Helpful Tips For Hiring A Criminal Defense Attorney
Being charged with a criminal offense can be very frightening. Depending on the crime, you could possible face jail or prison time, as well as hefty fines if you are convicted. A criminal conviction will also stay on your records, which can cause problems in the future if you ever need a background check. Since a criminal conviction can cause you so many problems, it is always in your best interest to hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after your arrest. A criminal defense lawyer will represent you in court, guide you through the legal process, and answer any questions that you may have. If you've been charged with a crime, use the following tips to hire a criminal defense attorney:
Schedule Several Consultations
Most criminal defense attorneys offer complimentary consultations for prospective clients. It is in your best interest to schedule consultations with several different criminal defense attorneys in your area so that you can get a better idea of who you would like to hire. A consultation will give you the opportunity to see which attorney you feel most comfortable with, who communicates well, and who has the best plan for your defense.
Be Completely Honest
When you meet with a criminal defense attorney that you may want to retain, he or she is going to want to know information about your case. Your attorney will be on your side, and he or she will want to build the best defense possible before you're due in court. In order for him or her to do that, they need information about your case and the circumstances surrounding it. It is always important to be completely honest about your case when hiring a criminal defense attorney; lying or holding back information will only make it more difficult for your attorney to successfully represent you and create a strong defense.
Inquire About Fees
Hiring a criminal defense attorney is not inexpensive, but their expertise and skills are well worth the cost. However, you need to make sure that you hire a criminal defense attorney you can afford. The last thing you want is to run out of money midway through your case and not have your attorney present at trial. When you meet with criminal defense attorneys for a consultation, always ask what their hourly fee is, what type of upfront retainer they may require, and an estimate of how much they think it will cost to represent you for the duration of your case.
To learn more, talk to companies like the Johnson Motinger Greenwood Law Firm.
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