Criminal Attorneys Aren't Just for Criminals

3 Questions To Ask Before Choosing A Criminal Defense Attorney

by Eva Holmes

If you have recently been accused of or arrested for a crime, choosing the most appropriate criminal defense attorney for your needs as soon as possible is essential. However, if you have never experienced any legal difficulties before now, it is not always easy to be sure that you have selected the right lawyer for your current issue. Therefore, it is a good idea to consider asking the following questions of any criminal defense attorney that you might hire.

#1-How Much Experience Do They Have With Cases Like Yours?

It will first be necessary to understand that you cannot assume that a lawyer will be able to negotiate the same results from your case that he or she got from similar cases in the past, since no two cases will be identical. However, it is generally a good idea to choose an attorney with as much experience possible with cases like yours. In addition to the superior amount of legal knowledge that he or she is likely to have as the result of that experience, it may also be possible for your new lawyer to have a better understanding of the preferences and professional habits of the judge on your case.

#2-Do They Specialize In Your Type Of Problem With Your State?

It is important to note that some states in the U.S. allow attorneys to become certified in a specific legal problem, such as drunk driving or issues with illegal drugs. Therefore, determining whether or not your state permits that will be useful. Although there are many qualified lawyers who have not been certified, you can use the specialization or lack thereof to find an experienced attorney. 

#3-Do They Charge Hourly Or Have A Flat Fee For Their Services?

It is often surprising to discover that there's not a one-size-fits-all approach to the costs associated with legal representation. While you might only need to pay for a few hours of your attorney's time on a misdemeanor case or one that quickly concludes, a felony arrest could be much more time-consuming and expensive to defend against. That means that you should interview more than one criminal defense attorney when you are finding the right person. If you are concerned about the cost of defending your case, this is a good opportunity to see if paying by the hour or a single, flat payment regardless of the amount of time your case takes to conclude is a thriftier choice.

In conclusion, choosing the right attorney is essential when you have been arrested, regardless of the severity of the crime in question. As a result, it will be helpful to ask the questions listed above of any lawyer that might be assisting in your defense. For more information, contact local professionals like Kassel & Kassel A Group of Independent Law Offices.

Share