If you are arrested and charged with a crime in Pennsylvania, you should not plead guilty without first considering your options. You are presumed innocent until proven guilty under the law. Wyland Law Group‘s criminal defense attorneys believe this, which is why they fight so hard for their clients.
Why an Interview is Vital in Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Personal interviews have the potential to reveal exciting truths about criminal defense law. If you are facing a criminal charge, having the assistance of a skilled criminal defense attorney can make or break your case. However, not every criminal attorney is a good fit for you and your situation.
That is why it is critical to conduct an interview with any criminal defense attorney you are considering hiring. This will assist you in determining whether he or she is a good fit. To get the most out of the interview, you should ask the right questions.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring Criminal Defense Lawyers or Criminal Defense Law Firm
Consider the possibility that you are facing DUI or other criminal charges. You require clarification and assistance in determining where to begin. You are unfamiliar with criminal law and have no idea what to expect from your criminal case. Perhaps you are unsure who to contact or whether the defense attorney you contact will accept your case.
All of these are issues that criminal defendants face. Even attorneys get nervous when they visit other attorneys for legal advice. Fortunately, the following questions can assist you in selecting the best trial lawyer to handle your criminal charges.
When Did You Start to Practice Law?
It is critical to determine whether the defense attorney you are considering hiring is inexperienced or experienced. Experience is essential in criminal defense cases. Hiring a highly experienced attorney with a proven track record has numerous advantages.
An attorney of this type will advise you on what to expect throughout the legal process. He or she will also anticipate the prosecution’s actions or strategies and use that information to build a strong defense strategy.
Aside from having provided legal services for several years, the criminal attorney should have the appropriate level of specialization and legal experience. Many legal professionals, for example, represent clients in other legal matters or criminal cases. You should make certain that your attorney specializes in criminal cases and can devote his or her full attention to you.
What Are Your Academic and Professional Credentials?
You need an attorney who has the necessary academic and professional credentials. Inquire about your membership in professional organizations or bar associations. and “did you attend a national college?” The responses will help you determine the legitimacy of your lawyer.
You should also inquire whether the lawyer you are interviewing has any current or previous criminal offenses, lesser charges, or sanctions for attorney misconduct. You want to ensure that your attorney is in good standing with the legal system.
What Types of Cases Do You Typically Handle?
You want to learn more about the attorneys you’re interviewing. What percentage of their practice will be devoted to your legal issue? Assume you require assistance with a DUI case. In that case, it is best to seek the services of a DUI law firm or attorney rather than those who specialize in other areas of law, such as white-collar crimes, unlawful possession, domestic violence, sex crimes, or personal injury.
Do You Have Experience with Cases Like Mine?
It is not enough to find an attorney with a long record of success. You should hire someone who is familiar with the charges you are facing. Your attorney should have extensive experience representing clients charged with similar offenses. This will help you save money and time while also increasing your chances of a successful outcome. It would also be beneficial to know the outcomes of similar cases handled by the lawyer.
What is Your Success Rate?
Making sure your lawyer has experience with cases similar to yours is a good place to start. However, you also want an attorney who is likely to succeed. While each client and case is unique, you want a lawyer with a proven track record of delivering exceptional results.
Who is Your Typical Client?
This is a frequently overlooked question. If you have a specific legal issue and the criminal defense firm you are considering only represents corporations, that firm may not be the best fit for you.
What is Your Philosophy or Approach to Winning Court Cases?
This is an important question in two ways. Assume you are seeking an amicable settlement, but your law firm always goes for the kill in all court cases. In this case, that law firm might not be the best fit for you. Similarly, if you are looking for an aggressive legal representative to handle an upcoming court case, you should avoid a lawyer who is afraid to push the envelope.
What Are Your Attorney’s Fees and Costs?
This is an obviously important question. It would also be beneficial to understand how the lawyer bills clients, whether he or she provides a free consultation, and whether there are any discounts. Naturally, you want to make certain that you can afford the lawyer’s services. It would be beneficial if you also inquired about payment options and the circumstances under which the lawyer will bill you.
Other questions you should ask include the following:
- Do you provide a written contract?
- How do you contact clients to let them know what is happening with their cases?
- What is the likely outcome of my case?
- Is there another way to solve my legal problem?
- Will you be the one working on the case, or will another lawyer in your law firm handle it?
- How strong is my case?
- How long will the process be?
Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are facing criminal charges, such as DUI, you should know how to find the best lawyer to represent you. When selecting an attorney, you must take the necessary steps. After all, your liberty and reputation are at stake. It makes no difference whether you need charges dropped due to a misunderstanding or representation for a crime you did not commit. A competent and experienced criminal defense attorney is critical to your future.
Factors to Consider When Hiring Criminal Defense Lawyer in PA
You need a talented lawyer, whether you have a history of run-ins with the law or a clean record. If you are unsure where to begin in your search for a skilled attorney, consider the following suggestions:
- Read reviews
- Ask friends, family members, and colleagues for recommendations.
- Check the lawyer’s ratings.
- Find a law firm with experience
- Choose a lawyer that works with local PA courts
- Check their bar standing
- Choose a lawyer that listens
Why You Need a DUI Lawyer
A drunk driving conviction is a serious matter with far-reaching consequences. Many defendants, however, are unsure how to navigate the legal process in order to minimize the long-term consequences. The best criminal defense attorneys work tirelessly to protect their clients’ rights throughout their involvement with the criminal justice system.
DUI Consequences
A drunk driving conviction can result in the following:
- Large fines
- Suspension of your license
- Jail time
- A criminal record
- Community service
- Required treatment program or alcohol education attendance
- Installation of an ignition interlock device and monthly payments
A DUI defense attorney’s job is to help you avoid a criminal conviction or minimize potential penalties. The best criminal defense attorney can help you to:
- Fight your charges to avoid conviction
- Explore programs that will leave your record clean
- Keep any evidence obtained in violation of your rights out of court
- Avail expert testimony to undermine state evidence brought against you
- Negotiate a plea agreement with the assistant district attorney
- Argue for a reduced or suspended sentence
- Make a case that you need a hardship or restricted license
Most criminal defendants are unaware of the rules governing whether the police obtained evidence lawfully. They are not familiar with the legal process of enrolling in diversion programs or negotiating a plea bargain. An experienced criminal defense lawyer understands criminal law and fights to help DUI clients get a fresh start without the burden of a criminal record or large fines.
DUI Attorney Defense in Western Pennsylvania
Do you need the best DUI attorneys in Western Pennsylvania who specialize in drunk driving cases? If this is the case, you cannot go wrong with a DUI attorney from the Wyland Law Group. Our criminal defense lawyers concentrate their practice on criminal defense, traffic, search and seizure, and DUI cases.
We work hard to protect you because you deserve nothing less. We will work to protect your rights because our team possesses the necessary experience and knowledge. As a result, if you want to achieve the best results possible. For a free initial consultation, come to our offices or call (412) 710-0013.
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