It can be stressful to be charged with domestic violence, regardless of the degree.
You should definitely take it seriously, for many reasons. If such a case were to go negatively for you, it could affect your finances, your employability, and your peace of mind in general.
It’s a fairly common charge involving violence in the United States. In fact, about one-third of all violent felony defendants were specifically charged with domestic violence at some point.
If you are one of the defendants preparing to deal with a domestic violence charge, make sure you are legally represented with the best domestic violence attorney you can find. Below are the things to consider and the questions to ask before hiring one.
Consider The Case Management and Process of the Domestic Violence Attorney
If this is your first domestic violence charge, it’s a good idea to get a general understanding of what you’re about to go through. Ask your attorney everything that comes to your mind that you may not understand about the legal proceedings.
- What is our attorney-client relationship going to look like?
- How should I communicate with you?
- How many times will I be going to court?
- What are the stages of the entire legal process, from the arraignment to the verdict?
Cost and Legal Fees
Hiring a reputable domestic violence attorney is going to cost you, but it’s worth the investment. Make sure you know exactly what kind of costs you are getting into.
- Do you charge a flat fee or an hourly rate?
- Will there be a retainer fee, and how would that be handled?
- Do I have to pay it all upfront, or can I pay in installments?
- What will the court fees look like?
- Are there any other costs I need to prepare for, and can you estimate that total?
Predicted Outcome
Whether or not you are released for pretrial, you might have to respect a protection order. Studies show that protection orders are significantly more likely to be filed against domestic violence defendants, as opposed to non-domestic.
Ask your potential domestic violence attorney how they predict the entire outcome of your case.
- Are my charges based on a legitimate act of domestic violence?
- Will there be a protection order?
- What kind of plea would you recommend for the best outcome?
- Is there anything I can do to help optimize the outcome?
- Do you foresee any potential issues that could negatively affect my case?
Experience As a Domestic Violence Attorney
Of course, you want to make sure you are talking to the right attorney for your case. Make sure he or she has plenty of experience.
- Which law school did you attend, and when did you graduate?
- How long have you been practicing criminal law?
- How many cases like mine have you been successful in?
All of the above questions will ensure you hire a dedicated and experienced attorney. We know how important it is to focus on the optimal outcome for your domestic violence case. Fortunately, we have plenty of experience in this area.
Reach out to us if you have any questions about domestic violence or are looking for the best legal representation.
