Ask These 4 Questions Before Hiring a Criminal Attorney

Criminal charges often put individuals in uncomfortable situations. They can be confusing, scary, and frustrating to take on alone. This is partly why it is so important to reach out to criminal lawyers in Daytona Beach, FL as soon as you are charged. Having the legal support of an experienced attorney can make all the difference in the process and outcome of your case. In order to achieve the best possible outcome in court, consider asking these 4 questions before hiring a criminal defense attorney in Daytona Beach.

Do You Offer a Free Initial Consultation?

The best way to help a lawyer understand the facts of your case is to arrange a proper face-to-face meeting. It is difficult to find adequate legal counsel or an accurate quote in a short phone conversation. Plus, the initial consultation is the best way to get a feel for the lawyer and understand how they will be working with you over the course of your case. We recommend finding a Volusia County criminal defense attorney who offers this service for free, such as Genine Mejia.

What is Your Experience with Cases Like Mine?

There is a dizzying number of areas of practice that different lawyers specialize in. For example, an attorney renowned for defending clients against sex crime charges may not be the most ideal choice for a drug-related charge. Although lawyers cannot discuss the details about specific cases they’ve handled before, they can broadly discuss their experience representing clients with circumstances similar to yours. We recommend choosing a defense attorney with experience defending clients against the type of charge that you’re facing.

Who Will Be Handling My Case?

Over the course of a case, it is not uncommon for some lawyers to delegate tasks to paralegals, interns, and other attorneys. However, this can come as a shock to individuals who were only expecting to work with one lawyer. There are pros and cons to both of these approaches so it is up to you to ask who will be handling your case and determine what is best for your preferences.

How Accessible Are You?

Being charged with a criminal offense can take its toll on an individual. They may feel stressed or anxious, they may lose sleep, and they are sure to have a hundred different questions about their case. These circumstances demand a lawyer who is going to be available to help you and answer all questions you may have along the way. It is best to work with a lawyer who will remain accessible throughout the process and communicate in a way that works for you. Find out if you can call your lawyer directly and discuss your case at any time before making your decision.

These four questions aren’t the only things that you should ask during your consultation, though they do provide a good starting point. Before any meetings that you have with a lawyer, be sure to write down every question you have about the things you feel are relevant, such as issues related to specific case details or applicable state laws. If you have been confronted with criminal charges, then contact the Law Office of Genine Ann Mejia today for a free consultation.