When Should I Hire A Criminal Defense Attorney?
Thinking about hiring a criminal defense attorney? Here's what you need to know.
If you or a loved one has recently run into some legal trouble, you are probably wondering at what point you should hire a criminal defense attorney. There are a lot of things to consider, and often the primary worry is cost. This is a fair concern to have, considering that attorney fees can be very expensive. However, hiring an attorney early in the process can often result in fewer large expenses down the road.
What Is A Criminal Defense Attorney?
A criminal defense attorney is someone who is there to guide you through your legal problem and defend you when necessary. The legal system can be tricky and when you are in trouble with the law, it is important to have someone who knows how to guide you through your issue. Depending on the seriousness of your problem, the consequences could be much worse than being out a couple thousand dollars if you decide to go it alone.
When Should I Hire A Criminal Defense Attorney?
In the best possible scenario, it would be nice to have an attorney from the moment you get arrested. While this is likely not practical for most, you should attempt to speak to an attorney as soon as possible after being released from your arrest. This is especially true if you're facing a more serious criminal allegation.
In most cases, you'll be let out and you'll receive a date on which your arraignment takes place. An arraignment is a hearing, this is where you'll hear what you are being charged. At this time, you'll be given a chance to plead guilty or not guilty. You may also have a chance after the arraignment to meet with the prosecutor. This is just one reason why it is extremely helpful to have counsel available to you at this point, given that this is a meeting you do not want to go into by yourself.
Speaking to your lawyer prior to the arraignment will allow you to have a complete understanding of the charges that are being brought against you before you even set foot in a courtroom. Perhaps more importantly, you will understand the range of punishments you could face should you be found guilty. This will give you the ability to weigh the pros and cons of fighting your charge versus seeking a plea bargain.
Fighting a charge can be a painful and emotional process. The personal support and comfort you receive from having someone who has been there before and knows his or her way around the legal system is invaluable. Just having them there can make each and every step along the way much less grueling.
Hiring The "Right" Criminal Defense Attorney
There's no questions about it, this is a stressful time. However, you don't want to jump to conclusions. Before you hire any criminal defense attorney, please do your research. ALWAYS
You want a criminal defense lawyer that has experience and a proven track record, not just the first number you see. Experience matters, a track record of success matters. You should also take the time to check out that attorney's reviews on Google, Facebook, Trust Pilot, or other reputable review sites.
Lance J. Robinson is a New Orleans criminal defense attorney with over 22 years experience. Lance has a long track record of helping his clients get results. In his career, Lance has represented over 2,400 clients. On top of that, Lance is one of the most decorated and highest reviewed criminal defense attorneys in New Orleans. (You can check out Google for yourself!)
We understand you have questions, we want to help you answer those questions. Contact us now for a free consult, learn about your rights and everything in between. You can reach us at 504-465-0101. If you wish, you can use this contact form hereas well.
