If you are a Chicago resident accused of a crime, you should immediately seek out a Chicago defense lawyer to ensure that you are treated fairly by the justice system. Whether you are suspected of a violent crime, financial dishonesty, drug charges, traffic violations, or federal crimes, the only way to prove your innocence or receive a more lenient sentence is to have solid legal representation. However, with so many defense lawyers in Chicago, it can be difficult to know who to trust. And when you are under the emotional strain of a criminal accusation, the stress can make it more difficult to be discerning. Fortunately, by following a few simple steps and rules of thumb, you can choose a Chicago defense lawyer with the experience, knowledge, and aggressive work ethic to defend you in court.

First and foremost, consider the lawyer's previous experience. Most lawyers choose an area of focus, and criminal defense is one such area. Within the category of criminal defense, however, there a number of specific criminal charges. Some defense attorneys may have an exceptional command of the law as it pertains to white collar crime; another may excel in the areas of violent crime and drug possession. Some defense lawyers may have experience in multiple areas of criminal defense. If this is the case, or if you are deciding between two or more lawyers that seem to have equal experience, ask the lawyer about their recent case history. If you are accused of a DUI, for example, see how many DUI cases that Chicago defense lawyer has represented recently and how those cases turned out for the defendants.

You should also look for related experience and recognition in the legal field. Check the lawyer's website and see which organizations the attorney belongs to. Never choose a lawyer who is not a member of the County and State Bar Associations. A really good Chicago defense lawyer might be a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, or the ABA's Criminal Justice Section. If the lawyer has ever held office in any of these organizations, this is a good indication that he is highly respected by his colleagues in the legal field.

Once you have narrowed your search to one or two attorneys, meet with them in person. It is important that you feel comfortable with the Chicago defense lawyer who will be at your side consistently, possibly for weeks or months, so you should hire an attorney with whom you can be open and honest and whom you can trust implicitly. Most importantly, you should choose a defense lawyer you believe will be organized, meticulous, and aggressive. It is this type of lawyer who will give you the legal representation you need and deserve.