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Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney

Selecting the right criminal defense attorney is a critical decision.  Your future hinges on the outcome of your case.   It is a personal decision that requires some serious thought.  

Consider the following questions in deciding who you are going to hire to defend you:

1. Do they offer a free initial consultation?
2. How long have they been practicing law?
3. Is their law practice limited to criminal defense?
4. How many criminal trial have they done?
5. Do I feel comfortable with them?
6. Do I trust them?
7. Do they explain things in a manner I can understand?
8. Do they listen to me when we talk?
9. Do they appear judgmental of my situation?
10. What is their policy for returning my telephone calls?
11. Do they charge me for telephone calls?
12. Do they give me their personal cell phone number?
13. Is the person I hire the person that actually handles my case?
14. Do they possess valuable insight gained from being "on the other side" as a prosecutor?
15. Do they routinely handle cases in the county where your case is scheduled?
16. Are they familiar with the customs, practices, and judicial demeanor of the local judges?
17. Are they familiar with the prosecutor in your case?
18. What are the opinions expressed by other attorneys and judges as to the lawyer's competency to handle criminal defense matters?