Find The Best Criminal Lawyer In Houston?
By Nathaniel Pitoniak on September 13th, 2021 in
Finding the Best Criminal Attorney in Houston
Dealing with criminal charges is undoubtedly highly stressful and nerve-wracking, often leaving you feeling powerless and overwhelmed. Being charged with a criminal offense can also have serious repercussions on an individual’s personal life. It can affect career and job prospects, familial relationships, and mental wellbeing.
With this in mind, it is clear that finding an experienced Houston criminal lawyer with a proven record of success is critical. Seeking proper legal assistance can be a life-altering decision, and it is not a choice that should be made lightly. Many times, however, identifying the right criminal law attorney for you can be intimidating or seen as an added stressor.
At the Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak, we work to not only provide expert legal counsel, but accessible information for anyone involved in a criminal proceeding. We understand how taxing it can be to find the right attorney for you. Every case is unique and the legal strategy implemented by an attorney should be carefully curated to match. While we will explore the question of how to find the best criminal lawyer in Houston, it is always advised to contact an attorney before proceeding.
Call the Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak at (832) 315-6283 to discuss your options and learn more today.
Is it Necessary To Hire a Criminal Lawyer in Houston?
The Texas Judicial Branch reports that there were over 7 million cases filed in 2020 alone, with a marked increase in criminal cases like homicide, family violence, and automobile theft. This is a significant number of criminal proceedings and is compounded by the lower than usual clearance rates for such cases.
Hiring a criminal lawyer can, and often does, make the difference between a successful criminal case and an unsuccessful one. Criminal attorneys have the training and experience necessary to litigate criminal proceedings and establish proper legal strategy.
In criminal cases, defendants have a constitutional right to an attorney. This statutory right was put in place to protect defendants and create a fair and equal playing field under the law. Due to the existence of this constitutionally-guaranteed right, it is advised to acquire an attorney to litigate your criminal case.
How To Identify the Best Criminal Lawyer
Identifying the best criminal lawyer can be difficult, but there are some factors and qualifications to consider when making the decision. It is important to evaluate the type of attorney and their specializations, conduct research into their practice, and ensure that you feel comfortable with the attorney.
At the Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak, we know that not all law offices are the same. As such, we are committed to integrity and legal ethics within our practice, and we believe in protecting our clients through just legal practice.
As a resource, we have compiled the five main factors to account for when selecting an attorney.
1. What Does The Attorney Specialize In?
There is a distinct difference between criminal law and civil law, and attorneys typically practice one or the other. Civil cases involve disputes between parties, generally arising when a legal obligation has not been met. Within such cases, the plaintiff brings the civil lawsuit against the defendant to rectify any harm done.
Civil cases occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- A breach of contract
- An individual was hurt in a car accident
- Family matters, like divorce or child custody
- Real estate
- Financial issues, like bankruptcy or banking disputes
On the other hand, criminal lawsuits happen when someone is arrested for breaking a law and/or committing a crime. In some cases, criminal cases can result in jail time. Criminal law seeks to punish for an offense that has been committed.
Some examples of criminal cases are:
- Assault
- Murder
- Theft
- Drunk driving
When selecting an attorney, first consider whether that law firm specializes in civil or criminal law. The law firm usually displays which type of law they practice on their website, so be sure to check for that information before moving forward with a lawyer.
2. Does the Attorney Practice in My Jurisdiction?
Jurisdiction refers to the authority granted to a court to administer justice. In the context of the United States, jurisdiction is broken down into local, state, and federal, with different courts governing over different geographical areas, subject matters, and levels. Nathaniel Pitoniak is authorized to appear before all courts in state courts in Texas and every federal district.
When selecting a criminal lawyer, consider geographical region and jurisdiction. Oftentimes, law firms within a specific jurisdiction will have a better understanding of the courtroom culture and judges in the area.
3. Does the Attorney Have a Proven Record of Success?
After you have established that the law office specializes in criminal cases and appears in court frequently within your jurisdiction, it is important to consider their success record. Some attorneys have a better success record than others. This factor is incredibly important to individuals charged with a criminal offense, as an attorney’s success rate can have serious consequences, either in your favor or not.
Chiefly, it is important to ensure that an attorney has the experience and competence necessary to successfully litigate your case.
4. Does the Attorney Have a Good Reputation and Reviews?
Like with any other business, word of mouth is key. Do research and attempt to find reviews or testimonials regarding the law firm or attorney. Oftentimes, lawyers will display testimonials on their websites or advertising materials, but other times it can help to inquire within your community.
Even if friends or family have not personally hired a criminal lawyer in Houston, perhaps they know someone who has. The best type of review is from a source you can trust, and conducting this research beforehand can save you ample time and money in the long-run.
5. Do You Trust the Attorney?
Finally, after you have conducted your research and done the homework necessary to identify an excellent attorney, it may be wise to consider your connection with the attorney. Do you get along with them? Are they kind and responsive?
Communicating with your attorney is a key component to criminal legal proceedings and cases. It is important that you can trust your lawyer and be sure that they bear your interests in mind when making decisions. After all, you are placing a great deal of trust in an attorney. They are chiefly responsible for handling your case carefully, comprehensively, and respectfully.
Like many other relationships, trust is crucial. If you cannot trust your attorney, perhaps they are not the right lawyer for you.
How Can The Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak Help?
Finding the best criminal lawyer in Houston is a daunting task, and the stakes are high. High-quality legal assistance can make a massive difference in the success of your criminal case, and it is under this light that identifying the proper attorney for you becomes even more critical.
While you are bearing all of these five considerations in mind, so are we. At the Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak, we have a proven track record of success for our clients. We back these claims up with testimonials, notable case results, and credible metrics, all accessible on our website.
If you or a loved one is involved in a criminal case, you are not alone. Call the Law Office of Nathanial Pitoniak today at (832) 315-6283 and speak to one of our experienced Houston criminal attorneys today.
