If you ever find yourself in trouble with the law, it is important that you hire a criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights. Considering that a survey of law officials shows that about 10,000 of people in the United States may be wrongfully convicted of serious crimes each year, it is imperative that you find an attorney to fight your battles in court.
However, if you don’t know how to choose an attorney, the process can seem quite overwhelming. To streamline the process and to make things easier for you, here are five questions you should ask any criminal defense attorney before you sign on that dotted line.
- How long has the attorney been practicing criminal law?
You will want to look for a lawyer who has been practicing criminal law for a significant amount of time, as they will know the ins and outs of the law and exactly how they need to fight your case to achieve success.
- Does the lawyer have experience with jury trials? If so, how many have they been in?
Look for a lawyer who is not afraid to go to trial to settle your case. Some lawyers try to settle out of court, but sometimes it is in the best interest for all parties to have a jury decide.
- Is the lawyer certified in criminal law?
It is never a good idea to hire an attorney who is a general lawyer and does not have a specialty. The best way to choose a criminal lawyer is to see if they have been certified by the State Bar as a Criminal Law Specialist.
- Will the attorney you hire actually work with you on your case?
Sometimes you hire a lawyer and they will have assistants and paralegals handle the majority of the case. This is normal in the field of law, but remember if you are hiring a lawyer for their specific expertise and knowledge, they should be the one actually working with you.
- How do the finances work?
Will your lawyer expect payment as the case goes on? Or will they only be paid if they win your case? Make sure to have all the finances out in a contract before you sign everything.
Need help on how to choose an attorney? Look no further than our practice, as we offer qualified and experienced criminal law attorneys that will protect your rights in a court of law.