When you have the right criminal defence attorney to defend you, you will be best positioned to protect your interests. First and foremost, a good defence lawyer can stop the momentum working against you. They can gain access to information in police reports that show false information against you. They can also discover loopholes to have the charges dismissed or reduced.
All this is possible only when you can hire the right attorney. When assessing different lawyers, you should know what questions to ask them. Here are 6 questions to ask a criminal defence lawyer during the initial consultation.
1. Are You Specialized in Criminal Law?
Ask the attorney whether they are specialized in criminal law. You do not want to be represented by a lawyer who specializes in civil rights or personal injury law. Many law firms have different attorneys, with each one specializing in their own field. Hiring a professional specialized in criminal law can benefit you both in the short term and long term.
2. How Much Experience Do You Have in Defending Against My Charges?
You need a lawyer who understands the details of your charges to build a strong defence. Instead of choosing someone with 20 years of experience in criminal defence, you need a lawyer who has experience in specifically handling the charges against you. The right experience also indicates long-term relationships with courthouse staff.
Ask them how often they have handled cases like yours. This is important to get the best possible representation. Also ask them the number of jury trials they have handled. If there is a chance your case goes to trial, you will need a lawyer with the skills and presence required:
- To argue your case before a jury and judge
- To know how to properly prepare your case for trial
- To know how to negotiate plea bargains, if that is the best possible option
3. What Do You Think of My Case?
You will need a lawyer who is confident of winning your case or achieving the best possible outcome. Ask the attorney what they think of your case and whether you have a strong case or not. If you do not find them confident, you should look elsewhere for better legal assistance.
4. Will You be the One Handling My Case?
If you find a criminal defence lawyer who seems the perfect match for your case, ask them whether they will be the one directly managing your defence. You do not want to deal with a law firm that assigns their clients to junior associates or case managers. If they will give your case to someone else, they must inform you from the very beginning.
5. Are you a Member of any Professional Organization?
Ask the attorney whether they are a member of any professional organization or association. Such professional relationships can be signs of higher levels of abilities and commitment to their profession. If they are a former state prosecutor, they will have better insight into how your prosecutor will build the case against you. They will also have professional ties that can work as valuable resources in your defence.
6. How Do You Communicate with Your Clients?
Communication is an important part of the relationship between the attorney and the client. Different law firms follow different communication policies. Ask your criminal defence lawyer how they will be communicating with you. This is important to eliminate any frustration on your end and communication gaps on both ends.
So, these are some of the most important questions you should be asking a criminal defence attorney before hiring their services. It is recommended to meet several reputable lawyers before determining who is best for your case and situation.
