When you are facing criminal charges, hiring a good criminal defense lawyer to represent you is important. But with so many lawyers, how do you know which is the best fit for you?
The answer lies in asking the right questions. Here are several questions you should ask a criminal defense lawyer prior to hiring them.
1. What Is Your Experience with Criminal Defense Cases?
Choose a lawyer who has handled cases similar to yours and has a track record of success. Ask them about their experience with cases like yours and their success rate.
2. What Is Your Strategy for Defending My Case?
Every criminal case is unique and therefore requires a unique defense strategy. Inquire with the lawyer about their plan for defending your case. This will give you an idea of how they approach cases and what you can expect from them.
3. What Are the Potential Outcomes of My Case?
Prior to hiring a criminal defense lawyer, make sure you are familiar with the potential outcomes of your case. Find out the best and worst-case scenarios and their plan for achieving the best outcome possible.
4. What Are Your Fees?
Criminal defense lawyers typically charge either a flat fee or an hourly rate for their legal assistance. Before hiring one, ask them what their rates are and what is included in them. Ensure you know how you will be billed and whether there are any additional costs.
5. What Is Your Availability?
You want a lawyer who is accessible and available to address your concerns and offer the latest developments on your case. As such, it is imperative to discover how often the criminal defense lawyer will be in touch with you and what their availability is like.
6. How Will You Communicate with Me?
Communication is key when working with a criminal defense lawyer. Learn how they prefer to communicate and how often they will contact you. Also, make sure you are comfortable with their communication style and frequency.
7. What Is Your Relationship with the Prosecution?
More often than not, criminal defense lawyers have relationships with prosecutors, judges, and other legal community members. Ask the lawyer about their relationship with the prosecution and whether it will impact your case.
8. What Is Your Track Record with Plea Bargains?
Plea bargains are usually a part of criminal defense cases. Find out the lawyer’s track record with plea bargains and whether they think it is viable for your case.
9. What Will You Need from Me?
As the client, there may be certain things that your lawyer needs from you to build a strong defense. Talk to the criminal defense lawyer about what they need from you and how you can help them prepare your case.
10. What Sets You Apart from Other Criminal Defense Lawyers?
Doing this will help you understand their distinctive capabilities and what you should anticipate from them as your legal representative.
Get Help from Criminal Defense Lawyers in La Plata, Maryland
Working with a criminal defense lawyer is a major decision that should not be taken for granted. With these questions in mind, you can be sure that you hire a lawyer who is experienced, accessible, and capable of achieving the best outcome possible for your case.
If you find yourself in a legal dilemma, it is prudent to seek the guidance of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer. That is why we are here to help. Hennessy Law, LLC focuses on protecting our client’s rights. With 50 years of experience, we provide professional and compassionate assistance in our zealous representation of our clients. We practice personal injury and criminal defense law in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. If you’re looking for a criminal defense lawyer, contact us online, call us at (301)934-6400, or visit us at our office at 103 Centennial St. K La Plata, MD 20646.
