An Important Question to Ask Before Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney

Posted by Corey L. Scott | Jun 27, 2021 | 4 Comments

What are some important questions to ask a prospective criminal defense attorney?

A good place to start when interviewing different criminal defense attorneys is with their educational background. You will want to know how long they have been practicing in the area. It is important to note how much of their practice is devoted to criminal defense, or if they specialize in it. You may want to know their success rate, and if they have handled a case like yours in the past. Just because your prospective attorney has been practicing for a while, does not mean that they have handled every type of case. You may inquire whether they have any testimonials from past clients you can have access to, or if they would be willing to allow you to speak with some of their past clients.

I am going to relay a story to you, as it relates to one of the most important and often overlooked questions you should be asking.

A while back, I was speaking with a client in a hallway between two courtrooms, we were standing in the middle. There were several other defense attorneys about, conversing with their clients. My client and I had just finished talking and we're about to head into the courtroom when I couldn't help but overhear a conversation between an attorney and his client. The attorney was saying something to the effect of, “Mr. Smith, I'll do whatever you want me to do. I know that you maintain your innocence. I will do whatever you want me to, but I am not going to trial.” Essentially, this attorney told his client he would do everything except go to trial. He even went on to say that if the client insisted on going to trial, he should get another lawyer. The overlooked question is this: if this case goes to trial, are you willing and prepared to go to trial with it?

It may come as a surprise that the last thing some attorneys want to do is to get in front of a jury. There are a lot of attorneys who are just plea machines, meaning they crank out plea after plea. What if you do not wish to take a plea because you maintain your innocence? If you have hired a lawyer like the one from the example above, you will have a problem.

In your list of questions, be sure to not make any assumptions. My name is Corey Scott. If I can be of any further assistance, give me a call. I will be more than happy to help.

About the Author

Corey L. Scott

Corey L. Scott, was born and raised in East Chicago, Indiana. Upon graduation from East Chicago Central High School, Corey attended Indiana State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology.  Upon graduation, Corey accepted a position with the Marion County Superior Court, Juvenile Division where he served with distinction for the next nine years, eventually being promoted to Director of the Youth Counseling Department. Pursuing his dream of becoming an attorney, Corey attended the Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis.  While in law school, Corey was an Indiana Council on Legal Education Opportunity (ICLEO) fellow and participated in Moot Court competitions.  He also worked in the Marion Superior Court, Criminal Division as a bailiff and research assistant to the Honorable Tanya Walton Pratt, who serves as a Judge on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Corey also served as an internship law clerk to the Honorable Judge, Margret G. Robb, at the Indiana Court of Appeals. Finally, upon graduation from law school, Corey had the distinct honor and privilege to serve as a law clerk to the Honorable Justice, Robert D. Rucker, who sits on the Indiana Supreme Court. Corey then became an associate with Mike Norris Law Office, where he specialized in bankruptcy law with a main concentration on working to assist families obtain a fresh start through Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  Still a young attorney, Corey then served as a public defender at the Marion County Public Defender Agency.  In this position, Corey gained invaluable trial experience by defending clients in a wide range of matters from misdemeanors to serious felonies on a daily basis.  It was also during this time that Corey discovered his passion for representing and serving "everyday people." An entrepreneur at heart, Corey established the Law Office of Corey L. Scott, P.C.  Since then, he and his staff have served the greater Indianapolis community and surrounding counties in several legal disciplines including: Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense and Family Law.  In keeping with his vision, Corey L. Scott, P.C., is a client focused, results oriented general law practice that endeavors to provide legal solutions for "everyday people" charged with a crime, dealing with financial crisis or going through a difficult divorce. Corey has also been active serving the greater Indianapolis community by participating in pro bono programs such as "Ask a Lawyer," the "Modest Means" panel program which allows individuals to afford legal counsel at a fraction of normal rates, Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic and the Heartland Pro Bono Council program. Corey is a proud member of the Indianapolis Bar Association, Indiana Bar Association, American Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.

Comments

LilyReply

Posted Apr 13, 2023 at 04:44:03

You’re on point when you said that when interviewing several criminal defense lawyers, a smart place to start is with their educational history. How long have they been operating in the region is something you should inquire about. I can see how it is crucial to know how much of their practice is focused on criminal defense or whether they have a particular area of expertise in it. This will be noted because I need to hire a DWI defense attorney for my brother who was involved in a specific crime to this. Thanks for the help. https://delagarzalaw.com/services/dwi

Elle JonesReply

Posted Apr 13, 2023 at 07:36:52

It’s great that you went into detail about how asking about a criminal defense lawyer’s educational background is a good place to start when interviewing them. How long have they been operating in the region is something you should inquire about. It is crucial to know how much of their practice is focused on criminal defense or whether they have a particular area of expertise in it. This is what I’m saying because just last night, my neighbor was arrested on suspicion of having heroin. It would be best if she immediately hired a legal expert if she wants to prove her innocence. I’ll make sure to give her your advice right away, thanks! https://www.bradbaberatty.com/services

Leave a Comment

About Our Firm

The Law Office of Corey L. Scott, P.C., provides professional solutions to everyday people by consistently delivering high quality legal services and building trusting relationships with its clients.

Practice Areas

The Law Office of Corey L. Scott, P.C., specializes in Bankruptcy Law, Criminal Law, and Family Law.

Contact

We are advisors, advocates, counselors and strategists for every client, everyday and on every case. Contact the Law Office of Corey L. Scott, P.C. today.

Menu