Legal Blog

 

Drawbacks of Lawyer Referral Services

Apr 11 2016, by Michael Fienman in Criminal Defense, Legal Blog

When you get charged with a crime, one of the most important decisions you will face is choosing a defense attorney to work on your case. You can work with a court appointed public defender, someone assigned to you through a Lawyer Referral Service (LRS), or an attorney you found through our own research.

In any case, the integrity, experience, tenacity, and creativity of the lawyer you will choose will have a significant effect on your case outcome. That’s because criminal trials move fast and have strict procedural requirements that require your lawyer to act effectively and quickly to ensure that you have the best chance at obtaining a favorable outcome. Attorney Michael Fienman of Fienman Defense has a proven track record of aggressively defending the rights of his clients and obtaining positive results in many different kinds of criminal cases.

The Drawbacks of Hiring a Lawyer Through a Referral Service

Many individuals who want to hire a private criminal defense lawyer end up using the Lawyer Referral Services offered by local Bar Associations. They may also use one of many private referral services which operate in a similar manner.

Using an LRS can be a fast and easy way of finding a lawyer, especially when facing the stress of criminal charges. All you need to do is call a number or fill out a quick online form to provide a few details about you and your case. The referral service will match you with a local attorney from your area who practices in the legal field that is relevant to your case.

All of this sounds ideal, so far. But upon meeting with the attorney, you will often times be obligated to pay a fee (around $30—a portion of which usually goes to the LRS) whereas most lawyers you find on your own will give you a free initial consultation. And more importantly, there is no guarantee that the attorney to whom you are assigned is significantly experienced in handling your type of case.

Take the Time to Shop Around for the Right Attorney

Nowadays, a quick Google search may be all it takes to find a skilled Philadelphia criminal defense attorney who has significant experience with the types of charges you are facing. You will see a list of websites describing each attorney’s background and areas of practice. Often, these attorneys will explain the basics of criminal procedures and penalties so that you can get a better idea of what’s in store for you.

Here at Fienman Defense, our Philadelphia criminal defense law firm is proud to offer our clients effective and nimble legal defense to a wide range of criminal charges. On our website, you can read about our successful advocacy and the results we have obtained on behalf of our clients. Additionally, we offer free and confidential consultations, so you can decide for yourself if we’re a good fit. Call us at (215) 839-9529 today and tell us about your case to find out how we can assist you.