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Why Is Hiring An Attorney Crucial For A Criminal Case?
Hiring an attorney to help on any criminal case is a wise idea, because you’re not just talking about paying a fine and being done with it; they’re not like traffic ticket. With a DUI, you may face jail time, and with domestic violence cases, you may also face 26-week-long domestic violence classes, as well as drug and alcohol testing, all of which can cost you dearly. It just depends on the charge.
Even some traffic offenses can be difficult to handle because, in addition to fines, there are other things to consider. For example, a charge of criminal speeding may cost you a fine, but you may have choices available, such as defensive driving classes. Also, since criminal speeding can put eight points on your driving record, which is huge, while the classes may cost you $200, you may be able to avoid the criminal conviction and eight points on your record.
Will the Courts Think I’m Arrogant for Hiring a Private Attorney?
No; public defenders are for indigent people who can’t afford a private attorney. Everyone is entitled to an attorney; if they truly can’t afford one, the state will provide one, so whether or not the state pays for it you have a valued right to counsel; it’s a constitutional issue.
What Should I Look For in An Attorney?
Obviously, it’s always important to look for experience in an attorney, but their work ethic is also important; you want to know they’ll work hard on your case and not just plea you out. You’ll learn a lot based on how you feel about them, whether you get along with them and can communicate; those are also important.
Overall, it’s all important; their experience, the type of relationship you have with them and just a gut feeling that they understand your goals and want to help you reach them, as long as they’re reasonable goals, and why you may or may not achieve them, and do so honestly.
It’s always a good idea to shop around. In fact, it doesn’t bother me when my client shops around before choosing me, because it means they trust me. Sometimes clients don’t believe it when we tell them we won’t have a lot of information until the first pre-trial conference, and they want answers right away; they sometimes jump the gun, but I can’t do that. If I go to the prosecutor with guns blazing and act as if we’re not going to trial, they may not get a good result.
If the client has shopped around and I am the attorney they feel most comfortable with, they tend to feel more confident and trust me more, because they know who’s the most experienced and trustworthy, compared to the competition. When I tell them something or share strategy with them, they tend to be more inclined to listen and to feel more comfortable with their choice.
Is it Worth Borrowing Money to Hire a Private Attorney For a Criminal Case?
You shouldn’t have to take out a loan because you can usually find an attorney who charges reasonable fees, and they can work out a payment plan with you. However, if you do have to take out a loan for a serious case, such as a Class 1 felony with multiple priors and you need to go to trial, it will still be worth it because you’re not an attorney; you don’t know how to represent yourself. You’re talking about your life, after all.
For more information on Importance Of Hiring An Attorney, please call (480) 442-8343 today to schedule a free initial consultation. Get the information and legal answers you’re seeking.