Month: March 2021

Often times the decision to hire a lawyer is an easy one. Maybe you have been served, are looking at getting a divorce, or you have been charged with a crime; these instances typically need a lawyer. However, lawyers are not just for litigation or crimes, they can also give clients and potential clients advice and helpful information regarding different instances and cases. Lawyers can also help protect you from potential hardships, and an excellent lawyer can help those that have already gotten themselves into trouble.

It is important to hire someone you know will have your back at the end of the day — someone who can protect you financially and emotionally in the best way possible. In order to help you get the best lawyer for your needs, we have put together a comprehensive list of questions to ask before you decide to hire a lawyer.

1. WHAT WILL IT COST?

This question is something that you need answered upfront as taking legal action can become quite expensive. You should know how much your lawyer will charge you for representation before they start working on your case. Every lawyer is different and so are the cases at hand. For some cases, costs can be a fixed amount, while others may be billed at an hourly rate. Many times, lawyers cannot predict the total cost as there are many variables involved, but an hourly rate can give you a good idea of the potential price tag. Another example may be that a lawyer will represent you for a “contingency fee.” This means that they will get paid a portion of what you get after winning a trial or getting a settlement. Whatever pricing methods the lawyer uses, make sure you discuss these expenses and attorney fees before moving forward.

2. HOW LONG HAVE YOU PRACTICED LAW?

At the very least, you should know the lawyer’s competence and if they are a novice or a seasoned professional. Your legal issue may need someone with years of experience, or it could be simple, and it may very well be handled by someone who is not as experienced.

3. DO I HAVE TO GO TO COURT?

Often times you can come to a conclusion outside of the courtroom. Sometimes cases can be closed through means of arbitration, negotiation, or mediation. A good attorney will typically let you know if your case can be handled through a more inexpensive and accelerated manner.

4. HAVE YOU HANDLED CASES LIKE MINE?

Many times, this question is not asked, but it is an important one. Let’s say that you are involved in a DUI defense case, but the lawyer you are meeting with has represented those only involved in malpractice. This may not be the best lawyer for you, as this is not in their area of expertise. An attorney who has the appropriate background for handing your case will most likely be the one who will give you the best possible outcome while also saving you time and money.

5. WHAT DOES YOUR TYPICAL CLIENT LOOK LIKE?

This question usually goes along with the previous question. You should know what kind of cases a lawyer handles, but you should also know what their clientele usually looks like. Ask about the financial background of the lawyer’s past client. Do they typically work with only high-income individuals or do they also represent low-income individuals or even college students? They may work with you on rates depending on your financial background.

6. WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO WINNING A CASE?

Depending on the type of lawyer you want for your case, this is an important answer to know. Do you need an attorney who will be aggressive in your case or do you want to solve it amicably? A lawyer should outline how they will go about handling your case, while also explaining why they have chosen this strategy.

7. WHAT IS THE POSSIBLE OUTCOME FOR MY CASE?

Although lawyers cannot predict the future, and they cannot guarantee you an absolute outcome, they can however give you an honest opinion of how your case may unfold. This can give you an idea of what direction you can take moving forward.

8. HOW LONG WILL THE CASE TAKE?

Any experienced lawyer should be able to give you an estimated timeline of how long it will take for you to get a verdict on your case. Again, a lawyer cannot foresee what will happen in the future, and they cannot control the speed of the process, but they can give you an idea of when it be done and over with.

9. HOW WILL WE COMMUNICATE?

This is also an important question to ask, as you should be able to get in touch with your lawyer if you do have any further questions or if you have any pertinent information to exchange. You should also feel comfortable enough with your lawyer that you can have regular communication with them if you need. Make sure that you have all the necessary information to contact your lawyer, and that you both come to an agreement on how you will be able to communicate during your case.

10. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO PREPARE?

Sometimes you may just need to provide some documents or other information regarding you or the case. Usually, you will also be advised to not speak to anyone else involved in the case, including witnesses during this time. It is important to understand your part and what you can do or what you can provide the lawyer to help win your case.

 

When scared or unsure of what to do or expect, it can bring out the worst in us. That’s why we’re giving you a crash course about your rights and how you should behave for the best possible outcome if you’ve been arrested. If you take anything from this article, it’s to always remain calm and call an experienced criminal defense lawyer! Do whatever you can to keep a level head, be polite and do not physically resist the police. Keep your hands in plain sight and immediately inform the police if you have a permit to carry a firearm and have one on or near you.

Rights You Should Know

• Everyone has the right to an attorney in criminal cases, no matter what the circumstances are.
• Have you ever heard the phrase, “anything you say can and will be held against you” on TV? It’s true. If you say anything that could possibly incriminate you, it WILL be used against you in court. One of the most important rights to understand is your right to remain silent. It is crucial that you exercise this right – be quiet. Respectfully decline to make any statements and request to speak with your lawyer. In most cases, it’s best not to speak or answer any questions until your attorney is present so you can avoid accidentally hurting your case.
• You have the right to know what you are charged with. It is illegal for the police to make an arrest without informing the individual for what crime he or she is being arrested. If you haven’t been told, politely ask what you are being charged with, but do not engage in an argument.
• You have a right to know your legal rights. These are called your Miranda Rights, and it is illegal to be interrogated (questioned) without hearing them. In fact, an entire case can be thrown away if the individual was not read the Miranda Rights. They are designed to make sure that people are aware of what they do and don’t have to do when under arrest.

How to Act and What to Do

• Be respectful and obedient with the police. Do not touch, or try to touch, officers in any way whatsoever. This can be perceived as aggressive behavior.
• Pay attention to badge and patrol car numbers; try to remember them if possible. This information can help determine if the officer was supposed to be on duty and identify the officials you interacted with.
• Do not answer any questions about your case unless your lawyer is present to avoid accidentally incriminating yourself- even if you are innocent. That applies to cellmates and telephone calls, too, if you are put in jail. Cellmates often tell on you and all phone calls made from jail are listened in on and recorded. Do not discuss the facts of your case with anyone but your lawyer.
• If you’ve been hurt in the course of your arrest, take pictures to use as evidence and seek medical help as soon as possible. Depending on what caused the injury, you may be entitled to compensation.
• Do not resist arrest. Doing this can add charges such as assault, and of course, resisting arrest or obstruction of justice, making the situation far worse. If you see the lights of a squad car behind you, pull over immediately. It is a felony to try to run from the police and will make everything far worse.
• You are not required to perform any roadside testing or the roadside breath test if you are stopped for a DWI. Politely decline to perform these roadside tests and request an opportunity to call your lawyer. By the time these roadside tests are requested, they are already going to arrest you, these only add evidence to their side. You MUST cooperate in the testing they request at the police station, but only after you have gotten advice from your lawyer as to whether or not to take the test offered depending on the facts of your particular case. It is not a refusal to decline to perform roadside testing.
• Keep a calm composure. Yelling, stomping, cursing, arguing or any other over-the-top behavior gives the police reason to think that you are either a threat to yourself or others, or that you are guilty of what they suspect. Always treat the police with respect.
• If the police approach your place of residence, do not let them search unless they have a warrant. If you are arrested, do not permit the officer(s) to go into your home for any reason and do not step outside of your home voluntarily. If they choose, they can bring you inside with them and legally search without a warrant.
• Remember, you can’t believe everything said to you by law enforcement when they are interrogating or questioning you. In most cases, they are allowed to lie or bend the truth in order to obtain information and they do so quite often. Do not fall for it – respectfully and politely decline to engage in any discussions or make any statements and ask to speak with your lawyer.
• Memorize your lawyer’s phone number. Once you are in custody, you will not be given permission to use your own phone. Be sure you have a phone number for your lawyer that they answer 24/7 for emergencies like you being taken into custody.

If you’ve been arrested or suspect that your rights have been violated, contact  Kris Naros at  Naros Law. Setting up a free consultation is the best way to review the facts and make an informed decision on what course of action to take in the courtroom.