Being charged with a crime can be intimidating. Your freedom, your career, your reputation, and your life are at stake. It is natural to feel pushed to get out the phone book and find the first lawyer you can, but picking a defense attorney is one of the greatest decisions you will ever be faced with. That’s where knowing what to ask a criminal lawyer before hiring is crucial — not just to protect your rights, but to secure a legal advocate who gets your case.
At Manderscheid Law Firm, PLLC, we believe that knowledge is power. Here, we’ll walk you through the key questions you want answered before hiring a criminal defense attorney and explain how their replies can make all the difference between an average defender and a fierce advocate.
Why Questions Are So Important Before You Hire
If you’re looking up what to ask a criminal lawyer before hiring, it can be easy to get lost in generalized recommendations. But the questions you ask should help you decide:
- Their track record and experience
- Their method of dealing with the work you charge them
- Their communication style and responsiveness
- Their fee structure and expectations
If you don’t know what to ask, you could wind up with an attorney who has little experience representing people on your charges, for instance, or who fails to keep clients in the loop, or who hits you with a surprise bill down the line.
By being forthright and direct, you give yourself the wonderful opportunity to hire a lawyer who will fight fiercely for your future.
Critical Questions to Ask Your Criminal Defense Lawyer
But what do I ask a criminal lawyer before hiring? Let’s categorize the questions in a simple and down-to-earth manner.
- Experience and Case Success
- How many years have you been working as a criminal attorney?
- Do you have experience with cases like mine?
- What were the results in those situations?
These are questions that the resume can’t answer. An attorney with demonstrated experience fighting charges like yours — whether that’s DUI, theft, assault, or drug offenses — will be able to anticipate common prosecutorial strategies and fight for you from the very start.
Approach to Defense Strategy
- What is your first line of approach for such a case as mine?
- How will you explore or challenge the evidence?
- Any hurdles in my matter that you can quickly identify?
These responses will inform you how engaged the lawyer is in defending you. If they just talk abstractly in terms of “plea deals” and don’t dissect the specific facts about your case, it might be an indication that they don’t plan to put up that tough fight on your behalf. A good criminal defense attorney will discuss further investigation, potential constitutional motions, and trial strategies if needed.
Communication and Client Relationship
- How do you communicate with clients?
- What’s your response time to calls or emails?
- Am I going to be working with you or an associate?
Clear, consistent communication is critical. Some big-name firms hand off cases to junior members with very little senior attorney involvement. You are entitled to know who is going to be defending you and how available they will make themselves to you during this process.
Fees and Billing Transparency
Another important piece of what to ask a criminal lawyer before hiring is the cost. Nor do you want any surprises while you are already navigating the pressure of the legal process. Make sure you ask:
- What is your fee structure?
- What’s included, and what will cost me extra?
- Do you offer a payment plan or financing?
A good firm, such as Manderscheid Law Firm, PLLC, will present all of the costs upfront, including potential expenses and expert witness fees, which will enable you to plan out accordingly.
Red Flags to Watch For
There is a lot of good information in that list of what to ask a criminal lawyer before hiring; however, you are not just looking for positive indications, but also red flags.
An honest lawyer cannot promise a result — lawyers who do are hucksters.
Attorneys who urge you to immediately sign without taking time to consider your options.
Difficult to reach, or uninterested in answering your questions.
Your defense is far too vital to trust to unreliable representation. The truth is that a good lawyer will even be happy about your questions and give you all the time that you need to have them answered.
The Difference at Manderscheid Law Firm, PLLC
At Manderscheid Law Firm, PLLC, we invite every potential client to challenge us. We believe that what you call your defense is not a legal document; it is your life.
It’s trust when it comes to selecting the right criminal defense attorney. This trust comes through discussing things openly and giving you the assessment straight about the things that weigh most on your mind.
Next Steps: Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re wondering what to ask a criminal lawyer before hiring, then you’re already taking an important first step to protect yourself and your family. Manderscheid Law Firm, PLLC will answer your call and any questions with honesty, professionalism, and concern for your future.
Don’t take your freedom for granted. Contact us for a free consultation. We are here to support you, contest the evidence, and explore every possibility for a favorable outcome in your case.
Contact Manderscheid Law Firm, PLLC today, or click here to schedule your complimentary case consultation. Your defense begins with the right questions, and let us help you find the right answers.
Connect with us
