Posted on January 30, 2023 in Criminal Defense
Finding the right attorney is one of the most important steps you can take if you or someone close to you is facing criminal charges. It’s important to hire an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who can protect your rights and provide the best possible legal defense. Here are ten questions you should ask any potential criminal defense attorney before making a hiring decision.
It is important to ask about a lawyer’s experience when it comes to defending against criminal charges, as this can have a major impact on the outcome of the case. Experienced lawyers will be better equipped to navigate complex legal systems and strategies that may be unfamiliar to less experienced attorneys.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, there may be other options available such as plea bargains, deferred sentencing agreements, or pre-trial diversion. It’s important to make sure these possibilities are explored thoroughly before deciding how best to proceed with your legal representation.
This question is important because it will give you an idea of the attorney’s trial experience. An attorney who has taken many cases to trial will have more experience in presenting evidence, arguing in front of a jury, and negotiating with the prosecution. If they’re comfortable with trials, they are unlikely to push you to accept a guilty plea unless it’s truly the right choice.
This is one of the most important questions to ask up front. Different law firms charge different rates for their services and it’s important to understand what these fees will be before signing any contracts. A good lawyer should be able to provide a clear outline of their fee structure so that you know what to expect in terms of costs.
Your attorney should explain all potential outcomes if convicted and advise you on potential courses of action depending on each individual scenario – for example, the option to appeal a conviction. This is especially important because some convictions can result in serious consequences such as jail time or significant fines.
Depending on the circumstance and complexity of your case, having access to additional services such as private investigators or expert witnesses can prove invaluable in securing a favorable outcome for you or a loved one.
Every case is unique, and it’s essential to find out how your lawyer plans to approach your case. Do they think they can get the prosecutor to agree to reduced charges? Do they plan on filing a motion to suppress? A good lawyer will be able to provide an overview of their strategy based on their experience and knowledge of the law.
It’s important to find out if your prospective attorney has had success with similar cases in the past. A good lawyer should be able to provide examples of successful outcomes they have secured for clients in similar situations as yours. This will give you greater confidence that they can achieve similar results for your case as well.
Reputable lawyers should have no hesitation providing references from previous clients upon request. These references can help provide valuable insight into how well they handle cases and whether they would be a good fit for yours.
Finally, you want to make sure that your attorney keeps communication lines open throughout the duration of your case. Ask them how often they plan on keeping you updated regarding progress made and any changes that could affect the outcome of your case.
It’s important to ask these questions to have a clear understanding of the attorney’s qualifications, experience, and approach to your case, and to ensure that the attorney you choose is the right fit for you. If you need help with your case, contact Orent Law Offices today to schedule a free consultation.
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorney Craig Orent. Give us a call at (480) 656-7301 or visit our law office at 11811 N Tatum Blvd UNIT 3031, Phoenix, AZ 85028. We offer a free case evaluation, so get the help you deserve today.
