Choosing an attorney to represent you in your criminal case is a crucial decision. It is important to interview attorneys as thoroughly as possible and ask the right questions to determine if they are a good fit for you and your case. This article will discuss 4 questions to ask a criminal defense lawyer in an initial consultation.
1. How Have You Handled Cases Like Mine?
Every case is unique, but it is important to know how a potential criminal defense lawyer has handled cases that may be similar to yours. This question can provide insight into their level of experience and whether they have a history of success in fighting for their clients’ rights in court.
A skilled criminal defense attorney in Maui will be able to explain to you how they would handle your case, including any steps they plan to take to try to get your charges dropped or dismissed. This will include discussing potential options such as negotiating with prosecutors, filing motions to suppress evidence or trying your case in trial. You should also ask the lawyer if they have any special skills or resources that could help your case, such as an expert witness or access to private information from law enforcement officers.
2. Will You Be the Attorney Who Handles My Case?
It is vital to find out if the attorney you are considering will be the lead attorney on your case or if they will merely be an advocate in your defense. Many criminal defense lawyers have large caseloads and rely on paralegals and other associates to assist them with their work. This can be a problem for you because these team members may not be as familiar with your case and the details of what happened. Finding out in your initial consultation whether you will be working with a team or an individual attorney is critical to ensuring that your case is adequately handled.
3. Do You Have References from Previous Clients?
A reputable lawyer should be able to provide you with references from past clients that have had cases similar to yours. This will allow you to talk with these clients and see how their experience was working with the attorney. This is a great way to gauge the quality of the attorney’s work and determine if they are the best choice for your case.
4. Do You Defend Only Criminal Cases or Do You Practice Other Areas as Well?
You should find out whether the criminal defense lawyer you are considering practices mainly or also focuses on other areas of law as well. If they do not focus on defending criminal defendants, it is unlikely that they will have the level of expertise and experience necessary to successfully defend your case. You should also make sure to ask how long they have been a criminal defense lawyer, as this can indicate their level of experience and skill. Asking this question will help you to avoid hiring a criminal defense attorney who is still learning on the job.
Cain & Herren, ALC
2141 W Vineyard St, Wailuku,
HI 96793, USA
+1 (808) 242 9350
cainandherren.com
