October 24, 2024 | Criminal Defense
If you’ve been arrested or are being investigated as a potential defendant in a criminal case, hiring a criminal defense attorney is an important decision, as your future and your freedom are on the line. This process is about finding the right person to stand in your corner and fight for your rights, but it can be overwhelming to know where to start and who you should work with.
To simplify your search for the right defense attorney, you’ll want to start by asking some questions. The following are 10 of the most important ones to consider during this journey:
1. What Is Your Experience With Cases Similar to Mine?
Each specific type of criminal case involves different laws, evidence issues, and defense strategies. The fact that a person is a criminal defense lawyer doesn’t mean they have experience handling all types of cases. Look for someone who demonstrates specific knowledge of the charges you’re facing.
2. How Many Years Have You Been Practicing Criminal Law?
Experience holds significant value in criminal defense. Knowing how long a lawyer has been practicing helps you understand their level of expertise and their ability to handle different types of cases successfully.
3. How Do You Approach Plea Agreements?
Understanding a lawyer’s approach to plea agreements is crucial as it can greatly influence the resolution of your case. A skilled lawyer will negotiate favorable terms while ensuring that any plea deal aligns with your best interests and long-term goals. You want someone who is going to fight for a good offer from the prosecutor but not pressure you into pleading guilty.
4. How Often Do You Go to Trial?
While many criminal cases are resolved through plea agreements, it’s crucial to know if your lawyer has experience taking cases to trial. You want a lawyer who is confident and skilled in representing you in court in case it gets to that point.
5. What Are the Possible Outcomes of My Case?
Worrying about the potential outcomes of criminal charges is totally normal, which is why it’s important to have a lawyer who can explain the possible outcomes to you. While a knowledgeable lawyer should explain the various scenarios that could occur, including both favorable and unfavorable ones, no legal professional can guarantee a specific outcome, such as the dismissal of the case.
Promises of certain results should be treated with skepticism. A reliable lawyer will focus on building a solid defense strategy and fighting for you no matter what comes up.
6. What Are Your Fees and How Do You Charge? What Is Included in Your Fee?
Understanding how a lawyer charges, what it will cost, and what is included in their charges is essential. Generally, criminal defense lawyers charge a flat fee or charge an hourly rate.
It is important to clarify whether additional expenses, such as court fees, investigative costs, and expert witness fees, are included in the initial quote or billed separately. Make sure to discuss payment schedules and arrangements upfront to avoid any potential misunderstandings later.
It’s important to hire someone within your financial means, but it’s not usually a good idea to go with the least expensive option when your life is on the line. You should consider these expenses an investment into your future and freedom.
7. Who Will be Handling My Case?
The lawyer you’re speaking with should be upfront about whether they personally will handle your case or if it will be assigned to another team member. Ensuring transparency about who will represent you is crucial. It can be frustrating to start a case with one lawyer and then unexpectedly have to work with a different one.
8. How Often Will You Communicate With Me About My Case?
Your lawyer should provide a clear communication plan detailing how frequently you’ll receive updates and how they will inform you about important developments in your case. Make sure you know if they’ll use the phone, text, email, or face-to-face conversations to provide updates.
9. What Is Your Experience With the Local Courts and Prosecutors?
Understanding your lawyer’s experience within the local legal system is important. A lawyer with strong local ties could be familiar with the judges and prosecutors. This may offer an advantage when it comes to negotiating plea deals or getting you admitted into diversion programs.
10. What are the next steps if I hire you?
Once you hire the lawyer, they should outline the initial steps they will take, including gathering evidence, filing necessary documents, and developing your defense strategy. Make sure you know what they need from you so you can provide the necessary information and documents in a timely manner.
A Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help With Your Case
There’s no formula to finding the right lawyer, but asking these questions and knowing what to look for in the answers can be helpful. If you need help with a criminal case, we’re here for you. Contact a criminal law office today to schedule a free consultation with a criminal defense lawyer.
Contact the Dayton Criminal Defense Attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers give us a call today at (937) 531-0435 or visit us at our Dayton Law Office.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers – Dayton
130 West Second Street #17-129
Dayton, OH 45402
United States
