When you find yourself accused of a crime, you need to have a criminal defense attorney who is both talented and experienced on your side. So, how do you know if the lawyer you hired is the right one for your case? Inquiring the correct queries during your first meeting can give an idea if the attorney suits your and your lawsuit. Following are five primary questions to ask your Criminal Law Attorney.
1. What is your experience in criminal defense law?
The initial question you should ask your prospective criminal attorney is that of his or her experience in handling cases of a like kind. A good criminal attorney should have a lot of experience in the criminal justice system and should have done many successful criminal cases. Another important factor is the question of their success rate in similar cases which will give you an estimate of their ability and knowledge.
2. What are the potential outcomes of my case?
Realistic appreciation of possible results of your claim is very important. Your lawyer should be able to detail the charges you may be facing, and the penalties such as fines or imprisonment. In addition, your defense lawyer should also consider possible defense strategies and likelihood of their success in your particular situation. The knowledge of the potential results can lead to you making the right decisions concerning your defense tactics and even engaging in plea-bargain processes.
3. How will you communicate with me during my case?
Communication is key when dealing with a lawyer and when you are involved in a criminal case so you may have worries to be addressed all the time. Inquire from your prospective criminal defense lawyer about the communication avenues that they prefer and the frequency that you should expect a communication. To keep the attorney-client relationship smooth, you must have effective two-way communications with your lawyer and make sure that both of you are on the same as far as the goal is concerned.
4. How will you handle my case?
Understanding the manner in which your potential defense attorney will handle your case is crucial. Inquire about their approaches and tactics in comparable scenarios and how they will protect you. It’s also important to know how they work and deal with difficulties and failures. A good attorney is expected to articulate their approach in a manner that speaks for itself.
5. What are your charges and payment options?
In the end, the fees and payment options must be negotiated with the criminal defense lawyer you consider hiring. Enquire about their fee structure and whether they charge a fixed rate or per hour. Also, it is important to ask whether there are any payments that should be made, for instance, court fees or expert witness fees. Payment options can be reviewed to aid in planning and budgeting for your legal costs.
Summing Up
To sum up, making the right selection of a criminal defense attorney can influence the whole case of yours. It is also very important to ask these vital questions at your initial meeting to be sure that you have selected the right attorney who will be able to represent you well in the court. If you have found yourself charged with a criminal offense, call CEGA Criminal Law Group today and schedule a consult with one of our knowledgeable lawyers.