Criminal cases, especially those involving violence, attract harsh and lengthy prison sentences. Unfortunately, if you lack proper support, you could get a heavy sentence handed down to you even when you did not participate in the said crime. This is why you need to hire a lawyer to help you with such a case.
Hiring the best defense lawyer will play a significant role in the outcome of your case. Before hiring one, you might have to do in-depth research. Look up various law firms online and select a few who have reputable attorneys. After that, contact about three to four firms and set up appointments with their defense attorneys.
Additionally, it will prove beneficial to have some well thought out questions beforehand. That will give your potential attorneys a chance to address your queries and concerns. Here are a few essential questions to ask the criminal attorney before hiring them.
Their familiarity with cases such as yours
A criminal attorney who handles cases similar to yours also needs to be knowledgeable and experienced in them. If you are accused of assault, getting an experienced assault defense attorney will save you time and money, and you will likely find a better overall outcome. You could also ask about some of their past cases that went to trial and their outcomes.
Their professional and educational credentials
When hiring someone, you will always ask for their credentials to know if they are suited for the job. Your lawyer should not be an exception. Ask your assault defense attorney about their professional and educational credentials. This will help you ascertain their qualifications before moving forward. Please don’t shy away from asking important questions such as what law school they graduated from and which bar associations they belong to.
Their answers will depict a clear picture of their legitimacy. It might be best to ask your legal counsel if they have been sanctioned or accused of legal misconduct in the past. To improve the chances of winning your criminal case, you need an attorney who is in good graces with the legal system.
The strength of your case
A glaring red flag to look out for is when an attorney guarantees a specific outcome for your case. A reputable attorney doesn’t make a promise on an exact result. However, because they are knowledgeable and experienced in criminal cases, they can evaluate preliminary information and give you an assessment of how your case will likely play out.
You can also ask for your attorney’s opinion on the weaknesses and strengths of your case. These shape the strategy that your attorney will devise for your case moving forward.
Conclusion
When asking your attorney these critical questions, you should not only focus on the cost and credentials. Factors such as their success rate, their experience, and the strategy they intend to use are vital for your case. By asking the above questions, you will have an easier time settling on the right attorney.