Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are facing criminal charges, there’s no doubt that hiring the wrong criminal defense attorney is a regret you’ll carry long into the future. You need an attorney who communicates in a way that fits your style and who can help you to understand precisely what the defense strategy will be, what your role in decision making will be, and any potential outcomes you should be aware of. You need someone who is ethical, hard-working, and creative as they defend you. It’s certainly worth your effort to find out about any potential firm that may be representing you, and it’s easy enough to do with just a few simple questions.
- How long have you been practicing law? Beyond legal knowledge, are you familiar with the legal community, procedures, and customs here in Las Vegas?
- Have you been associated with cases similar to mine previously? If so, how will that experience impact your decisions in my case?
- Can you provide me with a list of references?
- How do you define success in criminal defense, and what’s your success rate?
- How many criminal cases have you taken to trial, and how many have been settled out of court?
- Would I benefit from a plea deal, or am I better off fighting for a favorable verdict in court?
- What will you expect from me throughout this process?
- What are the best and worst outcomes for me? Will you be confident and fight for me, while at the same time being frank with me if things are looking bad?
- Are you familiar with the judge who’s been assigned to this case? What’s your take of the judge?
- Will I be eligible for any diversion programs? What are they like? What can you do for me in that regard?
- In a trial, would you support me if I want to testify in my own defense? What factors go into that kind of decision?
- How often can I expect you to update me while working on my case?
- How should I get in touch with you when I have questions or new information?
- Will you, personally, be working on my case, or will it be turned over to other attorneys? What factors are considered in making that decision?
- While awaiting trial, what should I be doing or not doing to improve my chances?
- How long do you think this whole process will take?
- What is this whole thing going to cost me? Are there payment plans? Are there fees for the initial consultation?
The Right Attorney for You
At Lobo Law our dedicated Las Vegas criminal defense lawyers always fight for the best outcomes for our clients. To discuss your concerns, schedule a confidential consultation in our Las Vegas office today.
Source:
americanbar.org/groups/criminal_justice/resources/standards/defense-function/
