If you are facing felony criminal charges, DUI charges or any other serious offences, one of the most important decisions you have to make is your choice of an attorney. Your reputation and your freedom are at stake.

Because the consequences are so high, you must become an educated consumer about legal services in a very short time. You shouldn’t accept, without confirmation, anything you read on an attorney web site or other form of advertising. You should also be wary of unrealistic suggestions of what a criminal defense attorney can do for you.

The lawyer should be experienced in dealing with the kind of criminal charge you face. You should find out the names of cases that your attorney has tried before a judge and jury. A lawyer may say that he or she is an “experienced trial attorney." However, this does not mean that the lawyer has actually tried cases similar to yours. A lawyer should also be willing to provide you with references. A good source for references might be other local attorneys.

Since criminal cases are typically tried in the county where you are charged, it’s important to hire an attorney who is familiar with the judges, the district attorney and the court system in that county. This familiarity will help your lawyer quickly obtain information about the evidence in your case and conduct effective plea negotiations if appropriate. Your attorney will also have a better understanding of how similar cases have been resolved in the past.

Representing clients facing felony criminal charges and other serious offenses in Washington and Tillamook County, Oregon, including Portland, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard, Aloha, Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach.

Contact Criminal Defense Attorney Ray Bassel