Being convicted of criminal charges can result in punishments that hurt your finances, cause emotional distress, and take away your freedom. When facing this type of legal predicament, having a criminal defense lawyer on your side is invaluable. However, to find the best person for the job, you’ll need to know which questions to ask before hiring them.

A Guide to Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Do you focus primarily on criminal law?

All lawyers have specific areas of practice, so look for someone who specializes in criminal law. However, not every criminal defense lawyer focuses on the same type of cases. Some are well-versed in white-collar crimes, while others may be better at DWI-related cases. Don’t hesitate to ask how long they’ve practiced criminal law—the number of years is a good barometer of their experience.   

Are you familiar with cases like mine?

Select a criminal defense lawyer who has handled similar situations before. It means they have relevant experience with the charge and an idea of how to approach it the best way possible. Ask about the potential outcomes of your case to help you determine the best course of action.

Who will handle the case?

Law firms often have a roster of seasoned attorneys, young associates, paralegals, and interns working on cases. But with many people handling various cases, you may not get the dedicated personal attention you need. At the onset, ask if the attorney you’re consulting is the one who’ll oversee your case from start to finish.  

How accessible are you?

Ask prospective lawyers about their availability. Can you call them at late hours if a problem with your case crops up? How often will they make time to strategize with you or give you updates on the case? A lawyer who is hard to reach when you need them can cause stress and anxiety, and could even be the reason for an unsuccessful defense in court.

What's included in the legal fee?

Like most professionals, criminal defense lawyers charge a fee for their services. Before hiring one, discuss what services they offer and the rate you'll need to pay. Knowing this information from the outset will help you find the best lawyer for your budget.

Ask the right questions to select the best criminal defense lawyer for your case. Put your trust in Attorney Koss of Larry R. Koss Law Firm in Brockport, NY. With over four decades of experience, he has provided expert representation to clients across Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, and Genesee counties. Call (585) 637-3961 to set an initial consultation or visit his website to learn more.