Marijuana Martyrs: How to Find a Marijuana Lawyer Near You

Legal marijuana could become a multi-billion dollar industry for the United States. While it’s almost legally accepted nationwide, there are still a few areas that consider marijuana possession a state crime.

If you live in one of those states, you’re going to need a lawyer that understands your case. A marijuana possession lawyer who is up-to-date with the latest laws and procedures can help. Choosing the wrong lawyer, however, could cause more harm than good.

Here are the nine tips you need to take to find a marijuana lawyer in your area.

By using these tips, you can find a legal professional prepared to help win your case. Don’t try to navigate the situation alone. Instead, find your marijuana defense lawyer with these tips.

1. Case Experience

There are many different types of law an attorney can choose to specialize in, ranging from personal injuries to medical malpractice. When trying to find a lawyer to take your case, make sure to look for someone who specializes in marijuana cases.

You can begin your research online by searching through directories. You can also ask friends, family members, or coworkers if they’ve worked with a trustworthy lawyer. If you’ve worked with a lawyer who doesn’t specialize in marijuana law, ask if they can refer you to someone who does.

As you start developing a list of potential marijuana lawyers, determine how long they’ve specialized in these cases. Make sure to ask how long they’ve worked as a licensed attorney, too. Their previous experience can give you an advantage.

Make sure they’re up-to-date with any procedures or laws that are relevant to your case.

When was the last time they worked on a marijuana case? Asking these questions can help you determine their expertise.

Choosing a lawyer who specializes in marijuana law will reassure you that they have the knowledge you need.

2. Track Record

In order to further narrow down your list of marijuana lawyers, check each attorney’s track record. How many similar cases have they won over the years? Did they settle most of these cases out of court?

When choosing a marijuana lawyer, you want someone who is capable of winning. Checking their track record will indicate their experience and expertise. Even if they’ve worked in marijuana law for 20 years, you want to make sure they’re a winner.

Make a note if the lawyer you’re considering has settled a lot of cases instead of winning them. Some lawyers are more concerned about protecting their track record. These lawyers want to close a case rather than lose it.

When you speak to potential attorneys, ask about their recent cases. How did it go? What was the end result?

Asking about their recent cases will give you a better understanding of their abilities.

You can learn more about medical marijuana laws here.

3. Professional Standing

Don’t hire a marijuana lawyer without checking their bar association standing first.

As you narrow down your options, head to your local bar association’s website. Are they a member? See if they’re a part of any local law associations, too.

There are over 1,352,027 active lawyers. However, not every lawyer you come across will have an active license.

If they’re not listed anywhere, continue your search. You don’t want to work with a lawyer who isn’t licensed.

While you’re on the bar association website, you can also determine if the lawyer has maintained any leadership roles over the years. If they have, it could indicate that they’re well-respected among their peers in the area.

4. Testimonials

The best way to gain an understanding of how a lawyer works is to speak to someone who has worked with them in the past.

After all, we trust our friends, family members, and even strangers to offer their opinions before we buy a product. The same process works when you need to hire a lawyer.

Head online and see if anyone has posted a review about the lawyer you’re considering. If not, ask the marijuana attorney you’re researching if they can provide you with testimonials.

Speak with their previous clients if you can. Get a better understanding of what it was like to work with the lawyer. Were there any problems?

If the client did experience issues, how were they handled?

You can also check the Better Business Bureau for more information.

5. The Cost

When it comes to lawyers, you usually get what you’re paying for. A better qualified and experienced lawyer is usually more expensive. Ask each marijuana possession lawyer about their fees.

Some lawyers will work on a contingency fee basis. Others require you to pay a retainer upfront.

6. Their Network

Many lawyers maintain a network of qualified experts they can call on during a case. As you start narrowing down your list, ask the attorney how they plan on handling a trial. Will they call on an expert witness, or do they have another plan?

Gaining a better understanding of their process can provide you with peace of mind moving forward.

7. Courtroom Experience

If your case does go to court, does the lawyer you’re hiring have enough courtroom experience to handle themselves?

Not all cases go to trial. Even so, you’ll want to choose a lawyer who knows how to navigate a courtroom. That way, you won’t have to worry in the event that your case does go to court.

A lawyer who is apprehensive about going to court won’t help your case.

8. The Team

The first lawyer you talk to isn’t necessarily the one who will take your case. If you visit a law firm, make sure to verify which marijuana lawyer you’ll work with. Ask them some of the questions mentioned above.

That way, you’ll have a better idea of their capabilities.

9. Trust Your Gut

Once you’ve interviewed different attorneys, go through your notes. Who did you feel the most comfortable with? Who do you feel like you can trust moving forward?

In most cases, you’ll have to trust your gut. These tips can help you recognize the best choice from the bunch. After that, choose someone you believe will have your best interests in mind throughout the case.

Finding a Top Marijuana Lawyer

If you need a marijuana lawyer, take the time to review these tips. Finding the right person can make or break your case. With these tips to guide you, you can find the lawyer who can help win your case and ensure you avoid jail time.

Need help right away? Contact us today to discuss your case.