Are you facing criminal charges? The prospect of losing a criminal case can be stressful, especially if it means going to jail. Hiring a criminal defense law attorney to handle your case can reduce the possibility of incarceration dramatically.

Criminal defense lawyers know how criminal law works and can help you understand what your defense options are. But which lawyer should you hire?

Not all lawyers that are qualified to practice criminal law are suited to represent you in criminal law proceedings. The following tips should help you choose the best criminal defense law attorney for your case.

Match a lawyer to your alleged crime.

There are many different categories and types of crimes. Given the complexity and voluminous nature of the criminal law system, it is difficult to find a lawyer that specializes in virtually all areas of criminal law. And, if you're lucky to find one, they probably won't be vastly experienced in dealing with criminal cases similar to yours. 

When choosing a criminal defense lawyer, make sure they have spent years defending past clients who have faced criminal charges like yours. 

Consider legal costs.

In the world of criminal defense, you get what you pay for. The only time criminal lawyers don't charge for their services is when they're working pro bono. The cost of legal service may differ from lawyer to lawyer depending on their specialization and experience, as well as the percentage of criminal cases they have won.

If you're facing a serious criminal case that may see you locked up for a long time or attract a huge fine, it's important to hire a lawyer that is vastly experienced and successful at defending clients who have faced charges similar to yours in the past. Such a lawyer can be pretty expensive, but can prove to be worth every dollar you spend.

Hiring a low-budget criminal defense law attorney isn't the best idea but if you're accused of a minor criminal offense, you may not need a costly, hotshot lawyer to get you off the hook. Before accepting an attorney's fees, be sure to find out how they're calculated, and the payment plan offered.

No matter the stakes, being found guilty of a criminal offense can leave a permanent dent in your life. The best way to avoid or lessen the injurious effect of a guilty verdict, make sure you hire the right lawyer for your situation and budget.