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Wednesday, November 1, 2017

About hiring a lawyer -- what questions should you ask in the initial interview

From Steve McCollum:

If you have or someone you care about has a criminal charge against them, you must understand the stakes, who will be prosecuting you, and what the background and experience is of the lawyer or law firm to whom you are going to be paying your money.  I'd suggest you ask the following questions:

1. What are the possible penalties for this offense?  

2. What is the range of possible outcomes based upon my background and the facts of my case?

3. Do you know the prosecutors or prosecutor's office and what actual experience do you have with that office?

4. How many cases of this type have you personally handled?

5. What special resources do you or does your office have to help handle this type of case?

6. After the initial fee, will there be other added fees possible?  How likely is it that you will be charging those fees?

7. Do you have any experience on the other side as a prosecutor for this type of case?

8. How will you communicate with me about the progress of my case?

9. What are your responsibilties for handling this case and what are my responsibilities for helping you defend me?

10. How many trials have you done?  How many jury trials have you done?  

11. When will you know more about the possible direction of my case?

 It is extremely important that you hire an attorney who has extensive experience as a criminal or juvenile defense lawyer, has extensive experience with the prosecutor and the jurisdiction where the case is being heard, and who has a proven track record.  Good luck in your search for an attorney.  

 Steven McCollum

McCollum Hodgkinson, P.C. 

 

5:10 pm edt 


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