what questions to ask before hiring an attorney for aggravated assault defense

Ask your attorney questions like, “How many aggravated sexual assault cases have you handled? When were these cases? What was the outcome?”

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What questions should I ask a criminal defense lawyer?

Nov 10, 2020 · 7 Questions to Ask Before You Hire Criminal Attorney. In 2017 alone, over 10 million arrests were made by law enforcement. Many of these arrests resulted in the individual in question being charged with a crime. Unfortunately, it may be difficult to navigate the legal system for those who are unfamiliar with doing so.

When should you hire a criminal defense lawyer?

If you need to hire a criminal defense attorney, chances are you need one quickly. However, hiring an inexperienced lawyer can be the biggest mistake of your life. During the initial consultation, be sure to ask questions about the attorney's background and experience, how they will assess and manage your case, and how much their services cost.

Should you ask questions when hiring a lawyer?

Mar 21, 2018 · What to Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer. When interviewing a criminal defense lawyer, be sure to ask these ten important questions: 1.) How long have you practiced criminal law? This question should not be overlooked. It’s a good way to determine that the lawyer has actually had significant experience as a criminal defense lawyer, instead of simply handling a …

Do you deserve the best defense from your attorney?

Oct 08, 2019 · When you need a criminal defense lawyer, there is no time to waste. These 13 questions will help you get the best lawyer for your defense. Hiring A Criminal Defense Attorney When you need a criminal defense lawyer, there is usually no time to waste. You’ve probably already been charged with a crime, so you need a lawyer as soon as possible.

What are some good questions to ask a lawyer?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•Jan 29, 2017

What are three problems defense attorney's face?

Despite the potential for high pay and job autonomy, defense lawyers face a number of challenges in their roles, including negative public perception, demanding clients, overwhelming evidence, time demands and stress.

What types of evidence must be turned over by the prosecutor to the defense attorney prior to trial?

Under the U.S. Constitution, the prosecution must disclose to the defendant all evidence that proves guilt as well as all evidence that proves innocence. Evidence generally falls into three categories, inculpatory, exculpatory, and impeachment.Mar 9, 2020

What qualities make a good defense attorney?

10 Must Have Personality Traits Of A Good Criminal Defense LawyerKnowledge. The more serious the crime, the more careful you must choose. ... Confidentiality. ... Negotiation Skills. ... Perseverance. ... Aggressiveness. ... Communication Skills. ... Commitment. ... Integrity.More items...•Sep 15, 2021

What is a disadvantage of being a defense lawyer?

Defense attorney's often get a harsh reputation due to media scrutiny: defending the accused is not always an easy job and having a client's freedom or future resting on your abilities can be quite stressful.

Do defense attorneys have morals?

Lawyers have written ethics but they are not necessarily bound by morals, which to lawyers are situational and subject to personal interpretation. They can reject a client or a case that would compromise their moral compass, such as a potential client is guilty for the crime.

What is an example of exculpatory evidence?

Examples of exculpatory evidence include an alibi, such as witness testimony that a defendant was somewhere else when the crime occurred. Exculpatory evidence might include proof that the defendant stayed in a hotel too far away from the crime scene to have committed the crime.Jul 30, 2020

What is the most important factor in deciding whether to prosecute?

The most important factor in deciding whether to prosecute is: if there is sufficient evidence for conviction.

What is the Giglio rule?

A Giglio letter is a document written by a prosecutor when he or she finds out about a law enforcement officer who may not be credible on the stand. With this documented lack of credibility, the law enforcement officer is very unlikely to be used as a witness in a trial.Jun 7, 2021

What personality traits do you need to be an attorney?

Below are ten traits that are common to the best lawyers in the United States.Passion for the Job. ... Compassion for Clients. ... Great Communication Skills. ... Willingness to Listen. ... Knowledge of the Law. ... Strong Writing Ability. ... Creativity. ... Good Judgment.More items...•Jun 17, 2019

What does a criminal lawyer do?

Criminal Lawyers are responsible for either prosecuting or defending someone accused of a criminal offence. They are required to act in a neutral, impartial manner to ensure that the legal rights of those prosecuted are upheld and that they receive fair treatment against the conduct of the law.Feb 20, 2020

How would you describe a defense attorney?

The American Bar Association identifies key attributes of a defense attorney that should guide their conduct when working on behalf of a client: Zealous protector of constitutional rights. Loyal client advocate. Courageous defender in court.

What is the best way to defend a client in a criminal case?

When it comes to defending a client in a criminal case, experience is key. There are numerous benefits to having an attorney who has practiced for many years and successfully represented a large number of clients. An experienced attorney can properly advise you on what to expect throughout all stages of the legal process. He or she will also have the ability to anticipate the strategies or actions of the prosecution and can use that to help build you a strong defense strategy.

Why is it important to find an attorney?

It is not only important to find an attorney who has handled a good number of cases, but one who is knowledgeable about the charges you face as well. A lawyer who has had experience handling clients facing similar charges can save you a lot of time and money and most likely find you a better outcome overall.

How to settle a case out of court?

In many ways, the best outcome you can have for your case is one that comes quickly. By negotiating to settle out of court through a plea bargain, your attorney may be able to help you avoid having to appear in court and appear before a judge and jury.

Can an attorney control the outcome of a case?

Just as with the outcome of a case, no attorney can control every aspect of the legal process or guarantee exactly how the case will play out. However, your attorney should be able to devise a clear defensive strategy and a plan for how to proceed with your case.

Is a criminal trial stressful?

A criminal trial is not only stressful, time consuming, and potentially costly, but also puts your fate in the hands of a judge and jury. Ask your attorney if you have the option of working out a fair plea bargain or if there are any other ways to avoid taking your case to court. 12.

Can a lawyer guarantee a specific outcome?

No lawyer should guarantee a specific result for your case and you should be wary of any attorney who makes promises about what the exact outcome will be. However, an experienced and knowledgeable attorney should be able to evaluate the preliminary information they are given about your case and make an assessment as to how it may likely play out. It is also important to find what your attorney thinks are the strengths and weaknesses of your case which will shape the defense strategy that he or she will devise.

What happens when you hire a lawyer?

When you decide to hire a lawyer, the entire cost comes out of your pocket and it can be difficult to come up with all the money. Find out up front what the costs are that are associated with your case.

What happens when you are charged with a crime?

When you are charged with a crime, the police will provide evidence against you that proves your involvement. There are many different ways to dispute their charges based on how much information is available to the police and how you acted during the arrest process.

Do lawyers have to pay their fees up front?

You should also know when the payment will be due. Many lawyers require that you pay half of their fee up front, while others may allow you to make monthly payments.

Types of Cases & Experience

We handle all types of State and federal charges in courts across Texas and the United States.

What distinguishes your firm?

We hold ourselves to the highest standard of success: ensuring that you get the best possible outcome for your case. We believe everyone is entitled to respect, discretion, and an expert defense.

Testimonials

We're particularly proud of what our clients have written about us: that we're attentive, compassionate, and hard-working; that we act with integrity and maintain open, truthful communications; that we're knowledgeable and dogged in pursuing the very best possible outcome for them.

Cost

The truth is it depends. Many factors-such as the number of complainants or the complexity of the investigation-can affect our total cost of taking a case a trial.

Additional Information

You can find more information about our qualifications and experience in the About section of our website. There you will also find short videos in which we explain our philosophy and approach, as well as testimonials from clients.

Awards & Recognitions

Yes, Neal Davis has been Board Certified in Criminal Law (Texas Board of Legal Specialization) since 2009. Texas has over 70,000 licensed attorneys, but only around 800 (less than 2%) are Board Certified in Criminal Law.

How to contact Silver Law Firm?

He is ready to dive into your case and determine the process that will take your case towards the best possible result. Call Silver Law Firm today at (510) 995-0000, or use our online form to set up a free case consultation.

What is criminal law?

Criminal law covers a variety of cases. Some lawyers see the majority of their cases come from a specific legal issue, such as drugs, murder, DUI, or white-collar crimes. You should find out how many cases they have handled that are similar to yours. That way you can be satisfied that they know what they are doing. 4.)

How to feel comfortable with an attorney?

You should feel comfortable from the beginning of your attorney-client relationship that you will be able to have regular communications with your counsel. Make sure that you exchange contact information and agree on the ways that you will stay in touch.

What is a conflict in a lawyer?

If the lawyer’s representation of prior or existing clients would limit the attorney’s ability to represent you, there is likely a conflict. For example, if you want to sue a hospital that the potential lawyer regularly represents, there would be a conflict. A conflict might also arise if the attorney you are interviewing has already been hired by ...

Why is it important to choose the right lawyer?

Choosing the right lawyer is a very important decision—whether you were in a car accident, have a medical malpractice claim, or find yourself the target of a criminal investigation. Referrals from friends or co-workers can be great, but you need to do your homework to make sure you have the right attorney for the job.

What is the importance of having a lawyer?

Getting a lawyer with the right legal background is essential, but it is also important to know whether your attorney has experience with the judges who will likely preside over your case. If yours is a criminal matter, it is important to know if your lawyer knows the local prosecutors. This courtroom experience can greatly enhance your lawyer’s ability to evaluate the likely outcomes in your case and give you advice that you can rely on.

How can a lawyer save you money?

Your lawyer can often save you money by delegating routine tasks to firm employees who charge a lower hourly rate. However, your lawyer should be involved in all key aspects and decisions of your case, or should explain to you why a colleague can handle some important part of the matter just as well.

What is the process of a civil case?

In civil cases, your lawyer might propose mediation , a settlement negotiation process involving a neutral third-party. Other times, arbitration might be an option. Arbitration— using a private service to adjudicate a dispute—is a less formal, less costly, and faster way of getting a decision in some civil matters.

What is contingency fee?

In cases where you are suing for monetary damages, the lawyer may represent you for a “contingency fee.”. This means the attorney gets paid a portion (typically one-third) of the amount you receive after a successful trial or settlement. Make sure you discuss expenses as well as attorney fees.

DISCOVERY -- EVIDENCE -- INVESTIGATION

DISCOVERY -- EVIDENCE -- INVESTIGATION#N#Has your lawyer obtained and reviewed all "Discovery", including: police reports, witness#N#statements, video and audio tapes, photographs and other material provided through "discovery" by the Prosecutor? Has the attorney made copies of all of it and reviewed it with you? What is your attorney's evaluation of the evidence? What is the "worst evidence" against you? Has you attorney considered not only what evidence is there, but what evidence is not there (missing)? What physical or testimony evidence does the prosecution rely on open to challenge? Or what evidence does the DA not have that could mean dismissal of your case? Are there eyewitnesses that should be interviewed? What sort of defense investigation should be conducted to find that evidence to disprove your guilt?.

CLIENT ACTIONS - What should you do?

CLIENT ACTIONS - What should you do?#N#Sometimes there are steps you can (and should) take which will dramatically lessen your sentence.

STRATEGY

STRATEGY#N#What is your lawyer's preliminary evaluation of the case against you? What defenses are available to you? What is the best defense strategy? What are the risks and benefits of strategy? Can your attorney mount a successful defense at trial or is it in your best interests to plea bargain?

COSTS

COSTS#N#How much defense investigation needs to be done, and what will it cost? Do you need to hire Expert Witnesses to testify for you at trial? How much will they cost? Is their testimony worth it? What is the time table preparing for trial; how long will the trial last and what will it cost?

SENTENCING ALTERNATIVES

SENTENCING ALTERNATIVES#N#Are there any Sentencing Alternatives to standard Jail that you may be eligible for, such as electronic home detention, Sheriff's Work Program, Work Furlough, or community service? Are there any standard or creative Probationary Terms that are preferable to you which will satisfy the prosecution and court's concerns and allow you to receive a lesser sentence, easier to accept? Some clients want to avoid fines, others want to keep their driver's license, others want to avoid jail, and others who are not citizens, just want to remain in the U.S.

MOTIONS -- Legal Defenses (Due Process and your constitutional rights

CONCLUSION This case is not just any case; it’s your case! You deserve the best defense from an attorney who considers all of these questions.