A criminal lawyer is an attorney who has the legal knowledge, is skilled and has a vast amount of experience in defending individuals who have been charged with a felony crime such as burglary, assault, driving under the influence and a wide range of other crimes. If you are in need of the services of a or any of the surrounding communities, the Law Office of Gary M. Abrams can help.
Unsure of what to do if you’ve been charged with a crime, or how to go about qualifying and hiring a criminal lawyer in West Brookfield, Massachusetts or anywhere else in Massachusetts? Here are some questions to get answered that will help you find a criminal lawyer, also known as a criminal defense attorney:
- How long have you been practicing criminal law?
- How often do you appear in the courthouse where my case will be handled?
- Do you frequently negotiate plea agreements with the prosecutor’s office?
- How would you describe your relationship with the prosecutor’s office?
- How often do your clients go to trial?
- How familiar are you with the charges against me?
- What percentage of your practice is in representing clients with similar charges?
If a particular criminal lawyer looks appropriate and promising, it’s important to determine how he or she will assess your case and how it will be handled:
- What are my legal options?
- Would you recommend a guilty plea, a plea agreement, or a trial?
- What works in my favor?
- What potential problems do you see?
- What can I expect at the different stages including arraignment, filing of motions, motions hearing, disposition, and the trial?
Finally, but just as important has how a criminal lawyer will handle your case, is how he or she gets paid:
- Do you charge an hourly rate or a flat fee?
- If you charge by the hour, what is your rate? Will I have to pay a retainer fee? How will that work?
- If you charge a flat fee, what is it? What does and doesn’t it include? Is it refundable? Do I have to pay it all up front?
- What other expenses would I have to pay outside of your fee and can you estimate them?
Hiring a criminal lawyer in West Brookfield, Massachusetts does not have to be a daunting task, especially if you ask the right questions up front. For more information about hiring a West Brookfield, Massachusetts criminal lawyer, contact the Law Office of Gary M. Abrams. Our free consultation will help you understand the criminal procedure and help you make the right decision when choosing a lawyer that will FIGHT for you and your rights.