7 Tips for Finding a Mortgage Fraud Attorney
Mortgage fraud is a very serious crime, and if you’ve been accused of it, then you need to work with a top mortgage fraud lawyer to help you through your case. Finding the right person for the job isn’t always easy, so there are tips below that will help you seek out the most qualified candidate.
7 Tips for Finding a Mortgage Fraud Lawyer
1. Find a Firm
It’s unwise to hire the first attorney you speak to, so consider multiple mortgage fraud attorneys in Houston. Finding a firm you feel comfortable and confident working with makes it easier for you to choose several prospective attorneys without having to go through multiple firms to do so.
If you speak to one attorney in a firm and find they’re not a good fit for you, then you can ask the attorney to recommend a colleague for you to work with. You can even ask them specific questions about their colleagues you’re also considering working with. You can’t do this if the attorneys you’re considering don’t work at the same firm.
2. Choose Multiple Attorneys
Once you’ve chosen a firm, select at least three prospective attorneys to work with. You may also wish to consider picking another three as backups in case you don’t get along with any of the first three attorneys you’ve chosen.
You’ll most likely hire one of the first three attorneys you choose, but it’s good to be prepared. In some cases, it can be difficult to find someone with the right professional experience and a personality you find comfortable.
3. Work with Someone Who Listens
Mortgage fraud cases are often highly complex. The records involved in proving your innocence in a mortgage fraud claim will often be many years old, and there are lots of different documents you need to compile to help build a case in your favor. Plus, your memory may be foggy if you purchased the property many years ago, so you need an attorney who can pick out the details and ask questions that will help jog your memory.
Finding an attorney who listens to everything you have to say in regards to your case is vital, as they need to have all the facts from your perspective to defend you. An attorney who doesn’t listen for the details is someone you don’t want to work with. They won’t able to help you if they aren’t committed to fully learning the ins and outs of your specific case.
4. Check Your Attorney’s Case History
How many cases like yours has your attorney worked on previously? Ideally, look for somebody who’s been working on mortgage fraud claims for several years with a high level of success. Find someone who has proven claims as false if you’re being falsely accused or accused because of a mix-up.
On the other hand, if you have committed mortgage fraud, then look for an attorney who helped their clients get the minimum fraud charge for this act. You want to come out of the situation with the best outcome possible, and if you’re guilty, then the best outcome is the lowest sentence and fine you can receive.
5. Check Client Testimonials
Ideally, you’ll work with somebody who’s easy to work with. You can’t know whether or not someone is easy to work with unless you read a testimonial from a previous client. Ask if your attorney has any written testimonials on hand, or look for some yourself online. The testimonials should state the lawyer was helpful, easy to get along with, and professional.
If the testimonials cite your lawyer as someone it’s difficult to get along with, then consider looking for another attorney. If the testimonials state your lawyer was friendly but unprofessional, then it’s also a good idea to find somebody else to take on your case. Professionalism is a must when working with attorneys.
6. Ensure Your Personalities Fit
You might not think finding an attorney with a personality you like is important. After all, this is someone you’re hiring to help defend you. Your attorney is not somebody you need to be friends with. However, if your attorney’s personality makes you uncomfortable, then working together may prove difficult and more time-consuming than you’d like.
7. Make Sure There Are No Conflicts of Interest
You can’t work with an attorney if there are any conflicts of interest. If the attorney regularly represents the opposition in your case, then you can’t work together. It would also be a good idea to avoid working with attorneys who’ve represented the other party even once in the recent past.
Finding the right attorney is vital so you can come out of your mortgage fraud case in good shape. An attorney with the right professional background is a must, and ensure you get along well with them, too. If you’re comfortable working with this attorney, then they’ll be better able to represent you and get the facts straight during your case.