Finding a Criminal Defense Attorney in 3 Simple Steps

A criminal defense attorney helps someone who is suspected or charged with a crime. They are responsible for ensuring that the legal rights of the individual involved are upheld, and that a fair trial takes place when a case is presented in court. Criminal defense attorneys represent defendants in all stages of a criminal prosecution and are responsible for establishing a complete, accurate, and compelling defense for the accused.

Accordingly, when facing criminal charges, it is vital that you work with a criminal defense lawyer in your area that can represent your case. However, not all criminal defense lawyers have the same skills and therefore finding the best attorney in your area can help you to reach the best possible outcome if your case does go to court. So, let us discover 3 steps that you can take when beginning your search for a criminal defense attorney.

  1. Find an Attorney That Specializes in Criminal Law

It might seem intuitive, but when faced with criminal charges, you need to seek out an attorney that practices criminal law. Your chosen attorney does not need to practice criminal law exclusively, but they should have plenty of experience dealing with cases like your own. Criminal law can be complex, and so your chosen attorney should be regularly involved in criminal cases so that they are totally up to date with the nuances of the law and so that they can provide the best possible defenses. According to the legal professionals at cobblawfirm.com, with the right approach and plan, you can face any false acquisitions.

Similarly, using an attorney that understands your local area can also be beneficial. Local connections and relationships can be highly advantageous when fighting a criminal charge. Local courts all do things slightly differently, and each judge has their own ruling style. Consequently, an attorney that understands criminal law as well as the workings of the court where your case is likely to take place can play a part in developing a winning defense strategy.

  1. Do Your Research

Secondly, thanks to the internet, it has never been easier to find a reputable attorney. Start by searching online for local attorneys in your area, and then look at their websites to create a shortlist of potential options. Pay close attention to any positive or negative reviews and use these to inform your decision about who might be best able to fight your corner. Essentially, try to get a general idea of what other clients have to say about a lawyer and their services.

In addition, referrals are a fantastic way to find a good lawyer. Ask family, friends, and colleagues for recommendations. Almost everyone knows someone who has had to deal with an attorney at some point. Any legal experts in your immediate circle can also be a helpful contact to keep in mind. Moreover, if you have previously worked with a lawyer on a business deal or as part of a real estate matter, they might be able to supply a recommendation for a criminal defense case. The power of word of mouth should never be underestimated, especially when a recommendation comes from someone you already trust.

  1. Seek Out Someone That Listens

Criminal cases can last for a long time, and therefore you need to know that you can work with your attorney for as long as it takes to reach a ruling. Look for an attorney that is committed to conducting a thorough investigation. The right attorney for your cases should be able to clearly articulate which choices are in your best interest and why. A sincere interest in your story, and an eagerness to help are also positive signs.

By the same token, remember that your criminal charge is yours to defend. Although your attorney can support you and will control the specific methods of mounting your defense, through filing court motions, and contacting witnesses, most of the major decisions are on you. Whether you decide to plead guilty or go to trial is your choice. For this reason, your chosen attorney must be willing to understand your goals and should take these into account when planning your next steps.

Ultimately, if you have been charged with or suspected of a crime, reaching out to a criminal defense attorney is almost always in your best interest. Above all, do you research, and be prepared to meet your attorney in person and ask questions before committing to any major decisions about how to proceed. By acting quickly and lawfully, your chances of compiling a winning defense are much higher.

The Ugly Truth About Being A Great Dad

Being a great dad isn’t all fun and games – although it can be at times! However, there is an ugly side to fatherhood, and parenthood in general, that we ought to talk about. If you and your partner are considering starting a family, then take a read of this article and see if it changes your mind. While the gift of having children is wonderful, it isn’t for everyone – so it is vital that you understand the truth about what it takes to become a great father!

dad, fatherhood, parenting, family, kids, growing up, aging,
Image Credit

Providing For Your Family

Being the sole bread winner needn’t necessarily fall on your shoulders but providing both financially and emotionally for your family is all part of raising a happy child and being a great dad. This can be tough though, and sometimes it takes long hours in the office or spending your evenings trying to earn a bit of extra cash to make sure that you and your young family have everything you need to pay the bills and enjoy a good quality of life. 

Most fathers find that becoming a Dad often spurs them on in their careers and sees them gain promotions and raises. However, make sure that your new role or increased workload still allows you the time to connect with your son or daughter on an emotional level as they grow up. 

Aches, Pains, And Smelly Diapers 

Be prepared to carry your baby around – as well as all the toys, bottles, and food you will need to have for on the go! Couple that with the piggyback rides and carrying your child on your shoulders and you might need to get used to having a few aches and pains throughout parenthood. Fortunately, these are nothing a chiropractor can’t fix, so you’ll be fine!

The nasty side of parenthood also includes mopping up sick and changing diapers – something you almost certainly won’t have been accustomed to up until this point in your life. Be wary because these tasks are just as unpleasant as they sound!

Paying For College

As your son or daughter gets older, your attention will suddenly turn to their further education and wondering how on earth you are going to find the money for their college fees. The sooner you think about this the better, as it’ll allow you more time to save for the inevitable. 

Sports scholarships could provide a great deal of help – but your son or daughter will need to be competing at a very high-standard to achieve this, and if you are not much of a sports buff, then  helping them along this journey won’t be all that enjoyable for you.

Nevertheless, seeing your fully grown son or daughter graduate from college is one of the most satisfying feelings in life. It can take hard work, plenty of money, dedication, and changing hundreds of smelly diapers to get there, but it is a journey that is very much worthwhile – and that’s the ugly truth about being a great dad!

Preparing for the Future Unknown

There are very few certainties in life, particularly in the ever-changing modern world, making it vital for each of us to prepare as much as possible for every eventuality in life. This is especially true when you have a family to care for and who depend on you in one way or another. For the inherently organized, this is a simple process that comes naturally; for others, the idea of having to consider the extent of possibilities that could occur, and prepare for each, is more than a little daunting.

future, life, fears, aging, anxiety, happiness



Royalty-free image

Face Your Fears

For most, the prospect of considering and detailing your wishes in the event of a life-threatening emergency is one to be avoided – it’s simply too distressing to entertain. It is, however, a necessary evil that helps prevent heart-wrenching decisions for family members in unfortunate circumstances down the line. Often confused with a last will and testament – something entirely separate but equally important – detailing a living will is a crucial way of indicating the procedures that you will and will not undergo in the event of a medical emergency where your life is at stake. Not only does it help to clearly outline your medical wishes, but it also prevents your family from having to make any distressing decisions on your behalf. In short, a living will helps keep things simple and, as it can be amended at any time, is not set in stone.

Handy Kits for All Occasions

As many parents already know, nothing is handier than a well-stocked, pre-prepared bag or kit of items that are useful in a wide variety of scenarios. Whether it’s a Tupperware container filled with healthy snacks during your child’s playdate or fresh clothes squirreled away in a rucksack in the event of a mess-filled accident, it’s fair to say that preparation is key. Of course, there are plenty of well-stocked kits available in stores but, for the thriftier parents, it’s possible to gather up items in the home that are rarely used to create a useful kit that can travel around with you.

Some great ideas for this could include: a small first-aid kit, including plasters, general medicines, fresh water, and simple bandages; an overnight kit for emergencies stays, with a toothbrush, toothpaste, a change of clothes/underwear, a warm jumper, and a small deodorant; or a wilderness survival kit, containing a compass, a water bottle, a penknife, some string, a small microfibre towel and a wireless charger.

Healthy Mind, Healthy Body

The best way to prepare for the future, whatever it may contain, is to ensure that you are in the best physical and mental health you can be. Eating healthily – including a balanced diet with a good range of grains, fresh fruits and vegetables – and exercising, whilst also ingesting any vitamins and supplements you require, go a considerable way towards helping you remain in peak physical health. Not a huge fan of exercising in the gym? Then use your backyard to jog or kick a few soccer balls around, dance energetically around your kitchen or make up your own fun workouts to complete with the kids.

It may not come naturally to many, but remaining prepared for the unknown can help reduce stress, save time, and protect those you love. Each of the above tips will help to make the process of preparation simpler and easier, particularly for those who would rather shy away from organization, and will help you to embrace the unknown with enthusiasm!