Whether you are arrested for domestic violence or facing DUI charges in Oklahoma City, you have certain rights. First, you have the right to “remain silent”, which means you don’t have to answer the hard questions that officers ask. You also have the right to defend yourself and engage an attorney, and this one step could change the outcome in many ways. The role of a criminal defense lawyer is to get the possible outcome for your case, focused on minimizing the consequences. With law firms like Fassio Law, help is just a call away. In this post, we share more on the details you must check when hiring a criminal lawyer in Oklahoma City.
Find potential law firms
Online listings and websites like Justia can help you find criminal lawyers in your area. You can also ask around and get suggestions from people you know. Remember, you don’t want for weeks to engage a legal team when facing criminal charges. Make a quick shortlist and call a few firms.
Expertise triumphs everything
Criminal law is a vast field with a wide range of unique cases. Examples include DUI, theft, gun & weapon charges, drug crimes, marijuana charges, domestic violence cases, white-collar crimes, and probation violations. You need to review the work profile of an attorney to check whether they have expertise in cases like yours. There is no harm in asking questions, even when you are in a tough situation. You are paying money for their services and deserve to know what an attorney brings to the table.
Look at reviews and testimonials
Most law firms in Oklahoma City will offer client references on request, but a better way to judge the reputation and market standing of an attorney is to check independent reviews. You can look at Google’s ratings of law firms and what clients are saying about a lawyer’s work. While a few bad reviews shouldn’t be a concern, keep an eye out for patterns and words.
Discuss the fee
Usually, criminal lawyers in Oklahoma City work at an hourly rate, along with a retainer. Because the work involves going up against police and prosecution, lawyers are expensive. It is imperative that you get an estimate for the lawyer’s fees in advance, which they should provide after they hear your case and meet you for the first time. Some law firms even have a fee calculator, which allows potential clients to understand what they can expect when hiring one of their attorneys.
Trial experience is critical
Lawyers often have to take different approaches to defend a client facing criminal charges. At times, a plea deal may work better than a trial. However, hiring an attorney without trial experience can be a costly risk. You don’t know how the case may move, and if you have to go for a hearing, you want someone who can represent you and counter the prosecution. When you interview an attorney, ask about the number of times they have been to trial for such charges.
Ask about the possibilities
Regardless of whether you are accused of violating your probation or driving under the influence of drugs, you deserve to know what lies ahead. Ask the lawyer about the possible outcomes, considering the evidence available. Someone with experience will ensure you have a realistic understanding of every aspect. They will also discuss the strategies that they may consider for your defense.
While hiring an attorney doesn’t always guarantee that you will be free of the charges against you, it certainly improves your chances. Find a competent and reputed criminal defense attorney in Oklahoma City immediately after your arrest.
