Being accused of white-collar crime is draining emotionally, mentally, physically, and financially. Your business, livelihood, family, and employees can all suffer. Your first thought may be about retaining a criminal defense attorney to take on your accusers. But most people in this position don’t know where to begin the search for a white-collar criminal defense attorney in Cleveland.
We’ve all seen television commercials where a smooth-talking, well-dressed attorney makes promises to win the case and right the wrong. These boasting barristers make promises that they’re the right person for the job. But how can you be sure? Sophisticated charges need sophisticated counsel.
In searching for solid criminal defense representation, the first thing to remember is that your attorney works for you, not the other way around. As such, there are certain qualities that you should look for when interviewing a white-collar criminal defense lawyer to ensure your attorney is experienced, has the capacity to take on your case, and understands the particular complexities that you are facing.
Speak to a white-collar criminal defense attorney at Gertsburg Licata
Your attorney should:
Specialize in criminal law.
Licensed attorneys can be trained in multiple areas of the law and may have some exposure to criminal law matters. However, the best criminal defense lawyer for you will be one with experience with the particular crime alleged.
You need an attorney who specializes in white-collar criminal defense and has a proven record of success in representing business owners and executives positioned in similar circumstances. Such an attorney will be up to date on the laws in your state that relate to white-collar crime and familiar with the main players in your criminal trial process. In these stressful matters, experience matters. You should find someone who understands the complexities of your case, specific rules of evidence, mitigating circumstances, and possible defenses.
Be qualified and experienced.
Your attorney and their trial team should have extensive experience with internal corporate investigations, having a deep understanding and tenure as in-house counsel, prosecution, and law enforcement at both state and federal levels. Your attorney should have a deep bench strength of team members with legal knowledge and trial experience, equipping your legal counsel to effectively serve as your company’s chief legal advisor.
It may be tempting to settle for an attorney with less experience and lower rates, but remember how a criminal conviction for public corruption, corporate securities fraud, racketeering, or another serious white-collar offense, can ruin your life. Don’t roll the dice on an attorney with little to no experience arguing a jury trial or defending a white-collar accusation. You can defend your freedom and uphold your reputation by doing your research. Read previous client testimonials, find an attorney’s previous trial record, and don’t be afraid to ask them questions.
Be willing to give references.
A reputable attorney will be transparent about what areas of the law they specialize in and will be willing to provide testimonials and reviews from previous clients. Start examining their website and social media pages. Are there articles written about the attorney’s cases? Awards or accolades earned? Ascertain as much information as you can. Ask for references from those you are interviewing and ask for referrals from people you know.
You can also check with the Ohio State Bar Association, or other local legal associations, to see if the lawyer you are considering is in good standing with the state and community. These groups keep records of all disciplinary actions taken against lawyers in the state. If your potential attorney has a history of illegal or unethical behavior, they are most likely not the best candidate to advocate for your interests.
Be transparent about your case.
Criminal cases involve layers of circumstances that can affect the outcome of the matter, including unreliable witness testimony or questionable evidence. The right attorney will draw out this information from you and the information given, and work to understand the ins and outs of these circumstances. You should work together and feel comfortable enough to be transparent about every aspect of your unique matter.
Your attorney should also be transparent about how their representation will work. They should be upfront and honest with you from the beginning about your entire case, from how they will communicate with you, how they will bill you, to what the chances are that your case will have a positive outcome.
Why Gertsburg Licata is the right criminal defense attorney
Criminal matters can drag on for years. It is vital that you find an attorney you can work closely with and connect to. You’re putting your freedom in their hands, so choose someone you feel comfortable and safe talking with.
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At Gertsburg Licata, our attorneys have decades of experience in criminal defense and white-collar criminal matters. We build lasting relationships with our clients and work hard to establish trust and confidence in our practice through communication, innovation, and efficiency. We will represent your interests just as we would our own. Our areas of expertise include:
- Public corruption
- Mail, Wire, Bank Fraud
- Assets, Money Laundering, and Currency Violations
- Corporate and Securities Fraud
- Health Care Fraud/Medical Matters
- Trade Secrets
- Environmental Protection Agency Violations
- Racketeering
We specialize in white-collar criminal defense for small to mid-size businesses and have a proven record of accomplishment representing business owners and executives. Our attorneys recognize how important it is to protect business interests, mitigate the stress that these matters bring, and keep litigation away from the public eye.
Call 216-573-6000 or use our inquiry form to meet with an attorney.
