Have you been accused of a serious crime? Are you looking for a lawyer who can steer your case in the right direction and produce a favorable outcome? Then, you might need the services of a reputable firm like engelandmartin.com with dedicated lawyers specializing in criminal defense law.
During the initial consultation, a criminal defense lawyer will ask you a series of questions to understand your case’s subtleties. However, you should also take this opportunity to voice your own concerns. Ask whether you should get in touch with law enforcement agencies. Inquire about the lawyer’s experience dealing with cases of this nature. Knowing the answers to these questions will help you weave your case through the criminal justice system.
Below is a list of questions you’ll need to ask your criminal defense attorney:
Should I talk to the police
It’s often the right call to not make a statement or sign any paperwork. The police might already be investigating your case without informing you. At some stage, you might even be called to the station to record a statement.
It would be in your best interest to hire a criminal defense attorney instead of directly talking to law enforcement officers. An attorney can represent you, sort out important details with the detectives, and gather critical information to stop charges from being filed. Moreover, a lawyer can give you valuable advice on your criminal law-related queries to prevent you from giving a statement that might be used against you during the trial.
Do you offer a free initial consultation
To properly gauge your position and understand your case’s facts, schedule a face-to-face meeting with your lawyer. This initial free consultation is important to develop a relationship with the attorney who you might have to work with for the next couple of months, depending on the severity of charges and length of trial. Some things you can discuss during the course of this meeting are:
- Your criminal background, including a history of past diversion programs, if any.
- Your life, education and employment records.
- Any immigration problems.
- The details of the arrest. Did anyone violate your rights? Do you have any alibis?
After the end of your first meeting, your criminal defense lawyer will be better positioned to answer specific questions surrounding your case. Moreover, you’ll feel much more informed and better placed to decide whether you’re confident with your choice of lawyer or not. The lawyer can provide an estimate of the legal fees after this session. These are important details you need to work out. If an attorney doesn’t offer a free initial consultation, find one who does.
Is your practice focused primarily on criminal law
Lawyers aren’t like doctors. They’re allowed to practice any specific area of law without having specialized expertise. This is why you’ll notice many lawyers in the general practice law niche. Lawyers engaged in general practice know their way around criminal cases but aren’t exactly experts.
In a case where your liberty is at stake, don’t take a chance on someone whose bread and butter isn’t criminal law. Only after long years of dealing with criminal courts does one develop an aptitude and appetite for criminal law cases, so it’s important to have a professional at the helm who has ample experience in this discipline. Ask yourself: if you had a heart problem, would you go to a cardiologist or a general physician?
You can directly ask lawyers whether they specialize in criminal law or look up their website.
How will you communicate with me
Criminal law cases are extremely sensitive. You need to stay up-to-date with important events and deadlines to make sure your case doesn’t develop any significant loopholes. For this reason, make sure you can easily get in touch with your lawyer.
Good lawyers have a variety of conduits to stay in touch with their clients. Figure out which channel will work best for you. Ask your lawyer whether they’ll be able to hold appointments, schedule calls, or correspond through email or a specific case management system.
It’s good to have a lawyer who keeps you updated about the progress of your case. However, it’s also important not to nag your lawyer all the time. Keep your questions short and targeted to keep communication lines smooth and effective.
Final thoughts
A lot is on the line when you’ve been accused of a crime. Stay on the safe side and hire a competent attorney specializing in criminal defense. They’ll give your case the time and attention it needs. Also, make sure you have any essential documents prepared before meeting a lawyer to fast-track the progress of your case.
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