Are you considering hiring a criminal defense attorney in Dayton, Ohio? Most lawyers in the area offer a free consultation to review your situation and offer legal advice. But how do you know what questions to ask so that you make the right decision for your needs?
This article will cover some of the most relevant questions you should consider asking a criminal defense lawyer during your free consultation.
Table of Contents
What Experience Do You Have Handling Cases Similar to Mine?
It is essential that you choose a lawyer who has successfully handled cases similar to yours. This means asking the lawyer about their experience with the exact charges you are facing. The more experience the lawyer has in dealing with similar issues, the better they can prepare an effective defense strategy for you. It’s also helpful to find out their success rate when it comes to winning these kinds of cases.
How Will You Develop a Strategy for My Defense?
A good criminal defense attorney should be able to explain how they would approach defending your case and why. They should also provide a timeline for each step, from filing motions and gathering evidence to going through trial if necessary. Understanding how the lawyer plans to defend your case can give you peace of mind and help ensure everything is handled properly in court.
What Kind of Penalties Am I Facing?
Knowing what kind of penalties you could face can help you and your lawyer to decide on the best plan of action for your defense. In some cases, a criminal defense lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea deal to have your charges reduced. Doing so will likely impact the punishment you may receive, and understanding the possibilities can help you make an informed decision.
How Long Will It Take To Resolve My Case?
Time is always an important factor when it comes to legal matters, so it’s helpful to get an estimate from the lawyer on how long they expect it will take for your case to resolve.
Keep in mind that no lawyer can give you an exact timeline, as there are many factors, including court scheduling, how long it takes the prosecutor to turn over discovery, and other things outside of the lawyer’s control.
Do You Provide Payment Plans or Other Financial Options?
Money is often an issue when dealing with legal matters, so ask your prospective criminal defense attorney about payment plans or other financial options that may be. If a payment plan isn’t possible, then inquire about other options, such as negotiating fees based on whether your case goes to trial or concludes before that.
How Will We Communicate, and How Often Will You Update Me On My Case?
Communication between client and attorney is vital for successful resolution, so knowing how often updates will be provided by the attorney and by which methods should also be discussed during the consultation. A reputable criminal defense lawyer should keep you apprised of your legal rights and options as your case unfolds.
How Many Clients Do You Have At One Time?
Some criminal defense attorneys make take on too many cases, which means they might not dedicate enough resources to offer you the most effective defense possible. Asking this question will help ensure your lawyer provides you with effective legal representation.
Do You Have Past Clients I Can Talk To About Their Experience?
This is one of the most important questions to ask during your consultation. It is best if you can speak directly with past clients who this particular attorney represented. Doing so may give you an idea of how they handled their cases and how satisfied their clients were with the outcome.
What Resources Do You Have Access to?
A good attorney will always have access to resources that can help strengthen your case and expedite the legal process. These resources may include private investigators who can help gather evidence or expert witnesses who can testify on your behalf in court. Make sure to inquire about any such resources the attorney has available and how they could benefit your case.
Contact an Experienced Dayton Criminal Defense Lawyer
Taking the time upfront during the consultation phase can save you headaches down the road. Be sure to ask as many questions as you can during the free consultation to ensure you choose the best fit for you and your case. If you have questions or need help, don’t hesitate to contact us at Suhre & Associates, LLC by calling (937) 531-0435 today to schedule a free consultation with a trusted Dayton criminal defense attorney.
