What You Need to Know About Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, it is important to know your legal rights and options. It is crucial that you understand that information is power and the more information you have the better chances you have of a better outcome. One of the most important decisions you will make is hiring a criminal defense attorney and it is imperative that you hire an attorney you feel confident in providing your legal representation. This blog post will provide an overview of what you need to know about hiring a criminal defense attorney and explain the questions you should be asking them before allowing them to represent you in your criminal case.

Research attorneys in your area

The first step is to research attorneys in your area. Look for attorneys who have experience handling cases similar to yours. Once you have narrowed down your choices, schedule consultations with each attorney. During your consultation with the attorney, be sure to ask the attorney about their experience handling cases similar to yours. Ask them about their case results, and how they would handle your case specifically. An experienced criminal defense attorney should be able to walk you through the process and let you know the steps of your case. In addition, they should also be able to tell you how to prepare for your case and you should also ask about what you should expect throughout the pending case.

During the consultation

During the consultation with the attorney, it is smart to ask them about what the repercussions are and they should also explain to you your rights as a defendant in the case.

The consultation is a great time ask about the attorney’s fee structure and how much the case will likely cost, which includes the attorney fees, filing fees, court costs, etc. Some attorneys also offer payments plans. Be sure to ask them about their payment plans, how much you would be required to pay up front, and how much your expected monthly payment will be if you are unable to pay the full retainer up-front. For resources on how to save money on your legal case, you can see this article:________ The mentioned article will give you several useful tips on how to save the most money on your legal case.

Ask about communication

Ask the attorney which is the best method to use to communicate with them. Inform the attorney of your schedule, and your preferred methods and times of communication. If you work during the day and are unable to get to your phone, it is good to let the attorney know that perhaps email might be best to reach you. Also ask the attorney during the consultation on what the time frame is when you can expect to hear back from them after calling or emailing their office. It is always great to know the expectations and company standards ahead of time rather than after.

Ask more questions

While it is unethical and unlikely that any attorney can predict an absolute outcome of your case, if they are experienced, they can tell you what may or may not transpire throughout the pending case. You should know that you can still ask them about what problems may possibly arise and what recourse could possibly be done if those issues were to take place. Again, attorneys are unable to tell you with certainty that outcome of a pending case, you can still ask them questions about a tentative timeline for when the case might be resolved or closed.

Does the attorney you are consulting with typically work in the county that your case is being filed? Are they familiar with the system in that county?

Does the attorney have positive reviews on Google?

Be absolutely sure that you feel comfortable with the attorney and trust their experience. This is an important decision, so take your time and choose an attorney that you are confident in. The consultation is not just about the attorney learning about your case, it is also an opportunity for you to interview the attorney, after all, they will be working for you. Did the attorney rush through the consultation and make you feel like another number, or did they take the time to ensure you understood your rights and the options that are available to you? Did they explain the next steps of your case to you? Did they let you know the plan of action they have for your case in protecting your best interest? A great attorney knows one of the best services they can give to their client is by empowering them to make better-informed decisions by educating them. Did you walk out of that consultation feeling more confident about your case?

Hiring a criminal defense attorney is a big decision. Be sure to do your research and ask the right questions during your consultation. Find an attorney that you are comfortable with and who has the experience you are looking for. With the right attorney by your side, you will have the best chance at achieving a positive outcome for your case.

The Law Office of Chad Zubi, PLLC offers free consultations, and we are here to help you through the process of your legal case. We believe in educating our clients and making sure they fully understand their rights, in order for our clients to make the best decisions. We are passionate about fighting for the best outcome for our clients. If you would like to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney, you can book your free consultation here, call our office at 832-777-8924, or email Chad@chadzubi.com. Our client’s cases are handled with the utmost professionalism, care and diligence.