There’s no formula for picking the “best” attorney when it comes to criminal defense. There are some questions you can ask, however, that may help you choose the best attorney for you. The following are some questions that you may want to ask your potential attorney before you hire him or her.
What Are Your Practice Areas?
It’s a good idea to have an understanding of how much of an attorney’s practice is dedicated to criminal defense cases. Some attorneys specialize in criminal defense cases, while others may only take a criminal defense case once in a while. Attorneys that devote more of their practice to criminal defense will likely be more up to date on the current laws and how criminal court works.
How Much Experience Do You Have?
It’s important to consider how many years your potential attorney has been practicing criminal defense. Although it’s important to keep in mind that year of experience doesn’t necessarily equate to quality criminal defense.
You’ll want to find out how much experience the attorney has with defense cases that are similar to yours. Criminal defense attorneys sometimes have certain niches within the criminal defense field that they focus on. For example, some lawyers primarily handle DUI cases. Others may choose to focus on felony charges, like violent crimes. It’s in your best interest to find an attorney who has experience in the defense you are seeking.
Are You Familiar With My Particular Court?
An attorney who practices in a certain area will more likely have a good knowledge of how that judge will handle things. For example, if an attorney knows that a certain judge is rather harsh on certain charges, they may be able to avoid their courtroom when defending against those types of charges. It’s a good idea to make sure your attorney regularly practices in the area where you are facing charges.
What Are Your Fees?
In order to avoid confusion or disagreements in the future, it’s important to ask what the fees are before you get started. Generally speaking, attorneys usually charge either flat-rate fees or hourly fees. If the attorney charges a flat-rate fee, be sure to ask what that covers and under what circumstances you may see additional fees.
If you have been charged with a crime, it’s a good idea to talk to an experienced criminal lawyer in Bloomington, IL. They can help guide you on your particular case and let you know how the law applies to your situation.
Thanks to Pioletti, Pioletti & Nichols for their insight into criminal law and questions to ask your lawyer.