When faced with criminal charges, having the right lawyer by your side and presenting your case is a necessity. Though you likely need to hire a lawyer quickly, this is not a process you should enter lightly. It takes time to find the best lawyer for your case and your needs. After all, you don’t want to hire any old lawyer; you want to find the one that will handle your case to the best of their ability. Keep reading to learn what you need to know before you hire a criminal defense lawyer.
The Lawyer’s Background and Experience
One of the most important things to know before hiring a lawyer is their background and experience. Ask them where they attended law school, when they graduated, and if they belong to any professional organizations. You should also ask how long they have been practicing law, too. It is also crucial to find a lawyer who has experience working on cases like yours. If you are charged with drunk driving, for example, you don’t want to work with someone who mainly handles cases dealing with armed robbery. Determine how many other similar cases their firm has worked on and how often those cases go to trial.
Case Assessment
Your lawyer should also be able to give you a good idea of what will happen throughout the process of your case. They should be able to provide an accurate assessment of your case, no matter if you were charged in the county, state, or federal court. Talk to them about your legal options and their recommended plea. They should also be able to tell you what parts of the case are working in your favor and where some potential issues lie. A great attorney will take the time to walk you through all the stages of the legal process from arraignment to trial, reviewing what to expect at each one in a clear and understandable way.
Case Management
Next, you will want to know how the criminal defense law firm will handle the logistics of your case. Will the lawyer you are talking to be available to represent you or will someone else at the firm? Will anybody else be working on your case? If you have questions, who can you reach out to and how can you get in contact with them? The day to day handling of the case may not be the first thing on your mind, but it is important to know. You need to be able to trust everyone working on your case and feel confident in their ability to manage it effectively.
Legal Fees
Last but certainly not least, you will need to know how much their services will cost. Typically, attorneys charge an hourly fee or will ask for a flat rate. Rates are often competitive, so be sure to shop around and compare rates from a few local firms. Keep in that you usually get what you pay for with lawyers; an attorney with a stellar reputation will charge more than a less experienced one. Ask how they accept payment, how much it will cost, and if there are any added fees.
If you are looking for a criminal defense law firm in Anne Arundel County, contact us at Ortega Law, LLC, to learn more about how we can help you.