Most people hope they’ll never need a criminal defense attorney, and understandably so. However, if you do end up facing charges in Texas, the quality of your lawyer matters more than you might think.
Not every defense lawyer offers the same skill level or access to resources, to name just a few factors. When so much is on the line, you need to know you’ve hired someone who will truly fight for your best interests.
So, how can you tell if you’ve made the right choice? Understanding the signs of both good and bad legal representation can help you make smart decisions as your case moves forward.
What Does a Good Criminal Defense Attorney Do?
A strong criminal defense lawyer does far more than just show up for your court dates.
If you’ve hired a reputable attorney, you can expect them to:
- Explain every step of the legal process so that you understand your charges and what comes next.
- Investigate your case thoroughly, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and challenging the state’s claims.
- Develop a personalized defense strategy that is tailored to the facts of your situation.
- Communicate clearly, returning your calls and answering your questions in a timely manner.
- Respond to allegations from the prosecution and protect your constitutional rights at every turn.
- Handle all filings, paperwork, and negotiations with the prosecutor.
- Keep you involved and informed before making major decisions, like whether to accept a plea deal or go to trial.
A good lawyer will make it their primary objective to have your charges reduced or dismissed altogether if possible.
Warning Signs You Hired the Wrong Criminal Defense Attorney
It’s not always easy to tell early on if your lawyer isn’t the right fit, but some red flags should never be ignored.
You may have hired the wrong attorney if you notice any of the following:
- Your lawyer rarely communicates, ignores your calls, or fails to answer your questions about your case.
- You feel pressured to accept a plea deal without a clear explanation of your options.
- Your attorney seems unfamiliar with the Texas court system or local procedures.
- There’s no clear strategy for your defense, and you’re left guessing about next steps.
- They miss a deadline, such as a motion filing time limit.
- You hear your lawyer make guarantees about the outcome (“I can get this dismissed for sure”), which no ethical attorney should do.
- They seem unprepared in court or fail to review your case thoroughly before key hearings.
If you notice any of these factors present, it may be time to look for a second opinion.
Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Lawyer
Still unsure if you’re working with a good criminal defense attorney?
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Has my attorney explained my charges and possible penalties in a way I understand?
- Do I feel comfortable asking questions and sharing details about my case?
- Has my lawyer provided updates and kept me in the loop about new developments?
- Is there a clear plan for how my case will be handled?
- Does my lawyer have experience with cases like mine and with Texas criminal law in particular?
The answers to these questions can reveal a lot about the quality of your legal representation.
Why Experience Matters in Texas Criminal Defense Cases
Texas criminal law is complex, and every county handles cases a little differently.
A good defense attorney will have:
- Hands-on experience with cases like yours, whether they involve DWI, drug offenses, theft, or more serious crimes
- Familiarity with local courts, judges, and prosecutors, which helps in negotiating and planning your defense
- A record of success that shows they know how to secure favorable outcomes for their clients
Attorneys who lack this experience may miss important opportunities or fail to recognize when your rights are being violated. When you work with a seasoned Texas criminal defense lawyer, you get the benefit of insight that only comes from years in the trenches.
What to Do if You Think You Hired the Wrong Lawyer
If you’re worried your attorney isn’t the right fit, you’re not stuck with your choice. Texas law allows you to change lawyers, though you’ll want to do so as early as possible.
Steps to consider include:
- Schedule a meeting with your current attorney to discuss your concerns.
- Get a second opinion from another Texas criminal defense lawyer.
- Request a copy of your case file and documents.
- If you decide to switch, notify the court and your new attorney, who can help file the required paperwork.
Your future is too important to settle for less than strong, attentive legal help. Don’t ignore your instinct if something doesn’t feel right about the lawyer you’ve selected.
Contact a Fort Worth Criminal Defense Attorney at Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers for Help
The stakes in any criminal case are high. If you have doubts about your legal representation or want a second opinion, contact an experienced Fort Worth criminal defense attorney at Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers. We can help you understand your legal rights and put you in the best position for a positive result. Call us at (682) 777-3336.
