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If you’ve been arrested and face charges, it’s wise to hire a criminal defense lawyer. Before making such a crucial decision, you should gather important information. Asking the following questions might guide you in selecting the best attorney for your circumstances. 

What to Ask Before Choosing an Attorney  

How long should I expect my case to take?

An attorney who handles your type of charge frequently in the court to which it is assigned can give you a general length of time before the case would go to trial. If you decide to negotiate a guilty plea, the case can be resolved more quickly.    

What are the likely outcomes for my situation?

criminal-defenseWhile every case is different, an experienced criminal defense attorney can tell you the potential differences in punishment if you plead guilty or go to trial and are found guilty. They will tell you the likelihood of negotiating a plea to a less serious offense.

In addition, they let you know whether your charges carry mandatory minimum jail time, fines, or require other conditions, such as undergoing a drug and alcohol evaluation or driver’s license suspension for driving while intoxicated.   

What are your fees?

The cost of legal representation varies widely. Some criminal defense lawyers charge a flat fee for services and others charge by the hour. You need to know how your attorney charges, an approximate total cost, how much you have to pay upfront, how you will be billed, and what the fees cover.

Going to trial costs much more than negotiating a plea in exchange for dismissing other charges, which is how most cases end. Ask for a copy of the fee agreement, read it, and make sure you understand it completely before you sign.  

 

When you’re interviewing attorneys for a strong criminal defense in your case, consider the Law Office of Mike Hamilton in Columbia, MO. Clients reap the benefits of the more than 30 years of criminal defense experience and an extensive history of positive outcomes. Visit them online now to learn more about their skills at the negotiating table and in the courtroom and call (573) 825-5698 to schedule a free consultation.

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

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