Finding yourself in a situation where you need the services of a criminal defense attorney can be one of the most stressful times of your life. For people who have never dealt with such a situation before, the stress can be magnified by feeling as though the information you need to keep a handle on is overwhelming.
The best way to handle that information is to ask the right questions. Below, you'll find a guide to some questions you should ask your criminal defense lawyer, giving you the ability to stay ahead of the curve and move forward through the criminal justice process with the information you need to find the best possible outcome for you and the ones you love.
Ask About Pretrial Responsibilities
Many people believe that by hiring a lawyer, they've placed all of the responsibility into the hands of someone else and their job is to step back and let the process play out. However, there are actually many important and helpful steps you can take before a trial begins that will help bring about a positive outcome.
Your attorney may want you to seek out substance or mental health counseling. You may need to provide certain kinds of evidence or submit to some questioning. Asking your lawyer about all the things you need to do will guarantee that nothing important gets left out of the process.
Ask About Trial Experience
The overwhelming majority of criminal cases do not go to trial and are, in fact, handled by a plea bargain. In the event that you do need to submit the facts to a judge and jury, however, it's important that you know what to expect.
Your lawyer will be able to walk you through his or her previous experiences in criminal trials and the ways in which they handled some situations or complications. Having this information in mind will give you the confidence to know that your future is in the best possible hands.
Ask About Communication
The wheels of justice turn slowly, and while you're awaiting the outcome of a criminal proceeding, the wait can feel agonizing. Rather than letting resentment build up between you and your attorney over a perceived lack of open communication, you should develop a consistent plan. Even something as simple as a regularly scheduled phone call can go a long way in making you feel like progress is being made and like justice will eventually be done.
If you're currently looking for a lawyer, contact Sproule Gordon.
Share3 March 2015
