The thought of having to hire a criminal defense attorney can be overwhelming. This brief guide will start you on the road to finding the criminal lawyer best suited to your needs.

What does it cost to hire a defense attorney?
The only way to discover how much a criminal lawyer charges is to meet with them in person. Schedule an initial consultation where the lawyer will learn the facts of your case. The attorney may charge you for the initial consultation; ask whether they will credit this on the bill if you decide to retain their services. It is okay to negotiate with any prospective attorney. Depending on your preference and the amount think you can afford to hire a criminal attorney, ask about flat-fee, incremental or maximum fee rates.

Where to find an attorney?
The best way to find an attorney is to talk to people you know and trust – family, friends, and colleagues. Even if the lawyer you’re referred to can’t handle your case, it is likely, after understanding the particulars of your case, they will be able to refer you to a defense attorney who can represent you.

And ask questions:

  • Have you ever been suspended from practicing law?
  • What were the outcomes of past cases similar to mine?
  • Who will work on my case with you?
  • What’s the estimated time frame for case resolution?
  • How will you keep me informed of progress on my case?
  • How quickly do you return phone calls and emails; how can I reach you after normal business hours?

Last, and perhaps most importantly, be sure to ask for a written agreement. Doing so guarantees that your rights are protected and you need not sign such an agreement on the spot. Read through it carefully. If you’re unsure about something, ask questions.

Good luck in your search.

This article is written by a guest author, Billy Skinner. The views expressed in this article are the views of the guest author. This blog may or may not hold the same views.

Billy Skinner is a criminal lawyer in Houston that represents clients charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses. To visit his criminal law blog or learn more about his areas of practice, go to http://www.billyskinnerlaw.com.