Choosing the Right Criminal Defense Attorney in Ohio

Being accused of a crime is devastating for so many reasons. You know you need help. You know you need a competent criminal defense attorney who is good at what they do. But what are the qualities you need to look for when choosing one, and how do you choose the right one?

We’ve all seen commercials and ads that show a slick guy talking about how he can get you off no matter what the charge is, or the other ad that shows a young kid who looks like he is still wet behind the ears telling you why he is the right attorney for the job. It seems evident that neither would be the right criminal defense attorney to hire, so what do you look for in making this all-important decision?

This blog post will answer this question by highlighting the qualities you should be looking for when interviewing your potential criminal defense attorney. That’s right, interview your potential attorney! They will be working for you. You need to know that the attorney you choose to represent you understands you and will devote the time necessary to provide you with a personalized legal strategy. Your attorney needs to be:

• Experienced with successfully defending criminal charges
• Caring and empathetic
• Responsive to your questions and concerns and provide timely communication
• Aggressive when defending your case when necessary
• Skilled in research and investigation
• Knowledgeable about Ohio state and federal laws

In addition to looking for the above qualities and skills, we recommend asking your potential attorney a few questions to get to know them better. Here are a few of our suggestions:

• How long have you practiced criminal law?
• Have you handled cases like mine before?
• Do you think that you could get a good outcome for my case?
• What differentiates you from other attorneys?
• What will give me the best chances of getting a favorable outcome?
• What can we do as a team to get my case going in a positive direction?
• Do you know the prosecutors and/or judges that may be involved in my case?
• Do you have a support staff or is it just you handling my case?

Two Other Important Questions to Ask

Does the attorney limit their practice to criminal defense?

If your potential attorney has a diverse law practice that includes criminal defense, real estate, family law, etc., they might not be the best attorney to hire for your criminal defense. Hiring a “jack of all trades” attorney will likely not give you the best representation compared with an attorney or law firm that deals primarily with criminal defense and all aspects of it. A general practitioner who also does criminal defense is not as good an option as an attorney who focuses mainly on criminal defense.

Does the lawyer have experience as a public defender or prosecutor?

You need a criminal defense attorney who was either a former prosecutor or public defender. Their experience and understanding of the strategies used by prosecutors in pursuing their cases provide valuable insight into the other side as they now defend the person they once prosecuted. The attorney also learned practical skills in how to practice law. The more seasoned district attorney often provides a robust mentoring system for the new attorney, guiding them in handling more complex cases. Wouldn’t you prefer to hire a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney and not one who is learning how to defend criminal cases such as yours?

Why Matthew C Bangerter is the Right Criminal Defense Attorney for You

Not all attorneys began their careers as an attorney. Before practicing law, Matthew Bangerter obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and studied molecular genetics and computer science in graduate school. Bangerter is one of very few criminal defense attorneys who cloned his DNA in a lab, making him well-versed in the scientific evidence involved in various criminal cases.

Bangerter’s understanding of forensic evidence is uncanny, and his scientific background gives him an edge when evaluating the forensic evidence involved in a criminal defense case. Additionally, Bangerter has been certified by the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration and the International Association of Chiefs of Police in the Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement program, and to administer the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. This specialized training enables him to thoroughly scrutinize the administration of those tests and present the best possible defense in OVI/DUI cases.

More than the scientific background, Matthew Bangerter has empathy for his clients. He understands what you are going through and the feelings you are experiencing. He will spend the necessary time with you to fully understand your situation before building a personalized legal strategy that best suits your needs.

Contact The Fortress Law Office in Willoughby, Ohio

Every day we meet with clients who have been wrongly accused. Some clients have even suffered jail time. Any felony is a serious charge and has the potential to ruin the rest of your life. You need an ally, someone who can fight for you. As a former prosecutor, your Ohio criminal defense attorney, Matthew Bangerter, at The Fortress Law Office brings extensive experience in criminal defense and knowledge of the strategies employed by the prosecution team. What does this mean for you and your case? You can work directly with your lawyer to develop a comprehensive criminal defense strategy with your best interests in mind. If you’ve been improperly convicted of a state or federal felony, don’t wait to get help. Contact The Fortress Law Office here or call (440) 259-7123 to schedule a consultation.

Copyright© 2021. The Fortress Law Office. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

The Fortress Law Office
4124 Erie St
Willoughby, OH 44094
(440) 259-7123
https://www.bangerterlaw.com/