Managing Attorney
Choosing a criminal defense attorney is a difficult and very important decision. The right lawyer can make the difference between a favorable and an unfavorable outcome in your case, no matter what the charge is. But how should you prepare for a meeting with a criminal defense lawyer? What should you bring to a consultation?
Bring specific questions about the criminal defense lawyer’s background and the charge you are facing
One of the most important things to bring to a meeting with a criminal defense lawyer is a list of questions relating to the lawyer’s background, the specific charge you are facing and the legal process. Asking questions on these topics will allow you to make an informed decision before hiring an attorney and also reduce feelings of anxiety and uncertainty around your case. It is a good idea to take a few minutes to write down your questions prior to meeting with a criminal defense lawyer.
Questions relating to an attorney’s background will allow you to hire the right attorney for your specific charge. Criminal defense can be highly specialized and the expertise required to effectively defend a case will vary depending on the charge. For example, a DWI charge requires specialized training regarding breath and blood testing that even many criminal lawyers may lack.
Below are examples of questions to discuss with a criminal defense attorney regarding their background, training, experience, the legal process, defense strategy and goals:
- What is your legal background? It is important to understand the depth of a lawyer’s experience in criminal defense. This can include the number of years licensed, percentage of their practice devoted to criminal defense, prior work as a prosecutor and specialized training and experience relevant to the charge.
- How often do you go to trial? Unfortunately, many criminal defense attorneys never go to trial. This is a huge disservice to their clients. Although not every case will go to trial (and most do not), to obtain the best possible result, it is sometimes necessary to set cases for trial and go to actually go to trial. Of course, the goal is always to get a charge dismissed. But if a case is not dismissed and an acceptable plea cannot be reached, then a case should go to trial (some cases should be set for trial even if a “good” plea is offered). If an attorney has not gone to trial in years, then this is an indication that their clients are accepting plea agreements when that may not be in their best interest.
- How much experience do you have with this particular charge? As noted above, criminal defense can be highly specialized and certain charges (such as DWIs or sex crimes) require a high level of expertise to maximize your chances of a good result.
- What is the strategy to defend the case? An effective criminal defense lawyer should be able to articulate a clear strategy to defend the case and the steps that will be taken to challenge the State’s evidence and conduct an investigation. Every type of criminal case involves different types evidence and should be handled differently (the strategy for defending domestic violence cases will be much different than the strategy for defending sex cases, for example).
- How familiar are you with the court and judge? The correct strategy for handling a case can vary depending on the court, the judge and the prosecutor and it can be an advantage of a criminal defense attorney regularly practices there.
- What are the possible outcomes of my criminal charge? Understanding the possible outcomes of a criminal case – and having realistic expectations – is important. Every criminal case is Texas has a sentencing range but an experienced criminal defense attorney should be able to tell you what the realistic best- and worst-case scenario is and what the strategy will be for obtaining the best possible result.
- How long will it take for my case to be resolved? It is also important to have a realistic time-frame for how long it will take a case to be resolved. In the Houston area, most cases can take 6 months or longer but this can vary based on the charge and the court.
- How can I assist with my case? Knowing what you should (and should not) do to assist your case is very important. When you hire a criminal defense attorney, you are paying for guidance on all issues relating to your case, including how you should behave while the case is pending. This can include advice regarding how to ensure your bond is not revoked, to what steps you should take to proactively assist your case.
Bring any relevant documents or evidence
If you have documents of evidence that are relevant to your case, you should bring them to your first meeting with a criminal defense attorney. Although it will typically be impossible for a criminal defense attorney to fully evaluate your case without seeing all of the State’s evidence (and it can take months for this to happen), it can be helpful for you to bring any materials you have to make the attorney aware of evidence in your possession and to assist with discussions relating to possible defenses (for example, self-defense) that may be relevant to your case.
Attorney Jose Ceja is a former prosecutor who handles criminal cases throughout the Houston area. If you are charged with any criminal offense in Houston, Ceja Law Firm is an excellent choice. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
