When you’re facing criminal charges in Daytona Beach, you have an important choice to make – selecting a criminal defense attorney. How do you pick the right attorney when there are so many Daytona Beach criminal lawyers to choose from? The right attorney can make or break your outcome. Not only that, but charges, fines, and incarceration hang in the balance. Picking the right attorney is easier when you know what to look for. Here are five questions you should be asking a criminal defense attorney in Daytona Beach before you choose them to
represent you in court.
1. What’s Your History of Success?
When you’re choosing a Daytona Beach criminal defense attorney, a good starting place is to ask about their track record of success in similar cases. When you ask about past success, watch out for vague answers. Your attorney should give you specific examples of the types of charges and sentencing past clients were facing and what positive outcomes their representation accomplished.
2. What Do Former Clients Say?
Always look for former
client reviews when choosing a Daytona Beach criminal defense attorney. Client reviews are usually available on a lawyer’s website. These reviews can let you know if an attorney is prompt, good at communication, and effective at their job. Reviews are also a great way to learn more about how your attorney interacts with their clients. Reviews often mention an attorney’s traits. This lets you know if an attorney is compassionate, friendly, and reassuring to their clients.
3. How Much Experience Do You Have?
It’s always smart to find out how long a lawyer has been practicing law. The more experience a lawyer has, the better they’ll be at assessing your case and achieving the desired outcome. Experience also means they’re more likely to anticipate what a judge or prosecutor will say because they’ve seen it many times before. This means a stronger case and a higher likelihood of success. Experience in a specific location is also important. Find out whether your attorney has experience with the courtroom and judge you are dealing with. Rapport and reputation in the local courts can make your case progress smoothly.
4. How Many Daytona Beach Criminal Lawyers Work at Your Firm?
Always ask about how many lawyers work at a firm and find out whether the attorney you’re speaking with will be the person handling your case. Many firms have several attorneys, paralegals, and junior associates working together. Asking about the size of the firm and people involved will indicate if the attorney you’re speaking with will stay involved and knowledgeable about the details of your case.
5. Have You Handled Cases Like Mine?
Criminal defense is a broad area of law. Before you commit to working with an attorney, make sure they’ve handled cases like yours before. If you’re facing
DUI charges and an attorney has mostly focused on domestic violence cases, they might not be a good fit. If they have handled cases like yours in the past, ask about their success rate and any similarities or differences. It’s a good sign when an attorney has a history of positive outcomes from other clients in your situation. Knowing what questions to ask before hiring a Daytona Beach criminal defense attorney is important. It helps to know your attorney’s capabilities and how they can best fit your situation before finalizing your choice.
