7 Questions to Ask Your Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you’re faced with criminal charges, you need a reputable lawyer on your side to represent you. You need the best criminal defense lawyer with experience handling cases in your state similar to yours. Although there are most likely several different criminal defense lawyers near you, you don’t want to just hire anyone.

You want to do your research and determine which is the best criminal defense attorney before making your final selection. Remember, without good representation, you could be facing the worst-case scenario. With great representation, you’re looking at the best possible outcome for your specific case.

How can you be sure you hire a criminal defense lawyer with your best interest in mind? There are several key questions you’ll want to ask each lawyer as you interview them. The answers to these questions should give you some insight into who to hire.

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1. How Much Experience Do You Have?

A good question to start with is about their experience. Ask the lawyer how much experience they have, but keep in mind that experience covers a variety of areas. For example, you should know how much experience they have in law in general.

How long have they been practicing law? Which school did they earn their degree in? Can they show you proof of this experience?

Next, you should inquire about their experience in criminal defense law. How many years have they been practicing criminal defense and have they handled cases similar to yours? How many cases have they won (what’s their track record like)?

Don’t forget to inquire about how many years they’ve been practicing criminal law in the state of Texas as well. Each state has different laws regarding criminal charges, so you want to hire someone who knows the laws specific to Texas.

2. How Often Do You Go to Trial?

Next, ask the lawyer how often their cases go to trial. A plea bargain isn’t always the best option, depending on the individual case and charges. If it’s in your best interest to take the case to trial, is your lawyer willing and prepared to do so?

How much experience do they have taking cases to trial successfully? If bringing your case in front of a jury is the best option for you, then will your lawyer see it through? Find a lawyer who’s not afraid to do so if necessary.

3. Can You Show Me Client Reviews?

A great way to determine if a lawyer is reputable is to ask to see their client reviews. Can the lawyer provide you with a few testimonials or reviews left by happy clients? In most situations, you should be able to receive a few testimonials or even references from the lawyer directly.

If given references, make sure to contact each one and ask any questions you may have. To find reviews on your own, you may search the lawyer’s website and social media pages. You can also lookup reviews on online review sites.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask friends and family members for recommendations as well.

4. Will You Be the One Taking My Case?

Some criminal defense lawyers have a team of associates who work together to handle cases brought to them. Others take each case on themselves. Lawyers who handle the cases themselves might charge a higher fee, but it may be worth having all their attention.

It’s best to look at all the different options and choose what’ll work best for you and your specific case.

5. What Will the Entire Process Look Like?

Handling criminal charges and closing the case takes time. It’s a process that won’t happen overnight. There could be certain documentation need from you and your attorney by the courts.

There could also be extra steps you must take throughout the process to ensure everything’s done correctly. For these reasons, it’s best to ask your lawyer what the entire process will look like. What’s the estimate for how long the process will take?

Is there anything specific you should or shouldn’t be doing throughout it? A good lawyer will be able to guide you throughout the process and keep you updated along the way.

6. How Will We Stay in Contact?

As mentioned before, some criminal cases can be a long process. Throughout the process, you’ll want a way to stay in contact with your lawyer that’s convenient for you. Ask your lawyer what the different forms of contact are.

For example, can you contact them via telephone and email? Can you chat online on their website? Then, ask them how often they’ll be in contact with you regarding any updates or changes to your case.

You want a lawyer who’ll keep you updated without hesitation.

7. What Are Your Lawyer Fees?

Once you’ve narrowed your search down to your top three picks or so, you can then ask about their lawyer fees. Not all lawyers charge the same fees or use the same method of charging clients. For this reason, you should ask how you’ll be charged and how much you can expect to pay.

A good lawyer will be able to give you a breakdown and explain the costs as well.

It’s Time to Find a Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You

If you haven’t already found an amazing criminal defense lawyer, then now’s the time to do so! Be sure to use all of the helpful questions listed above when interviewing each potential lawyer.

When you’re ready to make a final decision, don’t hesitate to contact Non Stop Justice. Andrea M. Kolski is licensed in both Texas and Georgia and is fluent in both English and Spanish. She has experience handling many high-profile cases and is committed to helping her clients.

Contact Non Stop Justice to get the representation you deserve.