Who Is The Best Austin Criminal Attorney?

If you have been charged with a crime in Austin, Texas, you probably already know that you need an attorney to protect your rights and represent your interests. While there are a number of lawyers to choose from, you may – very understandably – be wondering who is the best. And how do you select an attorney that will do a good job? While cost is always a factor, experience, expertise, and reputation also matter a great deal.

The lawyers at Cofer & Connelly consistently rank among the best in Austin, and the results they achieve in the courtroom back that reputation up. The firm’s lead attorney, Rick Cofer, has handled thousands of criminal matters and has been named as one of Austin’s best lawyers for 2021 and 2022 by the Austin Chronicle. If you are facing a criminal charge and are looking for some of the highest-rated Austin criminal defense attorneys available, reach out to Cofer & Connelly today by calling (512) 991-0576 or by contacting the firm online.

What Makes A Successful Lawyer?

Lawyers have different styles and personalities. Yet, what makes a lawyer successful can generally be found in any good lawyer, no matter the area they practice or how they handle their cases. Here are some of the common traits you will find in virtually any successful lawyer:

Ability to Listen – Lawyers are often known for their ability to speak in public and to persuade juries. But all successful lawyers must be able to listen to their clients, ask thoughtful questions, and pay attention to the big picture. Criminal charges can be very stressful and worrying, so a lawyer that will take the time to listen to your concerns and provide clear, honest answers is one who is likely worthy of your trust.

Legal Knowledge – Laws are ever-changing and updated regularly. A good lawyer not only has a good understanding of the law, but they also keep pace with new legal amendments, revisions, and redactions. What you may not know is that new law is being created constantly via cases decided by the courts and bills passed at the state and federal levels. A good lawyer will stay on top of these developments and how they could impact their clients’ cases. 

Good Communication Skills – Successful lawyers know how to get their point across while being persuasive. What this means is that good lawyers communicate in a way that is easily understood and is also convincing. This is true of communication with their clients, but also communication with judges, other lawyers, and juries. To be sure, there are many ways to communicate effectively. Good lawyers know their strengths and use the best methods available to accomplish that aim.

Effort – No matter the difficulty or size of the case, successful lawyers do everything they reasonably can to secure the best outcome for their clients as is possible under the circumstances. Still, it is important to remember that no lawyer can guarantee a particular result, and sometimes the best result involves making a deal with the prosecution.

Good lawyers explore every possible avenue and leave no stone unturned as they fight for their clients. This often means being fully prepared and ensuring that no critical mistakes have been made when analyzing evidence, researching case law, and going over the facts of the case thoroughly and with an eye for detail.

Solid Judgement – Because there are a variety of ways of handling a criminal case, a successful lawyer must use their judgement when analyzing the best path forward. The question of whether you should accept a plea deal or take the case to trial is something a lawyer with good, solid judgement will be able to answer. No outcome is guaranteed, and anything can happen in a trial, but successful lawyers can calculate risk and use their better judgement to give you the best chance of success moving forward. 

Experience – The highest-rated Austin, Texas, criminal defense attorneys often have a significant amount of experience in a specific area of law. It is important to understand that if you are facing criminal charges in Austin, the best lawyer for your case is likely going to be one with experience handling the type of criminal offense(s) you have been charged with. They will also have represented a number of clients within the Austin court system. For example, if you are facing a white-collar criminal charge, you’ll want a white-collar defense attorney in Austin who has handled that type of case before.

Compassion – As you likely already know, being charged with any criminal offense can be scary, frustrating, and stressful. A good lawyer will understand how important resolving your criminal matter is to you and will treat your case as if it were their own. Remember, according to the law, you are innocent until proven guilty, and that right should never be taken away. A successful lawyer will be compassionate about your situation and do everything they can to protect your rights.

What Does Cofer & Connelly Offer?

Cofer & Connelly offers clients a number of legal services, all designed to protect their rights under the law and to give them the strong, effective representation that they deserve. The law firm represents clients in family law, criminal defense, and personal injury law. Cofer & Connelly’s Texas roots are well established and informs its approach in and out of the courtroom.

With over 60 years of combined legal experience, Cofer & Connelly’s knowledge and experience are tough to beat, and its lawyers are some of the highest-rated Austin, Texas, criminal defense attorneys practicing today. In fact, in 2022, the firm was named to Austin’s Best of List by the Austin Chronicle. Cofer & Connelly has handled over 25,000 criminal and family law cases and over 300 jury trials. If you have been charged with a criminal offense, do not hesitate to reach out to them today by calling (512) 991-0576 or by contacting them online to learn about how they can help.