If you’re charged with a crime, it can be a sinking feeling. There can be a flood of feelings, such as what legal consequences you may be facing or even where you should turn.
It’s during these times that finding an attorney with specialized experience can be well worth the cost you’ll end up paying.
When it comes to hiring a criminal defense attorney, most people wait until they find themselves in legal troubles.
Unfortunately, what most people don’t realize is that it’s a good idea to contact a criminal defense attorney as early as possible.
Former Wyoming prosecutor turned criminal defense attorney Christina L. Williams, Attorney at Law outlines three situations in which it would be highly advisable to retain the counsel of an experienced criminal defense attorney:
It’s important to remember that police officers are often well-trained in applying pressure to obtain answers while staying within the confines of the law.
It’s no secret that what you say can be used against you in court. However, did you know that police offers are only required to remind you of your right to remain silent while you’re in their custody?
That means that, if an officer is merely talking to you, they do not need to remind you of your right to remain silent.
When it comes to retaining legal counsel, naturally one of the next questions is how much it will cost.
In the following article by Ken LaMance originally posted on Legal Match, he explains in detail what you can anticipate on spending when it comes to hiring a criminal defense attorney.
“…the cost for hiring an attorney who advertises a flat fee charge for their representation of you, will inevitably vary depending on your personal circumstances. For instance, if a lawyer charges a flat fee, and the charge is a misdemeanor, then you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,000 to $3,000.
However, if there is a possibility of trial, then you can expect that price to increase to around $3,000 to $5,000. If the charge is a felony, and the lawyer believes they may be able to receive a favorable settlement, then the flat fee arrangement may range anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000. However, if a felony trial seems inevitable, then a flat fee ranging between $5,000 to $8,000 is not uncommon.”
It’s important to note that the costs of legal representation can greatly vary depending on your specific case and what you’re being charged with.
This brings us to the final point of this article: how much should you disclose to a criminal defense attorney.
Owning up to your misdeeds can be difficult. However, being upfront and honest with your criminal defense attorney can have benefits.
Most attorneys agree that knowing the full details of the situation is the best way to defend a client. Even when you have been caught outright committing a crime, if your lawyer knows the truth, he can advise you on your best chances for acquittal or at least a reduced sentence. Otherwise, you may find you have wasted your money by hiring a lawyer because he is unable to defend you effectively based on lack of information.
The same principle applies even in relation to a civil case, for example, a claim against insurance. In one case study, the defendant had claimed several times for the same injuries in a vehicle collision, which he failed to tell his lawyer who found out only after incurring extensive costs for discovery. By that point, the attorney was not very interested in helping the client, partly because of the potential damage to his reputation and partly because the case had become unprofitable for him.
If you’re charged with any sort of misdemeanor or felony, it’s likely in your best interest to seek legal representation as soon as possible. While there is a variety of way to help select the best criminal defense attorney to fit your needs, remember that time is of the essence.
Waiting to contact an attorney is perhaps one of the most careless and reckless things you could do when being charged.
For further reading, check out the additional resources below.
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