If you’ve been charged with attempted murder, your life has probably been turned upside down. You probably wonder what to do and how to get out of trouble.
Right now, the question isn’t whether you committed the crime.
The question is, who will defend you in this difficult time?
Attempted Murder Is A Very Serious Charge
That’s why it’s so important to find the right lawyer.
When you do get the opportunity to meet a defense attorney, you’ll need to know the important questions:
1. What Experience Do You Have In This Area?
First and foremost, your criminal lawyer should have prior experience defending against an attempted murder charge. An attorney who deals solely with drunk driving charges, for example, isn’t going to have the experience you need.
Once you find the right type of lawyer, ask where they attended law school, when they graduated, and how long they’ve been practicing criminal law.
Also, be sure to find out what sort of relationship the attorney has with the prosecutor’s office. How often does the attorney negotiate plea agreements with them, versus go to trial?
2. Who Will Ultimately Handle My Case?
Even though you might meet a specific attorney, if he or she works for a larger law firm, you may be assigned an entire team.
You need to know if the attorney is the individual who will represent you, or if you can expect other attorneys and paralegals to work on your case.
If the lawyer you meet isn’t going to be your primary defense attorney, request a meeting with all of the other people who will be working on your case.
It’s also important that you know whom to contact should you have any questions. Determine how long you can expect to wait for a response.
3. What Can I Expect?
Your criminal defense attorney should be willing and able to give you a good idea of what’s to come.
He will clearly explain your legal options and recommend either a guilty plea, a plea agreement, or a trial. You should also be made aware of any potential problems that could arise from your case.
Finally, ask what you can expect at each of the different stages in the process, from the arraignment all the way to the possible trial.
4. What Are Your Legal Fees?
Most criminal defense lawyers charge either by the hour, or request a flat fee. If the criminal lawyer charges by the hour, ask if you have to pay a retainer to get started.
Your best bet is to get an understanding of the marketplace. More experienced lawyers will cost more. But if you’re looking at a potential conviction for attempted murder, it could be well worth it to pay the extra fee.
Be sure to ask if there will be any additional expenses. If so, ask for an estimate of those costs. In case you have to borrow money to pay those legal fees.
Because one thing is for sure:
You Can’t Afford To Go Without A Criminal Attorney
If you’re facing an attempted murder charge, attaining legal defense is absolutely necessary. The sooner you do it, the better
Contact us to get the right help, right now. You can’t afford to wait.
