How to pick the right attorney – Lawson & O'Brien Law





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<h2>You've been arrested — it happens — now it's time to find a lawyer</h2>
<p><p><span style="color: rgb(74, 74, 74);">In Illinois, more than 3.9 million people have a criminal record. That’s more than 30 percent of the population! While that won't be any consolation to you if you've recently been arrested, it should certainly help you put things in perspective: It's time to find a good defense attorney.</span></p>
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<h3>But how do you go about picking one?</h3>
<p><p>There are more than 100 attorneys practicing in Kankakee County. It's probably easier picking a mattress store. But now is no time to add stress to your life. Here's a few tips to get you started.</p>
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<h3>Avvo has done a lot of the legwork already</h3>
<p><p>One of the most expansive websites of its kind, Avvo (think, Yelp for attorneys) doesn't charge lawyers for their ratings, which is on a 10-point scale. A lot goes into that score, including experience, background, and reviews from clients as well as other attorneys. You can check out the site <a href="https://www.avvo.com/search/lawyer_search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&amp;q=&amp;loc=kankakee" target="_blank"><em>here</em></a><em>.</em></p>
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<h3>Take advantage of the "free consultation"</h3>
<p><p>Most attorneys offer a free consultation, usually 30-60 minutes, and it's a good time to really narrow your search. Make sure you only meet with those attorneys on your shortlist; so do research in advance. Bring all the paperwork attached to your case and make sure to ask questions.</p>
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<h3>What do I ask?</h3>
<p><p>Every case of course is different, but you'll want to ask these basic questions.</p>
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<li>Have you handled a case of this type before?</li>
<li>How is my case different?</li>
<li>How strong are your relationships with judges and other lawyers in this community?</li>
<li>What is your philosophy for resolving cases?</li>
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<h3>How to translate their answers</h3>
<p><p>Questions like these get to the heart of what makes a great attorney. What you're looking for is a lawyer who is both compassionate and practical; someone who will give you the best advice, even if it's difficult for you to hear. What you don't want is an attorney who will promise you the best outcome all the time; who will tell you they have gobs of experience and that's why they charge more than the next guy. Experience doesn't necessarily mean quality. Expensive doesn't either. Find a kind, empathetic and knowledgeable attorney.  </p>
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<p><p>Bottom line: You're about to spend a lot of money. While even the best attorneys can't guarantee a positive outcome, they can ensure that the you're making the best possible decisions with confidence and resolve. At least that's our philosophy. Read about it <a href="http://lawsonobrien.com/" target="_blank"><em>here</em></a>.</p>
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How to pick the right attorney
You've been arrested — it happens — now it's time to find a lawyer. This is what you need to know before making one of the most important decisions during your case.

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