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If you have been arrested or received a citation for a misdemeanor in Memphis, Tennessee, one of the first things you will need to do is hire an attorney. This can be a daunting task if you don’t know one, and especially if this is your first run-in with the law. You are probably confused and don’t know what to do. It’s okay. This article will help you.
Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee have more than 4,000 attorneys. That’s a lot. Why so many? Maybe it’s because Memphis is a big city in a largely rural region. The Memphis metropolitan area has a population of about 1 million people. Many people come here for work, family, and other purposes. Another reason is probably the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, located at 1 North Front Street. It is one of only three accredited law schools in Tennessee, so it attracts many students. Many of those students stay in Memphis after graduation and begin their practice here.
For the person who needs a Memphis criminal defense lawyer, this means that they will have to do some research before being selected. The most important thing to look for, in my opinion, is an attorney who dedicates his practice exclusively to criminal defense. As you begin your search for a Memphis criminal attorney, you will find that there are many attorneys in many different areas. What you want is a specialist, not a general practitioner. You don’t want someone who practices bankruptcy, divorce, personal injury, or other areas besides criminal law. You want a criminal lawyer, plain and simple.
Think about it. The best criminal lawyers are those who exclusively practice criminal law. They will learn the law and procedure regarding your case. They will learn the particular traits and habits of each judge. They are going to meet the prosecutors and who to turn to to reach an agreement. The Memphis Criminal Courthouse is located at 201 Poplar Avenue, which is downtown. The best criminal lawyers will be there every day. Don’t hire someone who only dabbles in criminal defense, or does it in addition to many other practice areas.
If you are charged with DUI, shoplifting, drug possession, or any other crime in Memphis, you want to be represented by someone who has handled dozens, if not hundreds, of those types of cases before. Only a dedicated Memphis criminal lawyer will have that kind of experience. In your research, you should ask the attorney how much experience they have with your type of case. He should ask what options he has to get rid of the case and keep it off his record, and about ways to challenge the evidence if he wants to go to trial. He should also ask what the worst case scenario would be if he were convicted of the charges.
Remember, there are over 4,000 attorneys in Memphis, but if you have been charged with a crime, you should narrow your search to experienced and competent criminal attorneys. You can find them by checking their website and asking them specific questions about your case. If the attorney cannot answer those questions honestly and competently, you should continue your search.