Five Questions to Ask Your Criminal Defense Lawyer
Ask your criminal defense lawyer questions about their case experience, how they will protect you against a conviction, their legal fees, how they communicate with their clients, and their role in your legal proceedings. Schedule an initial consultation with an attorney to share your questions and get insights into how they can help you with your case.
Speak with an Oakland criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can following your arrest. Below are five questions to share with your lawyer to help you determine if this attorney has what it takes to effectively and compassionately handle your case.
Question #1: What Is Your Experience With Handling Cases Similar to Mine?
One of the key questions to ask your criminal defense lawyer relates to their experience. Find out how a lawyer has helped clients in cases similar to yours achieve their desired results. Ideally, your attorney will share information about their case results, so you know what will happen if you hire them as your legal representative and advocate.
Choose an attorney who knows the ins and outs of California’s criminal justice system. For example, you are charged with assault and have no idea what to do next. Partner with an Oakland assault lawyer. They will use their legal knowledge and insights to build an argument that will resonate with the court.
Take a lawyer’s case experience seriously as you debate whether to hire them. Ultimately, if an attorney lacks relevant experience, it may be difficult to avoid a conviction that leads to jail or prison time, fines, and other criminal penalties.
Question #2: How Will You Approach My Case?
This question to ask your criminal defense attorney gives you insights into how your lawyer will protect your legal rights and best interests. As your lawyer answers this question, consider whether they address:
- The legal strategy they will use to fight back against the prosecution
- The evidence they will gather to strengthen their argument
- The witnesses that they will contact to testify on your behalf
- Their view of plea bargaining and whether they feel it is a viable option in your case
Experienced criminal defense lawyers will commit substantial time and resources to your case and develop a legal defense specifically for you. If their legal defense is successful, the prosecutor will struggle to prove that a conviction is warranted.
Question #3: What Are Your Fees?
Legal fees are a sensitive topic, but it is important to ask criminal defense lawyers questions about them. Otherwise, if you are not careful, you could wind up with costly legal bills that put a big dent in your finances.
Let a criminal defense lawyer explain their legal fees to you. There is no such thing as a “bad” question to ask about these fees. In many instances, lawyers are upfront and honest about what they charge clients. That way, they help people make an informed decision about whether to hire them.
Keep in mind that legal fees can vary based on the case. For instance, you want to hire an Oakland drug lawyer after getting arrested for possession of hard drugs. Depending on the circumstances, this crime is treated as a misdemeanor or felony. In your situation, you may have to pay more for your lawyer to contest a felony drug charge versus a misdemeanor.
Question #4: How Will You Communicate With Me?
Ask a question about your criminal defense attorney’s communication style. Some lawyers prefer communicating via text and email. Others will join phone and video calls when their clients need legal guidance.
Trust a criminal defense lawyer who remains accessible to respond to your legal concerns and questions. The legal process can be overwhelming at times. With the right attorney at your disposal, you can get legal help as needed.
Remember, communication between you and your lawyer is a two-way street. Your attorney should keep you updated throughout your legal proceedings. Meanwhile, you should feel free to reach out to them if you need legal help and expect them to respond within a reasonable time frame.
Question #5: What Is Your Role in My Case?
Have criminal defense attorneys explain what their role will be during your litigation. A lawyer can describe the things they will do to disprove the prosecution’s argument and support their clients, such as:
- File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or get your charge dismissed
- Negotiate a plea bargain
- Represent you during your trial
- Teach you about the legal process
- Discuss the penalties you face if you are convicted of a crime
- Offer emotional support
Your lawyer should provide legal tips and recommendations and advise you on what to do as your case moves forward. With a clear understanding of an attorney’s role, you can decide whether they are the right choice to serve as your champion in court.
The Bottom Line on the Five Questions to Ask Criminal Defense Attorneys
Ask these questions to learn about a criminal defense attorney and what they offer relative to your case. If you feel confident about a criminal defense lawyer, hire this attorney, and they will help you deal with the aftermath of an arrest.
Silver Law Firm has provided legal services and support to more than 10,000 clients. Our criminal defense lawyers are available to answer your questions and explain how we will defend you in your darkest hour. Contact us today to learn more.
