4 Important Questions When Hiring A Criminal Lawyer

By Author: John Cavers
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Choosing a criminal defense lawyer can be confusing for many people that have not had previous encounters with the law. Most people find themselves in need of criminal defense that have not been charged previously. As a result, the potential client has no experience selecting a lawyer, and can therefore more easily make an incorrect choice. There are four important questions that can be asked when interviewing attorneys to identify lawyers that are best suited for your personal situation and the offense for which you are charged.

How Much Experience Does the Criminal Lawyer Have?
Experience is essential when it comes to dealing with a criminal law case. Experience in certain areas matters; for example, in a DWI case, the lawyer with experience in other types of law may not bring the most to the case. Choosing a criminal lawyer with experience in the area that you require could make the difference in winning the case. It can also be asked if the counsel is board certified in that particular area of law. To become board certified, an attorney must have had significant trial experience in the area while also passing ...
... a difficult test on that legal subject.

Are You Going to Be Working with a Team of Lawyers?
In some law offices, the lawyers work as part of a team to assist the client in their case. There are certain advantages and disadvantages to this type of practice. On one hand, working with a team will ensure that more ideas and strategies can be used; on the other hand, one single lawyer may gain more insight into the case based on one-on-one attention between the lawyer and client. If you are working with a team of attorneys be sure to become introduced and familiar with each person on the team during the defense process.

What are the Costs of the Lawyer?
Depending on the team or lawyer that is used, fees could vary between representations. It is important to discuss the fees before any contracts or agreements are signed. You should hire the best representation that you are able to afford as this can increase the chances that you, as the client will be found innocent. This question was posed to a prominent Houston criminal lawyer. According to him, it is important to understand the total costs and retainer up front. Once a contract is signed, it is difficult and time consuming to dismiss that attorney only to hire another. Further, it is likely that it will cost more money if you go through this process.

How Will the Lawyer Continue with the Case?
It is important to have all information available for the defense lawyer upon the initial consultation. This information can help to form the defense that will be used to win the case and prove you innocent. It is important to include information as when and the reasons the arrest occurred as well as any information that is available in the case against you and what exactly you have been accused of. It can be helpful to include who was involved in the process and if there is any evidence that can assist in corroborating your innocence. If you avoid full disclosure, the attorney is put at a disadvantage that will wind up usually costing more fees when the truth comes out.

These four questions should assist you during the interview process. Upon the initial consultation, you should be able to decide if the lawyer is truly the one for you.