How Do I Choose the Best Criminal Defense Attorney in Austin, Texas?

Few situations are more harrowing than getting arrested for a crime. Whether the charge is a felony or misdemeanor offense, a DWI in Austin, or a federal drug trafficking conspiracy, you’re likely overwhelmed as the worst case scenarios play out in your mind. And if it’s your first arrest, you may have no idea where to turn for help. As reality sets in, you may wonder: How do I choose the best criminal defense attorney?

A quick web search will reveal that there is no shortage of lawyers in Travis County, so knowing how to distinguish the best ones from the rest is key. In fact, choosing the right lawyer will no doubt impact the outcome of your case, and your entire future. So it’s important to know what to look for.

When selecting a criminal defense lawyer in Austin, keep these four tips in mind.

1. You want a defense attorney who is experienced and qualified.

Don’t be afraid to do some research. You can visit the State Bar of Texas website to check the status of a lawyer’s legal license. It may also be helpful to learn the highlights of their resume, such as:

• How long have they been practicing law?

• Where did they go to law school?

• Have they won any awards?

• Are they a part of any professional organizations?

• Do they have good reviews or testimonials from previous clients?

There is no “right” answer to any of these questions, but by finding out the answers, you’ll get a sense of the attorney’s qualifications and abilities. This will help you decide if they’re the best for you.

2. Make sure the attorney’s exact practice areas match your needs.

Not every criminal defense lawyer in Travis County handles all types of crimes. For instance, some only specialize in misdemeanors or felonies, while others, such as Chris Perri, are skilled at both. Ideally, you want an attorney who understands the ins and outs of all crime levels, as charges can sometimes be bumped up or bumped down. A lawyer who handles it all can also better negotiate on your behalf, as no prosecutorial curveballs will be beyond their scope of experience and understanding.

The same goes with federal and state law. Most defense attorneys in Texas only practice state law, while few are licensed to practice in federal courts. Chris Perri, however, does both. Typically, you know when you’re arrested if the charge is state or federal. Make sure the lawyer you choose can practice in the court pressing charges against you.

Lastly, if you need post-conviction relief, such as an appeal or writ, be sure to hire a defense attorney who actually practices appellate law, as not all criminal defense attorneys do. Some only take trial-level cases. Once again, Chris Perri handles it all, including appellate law.

3. Make sure your defense lawyer has a track record of success.

You want an attorney with a proven track record of helping clients achieve successful outcomes. If you’re going to hand over your hard-earned money, you deserve a fighter who gets good results.

Many attorneys offer free consultations before you hire them. This is a great opportunity to ask about their history of success, especially with cases similar to yours. Lawyers obviously can’t reveal specific identifying details about other clients, but they should be able to provide you with concrete examples of wins.

Often, attorneys will share client testimonials on their website, which is another helpful way to get a sense of their success. If people are happy with their case results, that’s a good sign. You can also check out websites, such as Avvo, to see if past legal clients have left reviews.

4. When selecting a criminal defense attorney, trust your gut.

Most important of all, you want a lawyer who makes you feel comfortable and understood. You don’t want to be just another case for someone. The best criminal defense lawyer is one you can trust to fight for your specific priorities. 

This is why an initial, no-strings-attached consultation is so important, as it will allow you to assess if the lawyer is a good fit for you in terms of style, personality, and case strategy.

Some questions to ask yourself after an initial consultation:

• Do I feel like the attorney listened to me?

• Do they seem smart, capable, and experienced?

• Are they a good communicator?

• Do I feel a sense of trust?

• Am I just another case to this person, or are they treating me like an individual?

Remember, the criminal process is rarely a short one, so a strong attorney-client relationship is a must. One of the biggest complaints people often have about their lawyers is “they never call me back.” That is unacceptable. Make sure you choose a criminal defense attorney who will put you first and fight for your future.

Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with Chris Perri, one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Texas, today.

Whether you have been accused of a state or federal, felony or misdemeanor, crime, or you need an appeal or a writ, Chris Perri will fight tirelessly on your behalf. With over 15 years of experience practicing law in Austin and surrounding counties such as Hays, Travis, Williamson, Bastrop, and Burnet, Chris Perri has successfully helped clients win trials, overturn convictions, get cases dismissed, and expunge records. It’s no surprise he’s the recipient of the 2020 Avvo’s Client Choice Award.

If you have been accused or convicted of any criminal offense in Texas, contact Chris Perri at www.chrisperrilaw.com or call (512) 269-0260 for a FREE consultation today.