Nobody’s perfect. We all make mistakes with varying consequences.

Sometimes, these mistakes cost us money. Sometimes our mistakes result in severed relationships.

However, there are some mistakes that have more severe consequences. For example, if you do something illegal, you might end up facing criminal charges.

In this case, you need to hire a criminal defense lawyer immediately. But how do you find the best attorney for your criminal defense case?

We can help you there. Keep reading for four essential questions to ask before you hire a lawyer.

1. Will You Give Me a Free Consultation?

Most lawyers give potential clients a free consultation or case evaluation. These legal professionals are willing to earn your business by spending time with you. Case evaluations give you a chance to learn more about your case and the laws surrounding it.

Just as importantly, when you sit down with a criminal defense lawyer for a free consultation, you have the opportunity to assess their personality, communication skills, knowledge, and more. This is a great way to identify the best local lawyer for your case.

2. What Are Your Areas of Expertise?

Before you hire an attorney, make sure they have relevant experience. In what areas of criminal law do they specialize?

You’ll have the best results in your criminal defense case if you hire a lawyer who has a lot of experience handling cases like yours. Ask them to see their case results to see firsthand what they’re capable of.

They should show you a list of clients who were in situations similar to yours. Then, you can see how the criminal defense attorney was able to help them reduce their charges or eliminate them entirely.

3. Do You Have Client Reviews and Testimonials I Can See?

To find the best criminal defense lawyer, we also recommend looking at online client reviews. These testimonials will shed light on the lawyer’s professionalism and communications skills.

You need to see if the lawyer is respected and recommended by his or her past clients. Does he or she have a positive reputation with the people they served in the past? Check out www.tprentisslaw.com to see a law firm with tons of positive client reviews.

4. How Much Will It Cost to Hire You for My Case?

Finally, find out how much your criminal defense case is going to cost you when all is said and done. Your costs and fees will vary depending on which local lawyer you hire.

Some criminal defense lawyers charge by the hour. Other attorneys charge flat fees based on the type of case, the charges levied against you, etc.

Make sure you understand your legal fees upfront. The lawyer should also help you identify your other costs, such as court fees, documentation fees, expert witness fees, and more.

Do You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

If you’re looking for the best criminal defense lawyer for your case, start by asking the questions listed above. Take your time and listen to your intuition to find the legal professional who will be the most beneficial to your criminal defense case.

And if you’re looking for more legal tips or suggestions, you’re in the right place. Our blog was designed to help people like you navigate the murky waters of the law.