If you or a loved one have been arrested or charged with a crime in Western Massachusetts, having an experienced local criminal defense attorney on your side can mean the difference between a smooth process resulting in a positive outcome versus a conviction that severely impacts your future.
In this blog, we’ll break down key tips for finding the best criminal lawyer to represent you in cities like Springfield, Chicopee, Westfield, Holyoke and throughout Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire Counties.
Define Your Needs
Start by considering the specifics of your case and defining what you need most in a criminal lawyer.
- Do you need someone who specializes in DUIs and drug charges?
- Is finding a lawyer with a great track record of getting charges dismissed a priority?
- Do you want an aggressive courtroom litigator or a negotiator who can work out plea bargains?
Get clear on your goals, then look for lawyers who excel in those areas.
Research Qualifications
Dig into candidate attorneys’ backgrounds to verify they have the right qualifications:
- Education – Where did they graduate law school and complete training?
- Experience – How long have they practiced criminal defense? Do they specialize in your type of crime?
- Track Record – What’s their success rate? Can they provide case results?
- Reputation – Do they have positive reviews from past clients? A good standing with the local bar?
- Resources – Do they have sufficient resources to build a strong defense?
- Personality – Is their style a good match for you?
Credentials matter when your freedom is on the line.
Seek Referrals
References from knowledgeable sources can help identify reputable criminal defense lawyers to interview:
- Ask loved ones if they know or have experience with any local lawyers.
- Contact the Hampden County Bar Association lawyer referral service.
- Speak to court clerks or bailiffs for respected lawyers they frequently see.
- Search online reviews and Avvo ratings for highly-reviewed practitioners.
- Look at experience handling cases like yours as you evaluate referrals.
Schedule Consultations
Once you pre-screen a few candidates, set up initial consultations. This is your chance to meet and share details on your case to determine if it’s a good fit. Key questions to ask prospective lawyers:
- How would you approach defending my case? What strategies apply?
- What will the legal process look like if I hire you? What are the steps?
- What are possible outcomes you could achieve for my charges?
- How frequently will you communicate updates on my case?
- Who will be working on my case if I hire you? Partners? Associates?
- What are your fees, billing practices, and potential total costs?
Choose a Lawyer Who Makes You Feel Confident
At the end of the day, go with a criminal defense lawyer who inspires confidence they can provide the best possible representation. Consider knowledge, experience, resources, case strategy, communication style and overall rapport.
Finding the right legal advocate can give you peace of mind during a challenging time. With an experienced Western Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer fighting for your best interests, you can achieve the most favorable outcome possible. Don’t leave your future to chance – let an expert attorney protect your rights and potentially your liberty.
Contact Us For a Free Consultation
Being arrested and charged with a crime in Western Massachusetts can be scary and overwhelming. But with the right criminal defense attorney helping you, it’s possible to resolve your case with the outcome you desire.
Attorney Thomas Kokonowski has decades of experience defending clients against criminal allegations in local courts across Western MA and achieving positive outcomes in thousands of cases. As a former Hampden County prosecutor, he has invaluable firsthand knowledge of how these courts work and how to craft an effective defense.
A native of Westfield and graduate of Trinity College and Western New England School of Law, Thomas Kokonowski founded his criminal defense practice in Springfield in 2004. Since then, he has successfully represented local clients in all types of criminal matters – DUIs, college crimes, casino crimes, violent offenses, and more.
Attorney Kokonowski also has extensive trial experience, both as a prosecutor and criminal defense lawyer, giving him key courtroom litigation skills few attorneys possess. He’s served as lead counsel in hundreds of trials in courtrooms across Massachusetts.
On top of his criminal defense expertise, Thomas Kokonowski is an accomplished personal injury and civil litigation attorney who has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients. He frequently appears as a legal analyst on major media outlets, providing commentary and analysis on high-profile cases.
Attorney Kokonowski’s expertise, reputation, and results speak for themselves:
- Multiple-Year Avvo Clients’ Choice Award Winner
- Named a “Superb Criminal Defense Attorney” by Avvo
- Hundreds of 5-star client reviews
- Proven track record of positive case outcomes
- Decades of criminal law experience in Western MA
- Available 24/7 with offices throughout the region
- Free consultations and affordable rates
When you’re facing criminal charges, you need someone in your corner who knows the local courts and how to build a strong defense. Attorney Kokonowski offers honest, aggressive and ethical representation to protect your rights every step of the way.
Don’t leave your future to chance. For dedicated criminal defense from a lawyer who gets results, call Attorney Thomas Kokonowski today at (413) 584-5538 or fill out our contact form. If you’ve been searching for a “criminal defense lawyer near me“, your search stops here.
FAQS
Q: What qualifications should I look for when researching criminal defense lawyers?
A: Look for education, years of experience in criminal law and with your charges, case results, reputation, sufficient resources to build a defense, and a personality/style that matches your needs.
Q: Where can I find referrals to qualified criminal defense lawyers in Western MA?
A: Ask loved ones for referrals, contact the county bar association, speak to court clerks, research online reviews, and check Avvo lawyer ratings to identify respected local criminal lawyers.
Q: What questions should I ask potential lawyers during initial consultations?
A: Key questions include how they’d defend your case, the legal process they’ll follow, possible case outcomes, communication practices, who’ll handle your case, and information about their fees and billing.
