Who Is The Best Criminal Defense Lawyer In Louisiana?

You probably want to hire the best criminal defense attorney in Louisiana if you have criminal charges you would like to see get dismissed. However, it’s hard to really know who is the best criminal defense lawyer and how to go about finding (and hiring) them.

The number of lawyers in the US has increased by nearly 15% in the last decade. With so many lawyers available, how do you find the best local attorney? Well, as difficult as it sounds there is a tried and true method for finding a top-notch lawyer. And it’s the same whether you have been charged with DWI, gun charges or anything else!

Here are the six qualities to look for in the best criminal defense attorney Louisiana can offer. By keeping these traits in mind, you can find a lawyer you can trust. Choosing the right attorney can help you avoid or reduce jail time, so it’s super important that you find the absolute best!

Ready to fight for a reduced sentence?

Start your search by looking for criminal defense attorneys in Louisiana with these qualities today!

6 Qualities To Look For In A Criminal Defense Attorney

1. Years of Experience

Any professional, regardless of their industry, learns from hands-on experience. If you want to find the best criminal defense attorney in Louisiana, look for someone with years of experience.

To learn how to find a criminal defense attorney in Louisiana, head online.

Use these directories to make a list of Louisiana defense attorneys:

• Martindale-Hubbell lawyer directory
• The Better Business Bureau
• Your local bar association website
• Justia
• Avvo
• FindLaw

As you look at each lawyer and criminal law firm, consider how long they’ve practiced law. Don’t look for a lawyer with generalized experience. Instead, make sure to choose someone who specializes in criminal defense cases.

How long have they specialized as a criminal defense attorney? How long have they practiced law in Louisiana? It’s important to choose a lawyer who is familiar with local laws and procedures.

Otherwise, they might struggle to build a strong case on your behalf.

As you research each lawyer, make sure to read their biographies. Learn more about their history and experience. 

Don’t choose a lawyer who just graduated from law school. Instead, make sure they’ve gained hands-on experience by trying a number of cases. An experienced lawyer can use their experience to build your case.

They’ll know which mistakes to avoid and which strategies to utilize. 

They could even have a reliable network they can use when building your case. For example, maybe you need to call on a medical expert.

Have they handled cases similar to yours? Even better! Many cases fall under criminal law. So whether you need to hire a DWI lawyer or if your case is related to something else, it’s important that they’ve handled cases just like yours!

For example, you might want to find a lawyer who has experience with felony charges. 

Choose a lawyer who has the distinct case experience you need for a win. 

2. Good Judgement and Ethics

As you research each criminal defense attorney on your list, consider their ethics. Can you trust them? It’s usually difficult to tell after a single consultation appointment.

Instead, check online to determine whether or not they have a code of ethics.

Here are some pointers:

• Check to see if they have complaints filed against them.
• Do they have a series of bad reviews?
• Have they been in trouble with the board?

Keep these things in mind too:

Do they have any complaints filed against them? Check your local bar association website to learn more about their reputation. 

Read online reviews, too. You can find reviews on their Better Business Bureau and Google My Business listing. 

It’s important to find a lawyer with strong moral values. Otherwise, they could get you into even more trouble. They could use sleazy, dishonest methods to build your case. 

If you find a lawyer on your list who got in trouble with the board, scratch them off your list. Choose someone you can trust.

What about their judgment? Try to find a lawyer who can listen to the opposing counsel’s argument and draw fast conclusions. Their ability to think on their feet could make or break your case. 

3. Empathy and Aggression

While empathy and aggression might seem like a weird mix, both are essential for building your case. 

You don’t want to choose a lawyer who is only out to earn their paycheck. They won’t care about your wellbeing. Some lawyers will even take a bad deal to maintain their track record.

Instead, look for a lawyer who cares about you.

Getting charged with a criminal offense is a stressful and often scary experience. Your lawyer should prioritize your safety and wellbeing. They can even help maintain your privacy by protecting you from public media exposure. 

Aggression is important, too. In criminal cases, it’s sometimes necessary. You need a lawyer who is passionate about fighting on your behalf.

Are they prepared to fight for you? Will they use aggressiveness to build their argument? Choosing an aggressive approach at the right time could benefit your case. 

4. Strong Communication Skills

Over 70% of employers search for workers with strong communication skills. If you want the best criminal defense attorney in Louisiana, you should look for a strong communicator, too.

Remember, your lawyer will end up speaking on your behalf.

During your consultation appointment, pay attention to how your lawyer communicates.

• Is he or she easy to understand?
• How do other people respond to this lawyer?
• Does he or she waver?
• How is his or her listening skills?

All of these questions are important to consider when choosing the best criminal defense attorney for your case. Being a good listener is crucial as your lawyer can use what they hear against opposing counsel.

If they’re a weak communicator, however, they could confuse the judge and jury. They could hurt your case, rather than help it.  

5. A Strong Track Record

Do you want to reduce your sentencing or avoid jail time? Look for a lawyer who has a strong track record.

First, determine how many cases they’ve handled in total. How many of those cases are similar to yours?

Then, determine how many cases they’ve won. Look at their overall track record and their most recent cases. You might notice they’ve won more cases recently than they did when they started practicing.

That’s great! That means they’ve improved with hands-on experience.

Choose to have a winner at your side for the best possible outcome with your case. 

6. The Right Price

As you speak with each lawyer, consider their fee structure. Will you need to keep them on a retainer? How much are their fees?

Each lawyer’s fees can vary based on their location. How long they’ve practiced can cause their price to vary, too.

Don’t choose the cheapest option. Instead, prioritize finding a lawyer who has your best interests in mind.

The Best Criminal Defense Attorney in Louisiana: 6 Qualities to Look For

Want to find the best criminal defense attorney in Louisiana? Look for someone with these six qualities. By prioritizing these traits during your search, you can keep a winning, able attorney at your side.

They can help you fight for your rights. Whether this is your first DWI offense in Louisiana or if you are struggling with something else, we can help.

Carl Barkemeyer Is The Best Criminal Defense Attorney In Louisiana

If you’re located in Louisiana and searching for the best criminal defense attorney to help you with your case, reach out to the Barkemeyer Law Firm. Our firm is has five locations throughout Louisiana. We are a top-rated criminal defense law firm, and look forward to helping you with your case.

Contact us today to discuss your criminal case today.