Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer can make a big difference in your case. When facing criminal charges, having someone who understands your situation and can effectively defend you is essential. A free consultation offers you the chance to ask questions and see if the lawyer’s expertise fits your needs.
It is also a great opportunity to get a feel for their personality and communication style, which can be just as important as their legal skills. Below are some of the most important questions you can ask during a consultation and what kind of answers you should be looking for.
How Long Have You Been Practicing Criminal Law?
This question is important because you want a lawyer with sufficient experience handling criminal cases. The right attorney will have faced a wide range of challenges and will be more familiar with how courts work.
You want to make sure you choose someone who has spent a number of years practicing and has handled many different types of criminal cases. You also need to make sure they’re comfortable taking the case to trial and won’t pressure you to take a deal.
What Percentage of Your Practice Is Dedicated to Criminal Defense?
Understanding how much of the lawyer’s work focuses on criminal defense can show you how specialized they are. If most of their practice involves criminal cases, they are likely to be updated on recent legal trends and tactics in defense. A strong answer would indicate that a significant portion, if not most, of their work centers around criminal defense.
Have You Handled Cases Similar to Mine?
Criminal cases can vary greatly, so prior experience with similar charges or circumstances matters. A good answer will describe a few examples of cases that resemble yours and outline the steps they took in those cases. For example, if you’re facing DUI charges, you want to make sure your lawyer has handled related charges.
What Is Your Approach to Handling Cases Like Mine?
This question helps you figure out how the lawyer plans to defend you. Look for an answer that shows they adapt strategies to each client’s unique situation rather than using a generic plan. You want to work with someone who listens to your story and creates an approach to fit your specific circumstances.
What Is Your Fee Structure? Do You Offer Flat Fees or Hourly Billing?
Having a clear idea of costs helps you plan and avoid surprises. When a lawyer outlines whether they charge a flat fee or an hourly rate, you can measure how those costs might add up. Make sure you ask about any other expenses you will be responsible for, like expert witnesses and court costs.
Will I Be Communicating Directly With You or Will I Speak With a Team Member?
Communication is important for building trust. If you find out you’ll mostly communicate with paralegals, you might want an attorney who is easier to reach. Look for a lawyer who explains their process for keeping you informed and makes you feel comfortable with their level of direct involvement.
What Are the Possible Outcomes of My Case?
When you’re facing criminal charges, it’s helpful to know the range of outcomes you could see, such as a plea deal or a trial. A good attorney should explain each possibility in plain language and discuss the factors that might influence the result. You want an answer that covers all viable scenarios, showing you the potential paths your case could take.
While you may want to hear that your case will be dismissed or you won’t be convicted, an attorney who makes that absolute promise is likely not being honest.
How Realistic Is the Chance of a Dismissal or Reduction of Charges?
This question helps you figure out whether your lawyer can give you a direct, honest assessment. Every case is different, but an experienced attorney can talk about past results and any circumstances that might apply to you.
For example, it can be helpful to know if there’s any chance of having felony charges reduced to a misdemeanor. You should look for someone who can give you a realistic idea of what to expect without making any promises that simply cannot be kept.
What Are the Next Steps if I Decide to Hire You?
It’s important to know what will happen once you choose to retain a lawyer. They should outline the immediate actions they plan to take, like filing motions, gathering evidence, or speaking with witnesses. A clear plan can help you feel more at ease and show that the attorney has a structured approach to your defense.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed if you’re facing charges and are unsure about the legal process. If you have any questions, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a criminal defense lawyer.
Contact Our Birmingham Criminal Defense Attorney to Schedule a Free Case Review
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Birmingham, Alabama, you don’t have to face your legal battle alone. At Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., we believe that everyone deserves the best defense.
Our Birmingham criminal defense lawyers have more than 100 years of combined experience. We are ready to fight to protect your rights. Contact us today at (205) 930-9800 or schedule a free case review.