Essential Questions to Ask Your Criminal Defense Attorney
Have you ever thought about what would happen if you were accused of a crime? If you find yourself in this situation, you’ll probably feel overwhelmed, frightened, and anxious for your future. In order to get the best chance of a positive outcome, it’s essential to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney like Janet Altschuler. To get the best chance of securing a positive outcome, you’ll need to be as informed as possible when you’re working with your attorney. Here are some of the most essential questions you should ask your attorney if you have been accused of a crime.
1. What Am I Being Accused of?
While criminal charges might seem simple on TV, the real thing is much more complicated. Even if one crime was alleged to have taken place, you could be accused of multiple charges at one time—and it’s not uncommon for police to fail to mention what exactly you are being charged with. Your criminal defense attorney will review all the necessary documentation, such as the arrest records, incident reports, and charging documents to identify which charges have been levied against you.
This is especially important because it determines how your attorney will build your case. For example, the penalties for felonies are much more intense than they are for misdemeanors—and if you’ve been charged with a felony, the stakes will be much higher.
2. What Are the Potential Consequences?
Now that you know what you’re being accused of, you’ll want to turn your attention to the potential consequences if you are convicted. Some of the penalties could be minor, such as small fines or fees, but other penalties could have a life-changing impact on your future. These more severe penalties could include lengthy prison sentences and major fines. Once you know what you could be facing, your attorney will be able to determine how they should argue your case to get you the best outcome possible.
3. What is Your Experience & Who Will Handle My Case?
Unfortunately, many attorneys pass off their cases to their subordinates, who may not have the experience or connections necessary to successfully fight for your rights. That’s why you should always ask who will be handling your case and whether or not they have experience dealing with cases like yours. With Janet Altschuler, you’ll receive personalized attention from an attorney with over 2 decades of experience handling a wide variety of criminal charges.
4. What is Your Defense Strategy?
A good attorney will do their homework before ever entering a courtroom. Your attorney should be able to identify any potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, such as a lack of credible witnesses or lacking the proper evidence. In addition, they should have outlined a strategy—will they push for an acquittal, or do they think you have a better chance of securing a plea deal? Regardless of your situation, your attorney should have a step by step process that they intend to follow.
5. What Happens if I Plead Guilty?
While there are situations where it may be in your best interest to plead guilty, it’s never a decision to be taken lightly. No matter what crime you have been accused of, a guilty conviction can have serious consequences, even if it helps you get a better plea deal. Be sure that you know the full ramifications of such a decision before moving forward.
6. What Are My Chances of Winning My Case?
While it is impossible to guarantee the outcome of a case, your attorney should at least have a sense of direction. Depending on the circumstances, the evidence, and the prosecution’s approach, your attorney should be able to discuss the potential outcome of your case. A good attorney will be realistic, but they should also be ready to fight for your rights. Janet Altschuler provides aggressive, dedicated representation for her clients, and she won’t give up until she has gotten you the best possible outcome.
Contact Tucson Attorney Janet Altschuler for Your Consultation Today Choosing the right attorney and asking them the right questions can make a huge difference in the outcome of your criminal case. With over 20 years of experience fighting for her clients’ rights in the Tucson area, Janet Altschuler knows the ins and outs of the local court systems and can help you build the strongest case possible. Get in touch with her today to schedule your consultation and start preparing your case.