The Stress Of Criminal Charges
Criminal charges are serious and most Pennsylvanians are completely unprepared to successfully manage this type of stressful situation. Everybody makes mistakes but sometimes poor personal choices can result in situations getting out of hand or taking an unexpected turn for the worst with serious consequences.
Drug charges, DUIs, felony or even misdemeanor offenses can seriously derail an individual’s life and prospects for a bright future. This is no time to be without competent representation. However, this is also no time to make a rash decision when it comes to securing legal counsel.
Take Advantage Of Free Consultations From Our Criminal Defense Attorneys
Just about every criminal defense attorney will offer prospective clients a complimentary initial consultation. Take advantage of this but don’t allow the attorney to use the time solely as a sales pitch. Instead, use the time to learn more about the attorney’s experience and how their base of knowledge applies to and will best serve your case.
5 Critical Questions To Ask:
- How much jury trial experience do you have?
Attorneys should always assume that they will be trying their case and should prepare accordingly. Especially in criminal court matters, the amount of jury trial experience an attorney has is critical. If they are not seasoned in this arena, you will not be receiving the best defense possible and may be putting yourself at a serious disadvantage.
- Have You Worked With A Client With Similar Charges To Mine?
This is an important question to ask so that you start to understand what the specifics of your charge entail as well as learning about the attorney’s base of experience and knowledge about the criminal charge(s) you are dealing with. It’s important to know what their experience has been in defending clients against such a charge(s) and their success rate at trial.
- Are You The Lawyer Who Will Be Managing My Case?
At large firms it’s not uncommon for lawyers to work in teams and work on a variety of cases. Some firms will give you a free consultation with a senior member of the firm and then your case will be passed on to a junior attorney. Make sure you ask this question.
- Do You Have Experience As A Criminal Prosecutor?
Many defense attorneys have litigation experience as criminal prosecutors and this is valuable experience that serves them well when it comes to defense strategies. If the attorney you are speaking with has limited to no experience as a criminal prosecutor then you it’s probably in your best interest to keep looking for better qualified legal representation.
- What Is Your Fee Structure?
You want to secure the best defense possible but it’s also important to ask about costs, extra fees and if there are payment plans available.
Make Sure The Team Is Right
When facing criminal charges it’s important to obtain legal counsel as soon as possible. However, it’s also equally important that you secure the best representation available to you and that you feel comfortable with your attorney. Commit to the attorney interview process with a sense of urgency but take the time to make sure that the fit is right between you and your criminal defense attorney.
For more information and a free consultation about any legal challenges you may be facing please contact our team at DRK Attorneys today.
