A criminal defense lawyer can make or break your case. If you choose the right attorney, you could end up with the criminal charges dropped or a lesser sentence. If you choose the wrong one, you may end up in jail.
To find the right lawyer, you must take advantage of the initial consultation. Most attorneys offer this meeting as an opportunity to ask questions about their experience, your rights during criminal proceedings, and the case.
Top Questions to Ask During the Consultation
It’s best to think about what questions you want to ask before your consultation. The attorney will likely have some routine topics to discuss, but you will also have time to ask your questions. The questions below can give you insight into whether or not an attorney is the right fit for your case.
Do You Specialize in Criminal Law?
Many people don’t realize that some lawyers practice multiple areas of law. This isn’t always a bad thing, but it can indicate that an attorney is not an expert in any given field. If the attorney practices criminal law but doesn’t specialize in it, they may not have the experience necessary to win your case.
You should find out if the attorney practices other types of law, and what percentage of their practice is criminal cases. If it’s less than 50%, that may be a red flag.
Have You Defended People With Cases Like Mine Before?
There are countless crimes in Florida. Some attorneys have experience handling the same type of criminal case over and over again, like DUIs. Others specialize in certain subcategories like drug crimes, sex crimes, or gun crimes.
You must hire a lawyer who has experience handling a case like yours before. If they have never represented anyone facing charges like yours, they might not know the best way to defend them.
To better understand their experience, you can ask how many people they have represented who are charged with the same crime. Additionally, you should ask about the outcome of the cases to learn whether or not the defense was successful.
How Often Do You Go to Trial?
You want to ensure that the lawyer you hire has trial experience. Surprisingly, a lot of criminal defense lawyers don’t go to trial. They encourage their clients to accept plea deals, even when they have a strong case. If a client insists upon going to trial, the lawyer will be woefully unprepared to handle the challenges and art of trial advocacy.
You should ask the attorney how often they go to trial, and the outcomes of the trials. Furthermore, you can even ask how many cases they take to trial versus end in a plea deal.
Have You Appeared in Court in My Jurisdiction Before?
Sometimes criminal lawyers practice in multiple courts. These courts are called jurisdictions. While this can be a benefit, you need to make sure that the attorney has experience appearing in your jurisdiction.
An attorney with experience in the courthouse where your case is heard will have a better relationship with the prosecutors, judges, and court staff. They will know the local court customs, and this experience can help them get a better outcome in their case.
How Do You Prefer to Communicate With Clients?
Communication is key in any criminal case. You don’t want to be left in the dark about the details of your case. You can learn a lot about the attorney by asking how they communicate with clients.
An attorney who regularly updates their clients and returns phone calls or emails promptly is more likely to be better than an attorney who ignores their clients. Furthermore, knowing how the lawyer communicates in the beginning can help avoid disappointment or confusion down the road. If they reach out as needed or on a set schedule, like once a week, knowing this can help manage expectations and anxiety around communication.
What Type of Work Is Included in Your Fee?
Unfortunately, criminal defense lawyers cost money. Not every attorney includes all aspects of representation in their fee. Some lawyers charge a fee through the preliminary hearing and then another fee if they go to trial. Others charge a flat or hourly fee for all work, including a criminal appeal.
You should be clear about what work is or is not included in the fee. You don’t want to be caught off guard by hidden fees or costs that come up as the case progresses.
Contact Our Lakeland Criminal Defense Attorneys to Schedule an Initial Consultation
Your confidential consultation is more than just a formality—it’s your chance to find a lawyer to fight for your rights and future. At Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, we welcome your questions and take the time to ensure you feel confident in your legal representation.
With extensive trial experience and a deep understanding of the Florida criminal justice system, we’re here to protect your freedom. Schedule an initial consultation today or call us at (863) 688-4606 to take the first step toward building your strongest defense.