When you’re facing criminal charges, you need someone in your corner, someone who can help you defend yourself and navigate precarious legal waters. You need a criminal defense lawyer.
Of course, you don’t want just any lawyer–you want to get the best criminal defense lawyer you can find. The question, then, is how to determine which lawyer is right for you.
It can be a hard choice to make; you’ve got a lot on your mind during a criminal defense case, and the legal system is complex enough even before you start looking into proper representation.
Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to ensure you hire the right criminal defense attorney. Read on to learn five questions you should ask a lawyer before hiring them.
1. How Long Have You Been Here?
First of all, when looking for a lawyer, use search terms like “criminal defense lawyer near me,” because you need someone familiar with local laws and the courts in your area.
Once you’ve found a local criminal defense lawyer, ask them how long they’ve been operating in your area. The longer they’ve been around, the more they’ll know about the laws you’ll be dealing with.
2. Have You Handled This Kind of Case?
As any lawyer will admit, experience is vital in the field of law. You don’t just want a lawyer who has been practicing for years; you want a criminal defense attorney who has handled your specific kind of case before.
The more experience a lawyer has with cases like yours, the better–they’ll know what mistakes to avoid and what defenses to use.
3. How Will We Communicate?
Communication is an important aspect of hiring a lawyer. A criminal defense case is often a lengthy process, and during those weeks and months, you’ll need to speak with your lawyer frequently.
Make sure that any lawyer you hire has open lines of communication so that you can contact each other as the case evolves.
4. What Is Your Defense Strategy?
Not all criminal defense lawyers offer the same services, so establish what each prospective lawyer can do for you before making any decisions. Choose a lawyer offering comprehensive services, like Belen Law Firm.
They should also be able to offer at least a rough assessment of possible defenses they could use in your case.
5. How Much Do You Charge?
There are two parts to this question: how much does the lawyer charge, and when does the bill come due? Depending on your area and the firm itself, the lawyer may charge hourly, have a flat fee, or use another pricing structure.
Hire the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer
Choosing a criminal defense lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever face; that’s why it’s crucial that you do thorough research and ask a lot of questions before you hire a lawyer.
Dealing with a criminal defense case is stressful; afterward, you should take some time to unwind, maybe even go on vacation. Visit our travel blog for ideas on where you can go to relax and celebrate your victory!
