What Questions Should You Ask When You Hire a Defense Attorney?
Hiring a criminal defense attorney isn’t something to take lightly. Your attorney will work side-by-side with you as you face a serious situation that could have a profound impact on your life. As such, before you sign an agreement with a defense lawyer, you should ask a series of questions to make sure he or she is the right attorney for you. Before you hire a criminal defense attorney, be sure to ask these questions.
What is your experience with my type of charges?
It goes without saying that hiring an attorney who has experience defending the kinds of charges you are facing is critical. Just as you shouldn’t hire a real estate attorney to assist you when you’re facing criminal charges, you shouldn’t hire a defense attorney who only has experience in drug cases to help you fight domestic violence charges. Be sure to discuss the kind of experience your prospective attorney has so can make sure you’re hiring someone with the knowledge to help your case.
What will my legal fees be?
Your attorney can’t tell you exactly how much it will cost to fight your case. However, he or she can explain if they charge by the hour or charge a flat fee, as well as what is included in those costs. Keep in mind that there may be additional charges outside of the fees for representation. Because fighting criminal charges can be expensive, it’s important to have an honest conversation about costs with your attorney and to be upfront about any concerns you have.
What do you think of my case?
Your defense attorney will not comment on your guilt or innocence, and he or she can’t promise any specific outcome for your case. However, your attorney can discuss his or her experience with similar cases, what the strengths and weaknesses of your case are, and which options could be viable defenses.
When you choose Janet Altschuler as your criminal defense attorney in Tucson, you’ll get an experienced lawyer who understands the system from both sides of the courtroom. Schedule a consultation for your case today by calling (520) 829-4460.