Questions to Ask Your Criminal Defense Attorney

About Me
A Meaningful Job

When I was a kid, many of my friends wanted to be firefighters, teachers, and policemen when they grew up. Interestingly, I told everyone who was interested that I wanted to be a lawyer. I was fascinated with crime shows. While watching my favorite television programs as a child, I was captivated by actors who played the roles of tough, successful lawyers. No matter what they were facing at trial, they always discovered the truth in every case. While I majored in business instead of law, I still have an amazing appreciation for the work attorneys do today. On this blog, I hope you will discover the importance of lawyers in our society. Enjoy!

Archive
Tags

Questions to Ask Your Criminal Defense Attorney

7 April 2016
 Categories: , Blog

When you are charged with a crime, it is crucial that you find high-quality legal representation. It is even more important that you communicate properly with your criminal defense attorney. You likely have many questions and concerns to address, so write them down prior to your initial meeting. Make sure you include the following questions, as they are important for your protection and the outcome of your legal situation.

What You Should Do (or Not Do)

There are many minor things you can do that may negatively impact your case. Ask your attorney what you should and should not do once you are charged with a crime. Some examples of questions include:

  • "Can I leave the city or state?"

  • "Should I attend any courses or enroll in rehabilitation prior to my trial?"

  • "Can I speak about my case on social media?"

Your public and private conduct can truly affect your criminal case. If you are wondering whether or not you should do something, ask your lawyer about it. Even if the action you are considering seems trivial, it is wise to get clarification first.

Explore Their Experience and History

To get the best possible outcome, you want to hire an attorney who has experience with criminal defense law. You can ask your attorney about his or her experience and history. Some questions you may want to ask include:

  • "How long have you been practicing criminal law?"

  • "Do you have any certifications related to criminal law?

  • "How much time do you and your practice spend on criminal law cases?"

  • "Will anyone else be handling my case, such as a less experienced attorney?"

In many instances, you can find this information on your attorney's website. However, getting firsthand information can help you understand his or her credentials in layman's terms. 

Learn About Fees and Payments

Lastly, you want to get information about how much your attorney's services and resources will cost you. Your attorney may charge an hourly rate or set fee, but there are other financial factors involved. Ask the following questions:

  • How much do your services cost?

  • How much will I be paying for expert witness fees?

  • Should I anticipate any other fees?

  • What are your payment requirements or deadlines?

You should be fully aware of any financial responsibilities before you accept legal assistance. This will allow you to come up with a payment plan or funds for your lawyer. It will also reduce the chances of money-related roadblocks throughout your case.

If you're in need of a criminal defense lawyer, consider looking into local attorneys, such as Ewbank & Kramer.