You or someone you know has been charged with a crime, what is the most important thing to do next? Finding the right criminal attorney is the most important thing for the future of the accused. An effective attorney can mean the difference between imprisonment and freedom. But, when it comes to finding the right attorney, what are the things you should look for? To find the right attorney you shouldn’t have to just randomly search for one on the internet or flip through the phone book to find the right lawyer. You’ll want to do some research; what are some of the most important things to know about finding a criminal attorney?
Expense
How much is a good criminal attorney going to cost? It all depends on the facts of your case. The cost depends on the length of the trial and the difficulties in preparing. Keep yourself informed about what potential costs you may have to plan for. In order to cover the expense of the attorney you may need to look into financing options. Look to your savings, family loan options, credit cards, and if need be visit your bank to discuss loans and refinancing mortgages to have the funds available. It might seem overwhelming how much money a good attorney can cost you, but it is your future and protection you are paying for. Just make sure you have chosen the right attorney to invest your future with. You have to know that you pay for what you get.
Consultation
It is important to take the time to meet with as many attorneys as you need to until you find the right one. A consultation can cost money, but typically the consultation fee is put towards the retainer fee for the cost of your case. Sometimes a consultation is free for certain durations of time. If the consultation isn’t free or doesn’t get included into the retainer, don’t be afraid to ask your attorney to do so. At your consultation be prepared with a list of any questions and concerns you may have pertaining to your case. Some questions to consider asking are:
- How many years have you been in practice? Get a good understanding about how long the attorney has been representing cases like yours.
- What concerns do you have for the criminal case? What possibilities are there for my case? Worst and best case scenarios.
- Have you ever represented clients in a jury trial?
What happens next?
Once you have decided upon the right attorney, set forth a game plan. Be sure to keep track of attorney meetings and court dates. Forgetting to show up and not being prepared can ultimately mean more of a mess. Consequences could include the risk of having bail revoked, more fines and potential jail time if you are not present or on time.
Be sure to keep in contact with your attorney, and be honest with your attorney at all times. Ultimately when it comes to finding the right criminal attorney you need to go with your instincts. It is a good idea to be sure you have chosen the right attorney that you are confident and comfortable in representing your criminal case.
