What to Ask Your Criminal Defense Attorney
When you hire a criminal defense attorney, you want to be sure not only that you hired the right person, but that your attorney is going to mount a strong defense. To assist you in selecting the right attorney, here is a list of questions you should ask during your initial consultation.
1. “What can I do?”
Some attorneys expect you to take a back seat in your case, and other lawyers want you to provide assistance. Ask your attorney how they expect you to behave and what you can do on your own behalf. If you want to be a partner in your defense, hiring an attorney who expects you to stay quiet won’t be the right fit.
2. “What is your strategy?”
What will your lawyer’s strategy be? How do they plan on defending you? Find out the risks and benefits of the strategy your attorney plans on using. It may be in your best interests to enter into a plea bargain, or it could be more beneficial to you to go to trial.
3. “What will I be charged for?”
Many people have the impression that an attorney is unaffordable. Some are more expensive than others, but many are very fair with regards to their fees. Your attorney may expect you to pay a retainer, or they may charge you as the case proceeds. Find out how long your attorney believes the case will last and how much you can reasonably expect to pay for their assistance.
4. “Are there sentencing alternatives?”
For some people, avoiding jail time is most important. For others, hefty fines will be impossible to pay. Tell the attorney what you would like to see as an outcome and find out if there are sentencing alternatives that your attorney will pursue.
Hiring a defense attorney is a sort of entering into a relationship. You have to trust the person you hire, and you have to be sure the lawyer you choose is the right fit for you and your unique situation. If you need a criminal defense attorney in Atlanta, reach out to Hawkins Spizman Fortas for more information about our firm and the types of cases we handle. We will be happy to answer your questions and schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation.
