by Zayed Al-Sayyed

UncategorizedJuly 29, 20210 comments

What Questions Should I Ask a Criminal Lawyer Before Hiring?

The process of choosing the right attorney can be a challenging one, especially when the clock is ticking and your freedom is on the line. While it can be tempting to hire the first top-rated lawyer in Phoenix you find online, there is no one-size-fits-all approach here.

It’s important to fully vet a criminal lawyer with a series of questions that will help you determine whether or not they are the right fit for you before you commit. When it comes to criminal defense cases, the lawyer you choose plays a huge role in the outcome of your case.

You’re probably wondering, what questions should I ask a criminal lawyer before hiring? With years of experience in criminal law under our belts and a proven track record of success, The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed is here to help you prepare for that ultra-important first meeting.

Here are the top 10 questions to ask a criminal lawyer before hiring them:

1. Will anyone else be working on my case?

When your lawyer is the only one handling your case, you can significantly reduce the margin for error. However, some lawyers delegate a portion of the work to paralegals and junior associates.

2. How long have you been practicing criminal law?

This is an easy way to find out how experienced a lawyer is before you make any commitments. Not only are experienced criminal lawyers better equipped to guide you through the legal process, but they can better anticipate the actions of the prosecution.

3. How often do your cases go to trial?

If you have a complex case, it’s important to work with a lawyer who is confident and well-versed in trial work in the event that the case cannot be resolved without a trial.

4. What area of criminal law do you specialize in?

Criminal law covers a wide range of cases. A quick Google search may lead you to the top-rated criminal lawyers in Phoenix, but it’s up to you to dig deeper. If you are dealing with a drug-related case, it may not be helpful to seek out the help of someone who specializes in white-collar cases.

5. How long can I expect my case to take?

 While a lawyer won’t be able to give you an exact timeframe, they should be able to provide you with an idea of what to expect.

6. How much do you charge?

Many criminal defense attorneys charge flat fees for their services, but there are often additional fees involved throughout the legal process. It’s important to find out what kind of cost you can expect to pay before you agree to pay it.

7. Have you ever dealt with a case like mine?

If your lawyer has dealt with similar cases in the past, they will have a better idea of the costs associated with your case and the kind of outcome you can expect to get.

8. How often will we communicate?

When facing criminal charges, it can be incredibly stressful to feel like you are out of the loop. Be upfront with your lawyer about how often you expect to hear from them and make sure they will be available to answer your questions as they come up.

9. What strategy would you use to handle my case?

After hearing the details of your case, an attorney should be able to outline possible strategies and weigh the pros and cons of each one with you.

10. Why should I work with you?

The answer to this simple question can tell you everything you need to know about the criminal lawyer you are considering hiring. Ask them about their credentials, related experience, and the level of dedication they would provide you with.

These are some of the most important questions to ask a criminal lawyer before hiring them. After learning the answers to these questions, you should know whether you’re ready to get started or want to keep looking. When it comes to protecting your freedom, never settle!

If you are in need of a criminal defense attorney in Phoenix, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced criminal lawyers. We are aggressive in our approach and compassionate for each of our clients, with a proven track record of success. Come in and find out why The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed is one of the top law firms in Phoenix, Arizona.