If you are facing criminal charges or believe you may be at risk for criminal prosecution, you’ll want the help of a good criminal defense lawyer. (See Ten Ways a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You.)
Why Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal law is a specialty. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. If you decide to hire a lawyer, you’ll want to find someone who practices only criminal law, rather than using a general practice lawyer or a lawyer who concentrates on some other legal subject.
Resources for Finding Criminal Defense Lawyers
Here are some recommended ways to find a criminal defense lawyer:
Ask around. Without a doubt, the best way to find a good lawyer is to ask friends, family, work associates -- anyone you know and trust. Even if they don’t personally know a criminal lawyer, they may know another lawyer they like. And that lawyer may be able to direct you to a good criminal defense attorney.
Ask your local bar association. The New Jersey State Bar Association maintains a lawyer directory. This directory can provide you with names of criminal defense lawyers in your area who are in good standing with the bar association. Do keep in mind, however, that the bar association doesn’t screen the lawyers for the amount of experience they have or for their competence. It’s up to you to interview each attorney to find out whether they have the experience you need.
Online lawyer directories. Here are a few websites that offer directories of attorneys serving New Jersey. Because different attorneys list with different directories, we offer you a choice so you can consider a selection of New Jersey criminal defense lawyers. Like bar association directories, these lawyers have probably not been screened for their qualifications or competence. Lawyers usually self-report their information, so be prepared to do your homework and ask each lawyer about their experience before hiring anyone.
- Nolo Lawyer Directory of Criminal Defense Attorneys
- Justia.com New Jersey Criminal Lawyer Directory
- Findlaw Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Low-cost legal aid services. If your income is low, you may be able to get criminal defense assistance or advice from a local legal aid organization.
- Free legal services in New Jersey from Legal Services of New Jersey
- Your local law school may have a free legal clinic where law students, supervised by their professors, offer legal help. Click on your state to find the law school closest to you.
Finally, if you wish to be directly connected with a criminal defense lawyer in New Jersey, you can enter your info in the sponsored form below. A local lawyer may then get in touch with you.