If you are facing criminal charges, one of the first things on your mind is likely to be finding a lawyer. Hiring the right criminal defense lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. It can be hard to choose one, especially if you have never hired one before and do not know what to look for. Here are the top 6 questions you should ask any criminal defense lawyer before you agree to let them represent you, presented by Kevin Napper.
- How Much Experience Do You Have In Criminal Cases?
Experience in a huge factor in which lawyer you should choose to represent you. The criminal justice system follows a process, and having a lawyer who knows what to expect can help your chances of getting a good result. Lawyers who are familiar with the paperwork that needs to be filed and the judges in your county can give you a better idea of what to expect. A reputable criminal defense lawyer like Kevin Napper will be happy to share the details of his or her education and experience before you hire them.
- How Would You Handle My Defense?
Once the criminal defense lawyer knows some of the details of your specific case from meeting with you, he or she should be able to give you a general idea of how they will handle your defense and the arguments they can make on your behalf. This might include motions that he might file on your behalf or lesser charges she may be able to negotiate for you.
- Will You Be The One to Handle My Case?
Some big name criminal defense attorneys have a host of junior associates working for them who handle most of the actual work. Ask if your attorney will be the one you will actually speak with and who will show up for your court dates.
- How Often Do Your Clients Go To Trial?
Some lawyers are quicker than others to encourage clients to take a plea bargain. Whether or not this is acceptable depends on how you prefer to proceed. If you already know you want to take a plea deal, it makes sense to hire a lawyer with lots of experience negotiating the terms of one. If you prefer to go to trial, choose a lawyer who has plenty of trial experience.
- How Long Can I Expect The Process to Take?
No lawyer can say for sure how long the entire process will take, but an experienced lawyer can give you an idea of what to expect and how the process will work.
- What is Your Fee and When Is It Due?
The fees a lawyer charges can vary greatly based on his or her experience, so make sure to ask upfront. Some lawyers will offer a payment plan, while others will take credit cards and other kinds of payments, so discuss exactly when they want the amount to be paid and what types of payment they accept.
