If you have been arrested or facing charges for a crime, you need the immediate assistance of a criminal lawyer. A good criminal lawyer can explain your rights in all stages of the criminal process and help you achieve an agreement with the prosecutor, to nullify your case or reduce your sentence.
Below you will find important information that will help you to know how to hire a criminal lawyer.
Why you Need A Criminal Defense Attorney
Facing criminal charges – whether a felony or a misdemeanor – is a serious matter. A person facing criminal charges is subject to consequences and severe punishments such as jail time, a record penalty, loss of personal relations and future prospects of the work among other things. While some issues can get solved without the need of the help of a criminal lawyer, an arrest, a criminal of any nature requires the help and legal advice of a criminal defense attorney qualified who can protect your interests and ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
If you are facing a criminal prosecution, a criminal defense attorney can help you understand:
- the nature of the charges;
- the defenses available;
- agreements with the prosecutor that could get to agree;
- what is expected after trial and conviction.
What to Look for in A Criminal Defense Attorney
The criminal defense lawyers carry a wide variety of criminal cases including felonies, misdemeanors, drug charges, white collar crimes and state crimes and federal. When you look for an attorney you will want to find the best one for your case. So far, you should focus on the experience, the skills and the knowledge of the lawyer.
A good criminal defense attorney can help you to:
- reduce the charges to a lesser offense (for example, reduce a felony to a misdemeanor);
- reduce the severity of the punishment to the crime,
- reduce or eliminate jail time (via the bail);
- help you develop a comprehensive strategy of defense.
In addition, it is very important that the lawyer that you hire has the skills necessary to defend your case. For example, you may need an attorney that is familiar with the investigations of the crime scenes, interview witnesses/victims/police, and/or extensive experience with polygraphs, photographs, and video.
Finally, since criminal laws vary from state to state, it is important that the lawyer you hire is experienced in the laws and regulations of the state and with the local laws of the court.
How to Find a Criminal Defense Attorney
There are numerous ways to find a criminal lawyer. References from friends or family, and searches on the internet are a good start. However, in many occasions people do not want to make public the charges of criminal offences that face, or they simply don’t have the time to do research on the Internet. For that reason, you may want to find a criminal defense attorney local using one of the many directories of lawyers that can help you find a criminal lawyer in your area.
Questions to ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Before selecting a criminal defense attorney, you should feel comfortable talking with your lawyer about all aspects of your criminal charges. Below we point out some of the questions that you should do:
- Do you have experience bringing similar cases to mine?
- How much responsibility you will take my case?
- How many cases have you litigated before a jury?
- How often works by making agreements with the prosecutor, or by asking for to get a lesser charge?
- What are your attorney fees, and how are they calculated? Do you offer a payment plan?
- Are you willing to provide references of clients you have helped?
Fees of Criminal Defense Lawyers
The cost to hire a criminal defense lawyer varies depending on a number of factors, including the lawyer’s experience, the reputation, the record, and the place. Most criminal defense attorneys charge their fees per hour, or a total amount for the case. Depending on the arrangement that the lawyer and you arrive, some lawyers allow you to make the payment of the fees through a payment plan. Others will ask for an upfront fee before they start working on your case. Therefore, it is smart to consult with a wide variety of criminal defense attorneys in your area to find one with whom you feel comfortable talking about the expenses that involve the representation and criminal defense of your case.
Finally, if you cannot hire an attorney, you may be able to receive the help from one that the state government will provide for the representation of your case. If this is your case, talk to a public defender in your area for more information.
