Have you been arrested and need a criminal defense attorney? With so many laws and regulations, it’s no surprise that people get in trouble occasionally. But an unfair arrest or ruling shouldn’t ruin your life and future.
The right attorney can help, but you need to do your research first. You want to make sure you choose the right person for the job.
What questions should you ask your potential criminal defense attorney? Here are a few to get you started.
1. How Long Have You Been Practicing Criminal Defense Law?
It is essential to ask your potential criminal defense attorney; this will give you an idea of their experience level and what they may be able to bring to your case. It is also essential to find out if the lawyer has handled issues and whether they have any experience with the specific criminal defense law that may apply to your case. The lawyer should also be able to provide you with references from past clients.
2. What Is Your Success Rate in Court?
The first question you should ask your potential criminal defense attorney is. It will give you an idea of how likely they will win your case. It would help if you also asked them how many points they have handled that are similar to yours.
It will give you an idea of their experience. Lastly, it would help to ask them what they think your chances are of winning. It will provide you with a view of their confidence in your case.
3. How Much Do You Charge?
It is one of the most important questions when interviewing potential criminal defense attorneys. You want to be sure that you can afford the attorney’s fees and are comfortable with the payment arrangement.
Ask about the attorney’s fee structure and whether they offer a free initial consultation. Also, ask whether the attorney accepts credit cards or payment plans.
4. What is Your Availability?
It can vary significantly from attorney to attorney, so you will want to be sure that you are comfortable with their schedule. Some attorneys may be able to meet with you on a more flexible schedule, while others may have a more rigid one.
Additionally, you will want to ask about their availability for a trial. You will also want to ensure they are available to take your case to test if it goes that far.
5. What Kind of Cases Do You Usually Handle?
It is essential to ask your potential criminal defense attorney what kinds of cases they usually handle. If they have a lot of experience with the type of case you are facing, they will be better equipped to defend you.
If they have less experience, they may still be able to provide you with quality defense, but you may want to consider another attorney with more experience.
The Importance of Finding the Right Criminal Defense Attorney
You must speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney if you are facing criminal charges. But before you hire an attorney, you should ask them some critical questions. Once you have requested the attorney these questions, you will be better positioned to decide whether to hire them.
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Andrea Parker is a reporter for Zobuz. She previously worked at Huffington Post and Vanity Fair. Andrea is based in NYC and covers issues affecting her city. In addition to her severe coffee addiction, she’s a Netflix enthusiast, a red wine drinker, and a voracious reader.