How to Know You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being accused or charged with a crime isn’t something anyone ever wants to deal with. This can bring almost unbearable stress and uncertainty, as your future can be in the balance. Of course, you want the best possible outcome and a favorable case. There are some obvious signs you need a legal professional on your side and that this situation requires much more than what you can do on your own.

You Face the Possibility of Serving Jail Time

With some criminal charges, the likely outcome is a fine or probation. In these cases, you might be all right to move forward without a lawyer in your corner. However, in more serious situations where jail time in on the table, you don’t want to risk being without a professional. An experienced, talented criminal defense lawyer in Houston is your best source for help when you know you may be on the verge of going to jail. A lawyer has the knowledge of the laws and regulations with your case and may be able to negotiate sentence reductions.

You’re Not an Expert

Unless you have experience practicing law yourself, you probably don’t want to go into a trial or sentencing without legal counsel by your side. While you have the right to represent yourself, there’s no reason to do this when you can hire someone will specialized expertise with the factors of your case. Legal issues can be complicated and are probably well beyond your knowledge and level of comfort. A qualified lawyer is accustomed to helping people in your exact situation.

You Know You Have a Solid Case

The best criminal defense attorneys will build a strong case for you. This person knows mitigating factors and areas that can work in your favor. He or she will explore scenarios you wouldn’t know about on your own.

It’s unwise to proceed in a legal matter on your own, especially a criminal one. If any of these situations sound familiar, call a competent lawyer today.

Questions to Ask a Lawyer

Being accused of a crime is a terrible experience. Hopefully, you will never have to go through this. However, it is important to know what to do if a situation arises where you are going to need legal representation. The choice that you make in terms of the lawyer who is going to defend you in criminal court is the most important decision you will ever make. Choosing the wrong lawyer will mean that you get convicted of a crime and face prison time. At the very least, you will have a criminal record which will haunt you for the rest of your life. Here are some questions to ask a St Petersburg criminal defense attorney.

1. How many people have you defended in your career?

This question will help you to get some insight regarding the lawyer’s level of experience. Needless to say, you do not want someone defending you if he has not had much experience. You should try to find a lawyer who has dealt with many cases that are similar to yours. You should also do a little research on your own to find out the lawyer’s success rate in his past cases. How many of his or her clients were acquitted and how many were convicted? This is a very important number that you need to know before you make your final decision.

2. How much time will you be able to devote to my defense?

Some criminal defense lawyers are very busy. They have many cases they are handling at the same time. This can be a problem because some of the lawyer’s cases will inevitably get put on the back burner. These cases will not receive as much attention as they should. Ideally, you should hire a lawyer who is able to devote a substantial amount of time to your case.

3. What are the specifics regarding your fees?

You will need to pay a retainer to the lawyer. This is money that will officially hire the lawyer. You need to find out how much that will be. Also find out how much he will charge per hour.