7 Criminal Defense Questions to Ask Your Criminal Lawyer

Being charged with a crime is frightening. You need a criminal lawyer you can trust to represent you in court. Below are seven questions you need to ask during your initial consultation with a criminal lawyer.

• What do I need to be doing right now?

The things you do could impact your criminal case; therefore, you should ask your criminal lawyer for things you should do and things you should not do to improve the outcome of your criminal case. Should you enroll in anger management or drug rehabilitation classes? Are there records or documents that you can obtain that will help your criminal lawyer prepare a defense to the criminal charge. Always follow the directions from your attorney in order to avoid doing something that could potentially harm your chances of a lesser sentence or an acquittal.

• What are the costs of an investigation?

In order to prepare a defense strategy, your criminal attorney must conduct an investigation. You need to be prepared to pay the costs for this investigation; therefore, go over these costs when you discuss attorney’s fees with your attorney.

• Are there any sentencing alternatives available?

Depending on the crime you are charged with, the judge may have the option of sentencing you to a work program, probation, community service, education programs, or therapy instead of sending you to jail. Discuss the pros and cons of alternative sentences with your criminal lawyer to determine if this is an option you are willing to pursue in order to avoid fines and jail time.

• Were my civil rights violated?

The police make mistakes. Even if you are guilty, your civil rights are protected. If the police violate your civil rights, your criminal attorney may be able to use the violation as a defense to the criminal charges you are facing. Be prepared to provide details of you arrest including what happened prior to and after your arrest. The smallest detail could prove to be the key to having your charges dismissed.

• What is your criminal lawyer’s strategy for your defense?

Your criminal lawyer should be able to provide you with his initial evaluation of the case after your consultation. However, a detailed strategy will be developed after the attorney has conducted a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your arrest. You need to know if your attorney believes he can mount a successful defense to the charges in order to make an informed decision whether to accept a plea bargain.

• Should I accept a plea bargain?

If you are guilty, your best option may be to accept a plea bargain; however, this is not always the case. After discussing your attorney’s strategy for your defense, you need to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of accepting a plea bargain. Can your attorney negotiate a better deal? What does your attorney believe your odds are if you go to trial? What would the sentence be if you are found guilty of the crime versus the sentence if you accept a plea bargain?

• Why should I hire you to represent me against my criminal charge?

An experienced criminal lawyer will be able to provide you with solid reasons why he is the attorney that you should hire. Valid reasons include a focus on criminal defense by the law firm; many years of experience defending criminal charges; extensive trial experience; your case will not be transferred to a junior associated or a paralegal; and, a history of successful results.

Ultimately, the criminal lawyer you hire should inspire confidence and trust. You should feel comfortable confiding in this person and feel as if you are being treated with respect and dignity. If not, you will not be able to engage in meaningful communication that will help you and your attorney build a strong defense to your criminal charges.

Contact an Experienced Kentucky Criminal Lawyer

We’ve Helped Thousands of KY Families, we can help you!

Musselwhite Meinhart & Staples, PSC represents clients throughout central Kentucky who are facing a variety of criminal charges. Being arrested of a crime does not mean that you are guilty or that you should plead guilty. Your right to a fair trial is guaranteed by the constitution. Our criminal defense attorneys protect your right to be treated fairly by the Kentucky criminal justice system. When you need a criminal lawyer you can trust, call us.

Contact our office by calling 270-506-4052 to schedule a legal consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney. You may also contact our office through our convenient online contact form.