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.
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
Corey L. Scott Reply
Posted Apr 17, 2023 at 10:19:03
Thank you so much!!
Corey L. Scott Reply
Posted Apr 17, 2023 at 10:19:44
Thank you!!
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