Every successful law firm is open with its clients and their satisfaction is their top priority. The least they can do for their potential clients is to meet them and answer their questions. Of course, clients will always have some doubts, especially if they have not had a problem with the law so far. If you need a criminal lawyer, you don’t have to be afraid to ask your potential lawyer questions. Your concern is justified, and every reputable expert knows it.

So feel free to start with some basic questions to help you find an expert who fits your needs. You can also build a stronger relationship with him in this way. And there are a few main questions that should be asked when interviewing a criminal defense attorney.

1. Who will represent me?

You need to be sure who is actually running your case. If you think this thing is very obvious, you are mistaken. Different firms have several lawyers and you can never be sure which of them will represent you. Of course, they all work on your case. Also then some problems can happen such as situations where' you are not sure how they function as a team. By this, we mean all the things that are important and can be forgotten by one person.

In such and similar situations, some significant information will be lost in translation and you will not be satisfied with the outcome. So, first, make sure which lawyer you are building a relationship with and who will lead your case or represent you in court.

2. How many years of experience do you have?

In this business, experience is the key. There are numerous advantages that a lawyer with many years of experience has compared to one who has not represented many clients. Of course, you need someone who will advise you properly and from whom you can expect support in all phases of the legal process. Another benefit of the experience is that your attorney will be able to anticipate prosecution strategies and make an even better plan.

However, it is not enough that your lawyer has many years of experience, but that it is appropriate. This means that there must be specialization because many lawyers do other types of legal work. Most important to you is his experience in representing clients in criminal cases. That way, you’ll be sure to pay full attention to your case.

3. Is there an opportunity for free consultations?

The best way to make sure what your lawyer is like is to have a face-to-face meeting with him. So, you will be able to properly assess your case and understand all the facts. It is not easy to build an opinion based on a phone call or message. Remember that it is equally important that you feel comfortable with your lawyer because you will be working with him for the next few months. In that case, the impression of him is very important. Either way, you’ll find it easier to go through some facts in your case.

4. Which areas of criminal law are you most experienced with?

This question a lot of people can forget to ask, but famous criminal defense lawyer Aswani Datt told us you must not forget these questions. Because people mostly think that every criminal defense attorney corresponds to every criminal procedure. You need to know that lawyers specialize in various crimes. It is important to check if his specialization is compatible with your case.

5. What are your educational and professional qualifications?

No matter which expert you hire, things like this have to be checked. So, it is very important to be sure of his competence. In that case, it would be good to ask some questions that have to do with the law school he graduated from or the bar association, professional organization, etc. Also, check to see if he has ever been charged or sanctioned. We are sure you want to see for yourself what it looks like in the eyes of the legal system.

6. What is your performance?

After asking this question to a potential lawyer, you should read the testimonials of past clients to get an answer. Of course, a true professional will do his best to accurately convey to you the experience with clients who have been in your or a similar situation. It’s certainly a good start, but be sure to read the opinions of previous clients as well. However, most attorneys can offer you a variety of written testimonials, not just clients. There you will also find testimonies from other lawyers in the community. If your lawyer does not have this information or does not want to give it to you, ask why this is so.

7. What is the price of the service?

Although the price of the service is mostly the primary thing when deciding, many will not immediately ask this question. This behavior may be foreign to you, but a lot of people have a problem with money and legal fees. Many are very sensitive when it comes to such negotiations. Whatever the reason, you can’t wait. Apart from the fact that you need to find a lawyer who will solve your criminal problem, you do not want to create a new or financial problem for yourself. It is important to find out what the price of the service is at the beginning, and not to wait for the time to sign the fee agreement. This way you will avoid unpleasant surprises and you will be safer.

Remember that there are many ways in which lawyers calculate their compensation. Some will charge per hour while others will have a fixed fee. Also, some experts may include in the price all other elements of cooperation, such as consultations, phone calls, papers, etc. It is necessary to look at the bigger picture and that is why it is best to ask a question first.

8. What can you do for me that I can’t do alone?

You may think this question is offensive, but trust us it is not. This is not a provocation intended for your lawyer, but quite the opposite. It is an opportunity for him to explain to you in detail what you can expect from him so that there is no confusion during the process. This way you will be sure that you have the right person next to you or you will realize that you had too high expectations. Either way, be sure to be open with him and find out how much he can really help you.

Conclusion

So, the communication you have with your lawyer is very important. That is a precondition for the excellent cooperation. If you want to succeed in this, you need to ask your future lawyer a few questions. It will help you get to know him better and find out if he should represent you in criminal proceedings.