At GDS Law Group, LLP, We fight for your rights. Give us a call today – 765-313-7092




June 5, 2018

Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer Before You Hire Them

Tagged in:
Posted by: GDS Law Group, LLP

If you need a criminal defense lawyer, you should understand that time is of the essence. The criminal justice system moves quickly after your arrest: your arraignment is likely only a few weeks away. At your arraignment, you will be expected to enter a plea of “guilty,” “not guilty,” or “no contest.” Therefore, you need a lawyer to get started immediately. But don’t let this need cloud your judgment – make time for interviews and prepare a list of important questions to ask a criminal defense lawyer. That way, you won’t waste your time working with someone whom you don’t trust.

Are you looking for help with your criminal defense case in Central Indiana? Call GDS Law Group, LLP – our Anderson criminal defense attorneys will work swiftly to build your best defense. Contact us online or call 765-313-7092

Five Important Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer

This list contains some initial questions to ask your potential criminal defense lawyer:

1. Do you specialize in a particular area?
The term “criminal defense” is used to describe a very broad range of law; because of this, lawyers often specialize in particular niches. You should find out if your lawyer has a significant amount of experience in an area that pertains to you. If you are hiring someone for your OWI matter, for example, you don’t really need a lawyer who tries mostly federal drug cases.

2. How many of your cases have gone to trial?
This question helps you gauge the lawyer’s experience in court. A lawyer may have been practicing criminal law for decades, but they may handle a majority of cases that settle, thus leaving them fairly inexperienced as a trial lawyer. If you believe your case is destined for the courtroom, a lawyer with a good amount of trial experience might suit you best.

3. What direction would you take for my case?
One of the most important questions to ask a criminal defense lawyer is: what are you going to do for me? Having a lawyer tell you how they would handle the case gives lets you see if they understand the matter, if they’ve had experience in similar matters, and if they feel confident in a particular defense for you. You can find out if the two of you work well together, which is crucial to your client-attorney relationship.

4. What fees am I looking at?
How much is all of this going to cost you? A lawyer can tell you whether they charge a flat fee or an hourly rate, but you should also find out how much a retainer fee will be, and if anyone else who bills at a lesser rate will be working on the case. Finally, you need to know what other costs you will incur, such as filing fees or payments to expert witnesses.

5. Will anyone else be working on my case?
Many lawyers will enlist the help of junior associates and paralegals because these employees have important skills and they bill less per hour, which ultimately saves you money. But if you’re concerned about there being “too many cooks in the kitchen,” you might want to look for a lawyer who will be the only one to handle your matter. Understand, however, that by having your lawyer’s undivided attention, it will likely end up costing you a pretty penny.

Call GDS Law Group, LLP When You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being charged with a crime can be a terrifying experience, and it can haunt you for years to come. But you have rights, and it’s important that understand that facing a criminal charge does not automatically make you guilty. The criminal defense attorneys at GDS Law Group, LLP will ensure that your rights aren’t violated by the police, the justice system, or anyone else.

Together, we can build a defense that ensures the best outcome for your case. For a free consultation, call us at 765-313-7092 or contact us online.

Get Your Free Consultation

To learn how GDS Law Group, LLP can help, contact us today for a free and confidential consultation

Contact Us Today