4 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Criminal Lawyer

4 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Criminal Lawyer



Facing a criminal charge is a grueling situation and one that may end in a prison sentence when not navigated carefully. Luckily, there are things you can do to increase your chances of an acquittal, and hiring a criminal defense attorney is one of them. Remember, you have the right to legal representation whether or not you have committed a crime.



When hiring an attorney to help you with your case, you have to be sure that you are working with the best legal minds, as the attorney you choose can be the difference between serving a jail term and freedom. But how do you do this when there are so many options available to choose from? Here are some critical questions you need to ask an attorney before hiring them for your case.

1. What is Your Experience and Background?

When you first contact a criminal defense attorney, you want to find out if they have any prior experience handling cases like yours. For example, a lawyer that has only handled DUI charges may not help much if you are facing felony murder charges.

Also, ask how long they have been practicing criminal law and if they have handled cases in the courtroom. A lawyer with experience in criminal law will understand how to go about your case and overcome any hurdles that may hinder your chances of a favorable outcome.

Your attorney's background is necessary to ensure you hire an ethical lawyer with an excellent track record. Find out where they attended law school and when they graduated. An attorney's relationship with the prosecutor's office is also essential, so you must ask about this. Lastly, check if they belong to any bar associations or professional organizations.



2. What is Your Assessment of My Case?

Regardless of your case's complexity, you want to know what to expect. Your attorney should help you understand your legal options and recommend the most suitable way out. It could come as a guilty plea, a trial, or a plea agreement. They should also point out the facts of the case that could work in your favor and elements that could lead to problems down the road.

Additionally, your attorney needs to guide you on what to expect at the different stages of the process, from arraignment and filing motions to motions hearing, dispositions, and trials.



3. How Do You Plan to Manage My Case?

In law, case management refers to how an attorney handles the logistics of a case. Your criminal lawyer should be able to fill you in on what happens behind the scenes to avoid misunderstandings. Find out if they will represent you or delegate the case to another party. If they plan on involving another attorney, ask if you can meet them. They should provide clear guidelines on who to call if you have any questions about your case and how other involved parties prefer to be contacted.



4. What Legal Fees Should I Expect to Pay?

Usually, criminal defense lawyers use a flat-rate billing system. Fees can be pretty competitive. However, paying higher rates for more experienced and qualified attorneys is common. How much you are willing to pay for the services of an attorney depends on your unique situation and the charges you are facing.



Here is an article that can help you understand legal fees: How Much Does a Criminal Attorney Cost?

The material provided on this blog site does not/is not intended to constitute legal advice. All content is for general information only.