ByNobody wants to be in a position where they need to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Oklahoma City. However, if you do ever need one, you want to find an attorney who’s the right fit for you and your case; it’s important to find a lawyer in whom you can rest your full confidence,
Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Oklahoma City? 7 Frequently Asked Questions
When considering hiring a criminal defense attorney, you’ll want to ask a number of questions of your potential lawyer to ensure both that they are capable, but also that you are a good fit for each other.
What Experience Do You Have With Cases Similar to Mine?
You’ll want to know if the attorney has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether you are facing charges for a DUI, drug offenses, assault, theft, or other criminal charges. It’s probably not a good idea to choose a lawyer who has never before advocated for someone facing the same charges as yours.
What Are Your Qualifications and Credentials?
You should feel free to ask about the attorney’s education, years of experience practicing law, any special certifications or memberships in professional organizations, and their track record of success. Often you’ll be able to learn more about a lawyer’s background and qualifications via their website, along with testimonials from previous clients.
What Is Your Approach To Handling Criminal Cases?
You may want to understand the attorney’s approach to defending clients, including their strategies for negotiation, trial preparation, and courtroom advocacy.
What Is Your Fee Structure?
It’s a good idea to ask about the attorney’s fee arrangements, including whether they charge hourly rates, flat fees, or contingency fees, and what costs are included in the representation. Sometimes the first consultation with a lawyer is free, but after that, you’ll have to pay, so it’s best to know what kinds of fees they charge.
Can You Explain the Potential Outcomes of My Case?
This is a good question to ask to make sure that a potential lawyer can explain your case to you in terms you understand. In addition, it can be very helpful to get a clearer picture of the potential consequences of your charges, including the likelihood of dismissal, plea bargains, or trial outcomes, as well as the potential penalties if convicted. They may also explain some aspects of the legal process, including key milestones, deadlines, and what they can expect as their case progresses through the criminal justice system.
How Will You Communicate With Me?
Ask about the attorney’s communication methods and frequency of updates about their case, including in-person meetings, phone calls, emails, or text messages. This is a good way of making sure that you are compatible, as some clients want much more frequent communication about the case than the attorney is willing to offer.
By asking a range of questions when you are looking to hire a criminal defense attorney, you will be able to find the best possible candidate. Choose a lawyer that you feel comfortable with, and more importantly, one who you trust to represent you effectively.
