Meeting with a criminal defense lawyer for a free consultation is a crucial first step to take after being arrested and seeking the best legal representation for your case. This initial point of contact is a great opportunity for you to decide which lawyer you want by your side and to trust with your future. Knowing what questions to ask helps you make the right choice and feel comfortable in the process.
How Long Have You Been Practicing Criminal Defense?
This helps you gauge whether the lawyer has genuine courtroom experience, not just in law school or primarily in other practice areas. You’ll want to see several years — or decades — regularly handling criminal defense, with a clear understanding of what you’re facing and what the stakes are.
How Often Do You Handle Cases Like Mine?
Every area of the law is its own specialty, and the fact that a lawyer handles criminal law in general doesn’t automatically mean they are the right choice for your specific case. Make sure they’ve handled cases that deal with the charges you are facing. For example, DUI cases and domestic violence cases are very different.
Ask how often they’ve handled the type of charges you are dealing with. If you’re dealing with a felony, you want to make sure they handle these serious cases, not just misdemeanors.
Ideally, they can give you straightforward examples of similar cases they have addressed recently or signs they keep up-to-date on the laws related to your charge.
What Courts Do You Regularly Appear in?
Success in a criminal case is also partially affected by your lawyer’s knowledge of the specific courts and justice system in which your case is being handled. If they’re familiar with local courts, they’re likely to be on good terms with prosecutors, which can lead to better plea offers. They’ll also be familiar with local courtroom norms and customs, as well as the nuances of the judges they often appear in front of.
If you’re facing federal charges, you want to make sure the lawyer you are speaking with handles these cases regularly, as they can be quite different from charges in state courts.
Who Will Actually Be Handling My Case Day-to-Day?
In larger law firms, the attorney advertising their presence to prospective clients isn’t always the same person working on the case every day. It’s reasonable to ask whether you’ll get the partner/lawyer you meet with, or if associates/paralegals handle routine calls, filings, and smaller issues.
How Often Do You Go to Trial?
The majority of criminal cases are resolved through a plea deal. While this can be a good solution in some cases, there are many cases where a trial is necessary and is the right step to take. You want to ensure the attorney is comfortable with litigation and won’t pressure you into an unfavorable guilty plea.
How Often Will You Update Me, and What’s the Best Way to Reach You?
Communication sets the tone for balancing how lost or stressed you’ll feel as the case goes on. You want regular status reports on any decisions or documents required, as well as clarity on the next steps. It will ease some of your stress if you have someone to reach out to when questions or concerns arise.
Any lawyer you’re talking to shouldn’t hesitate to promise updates after court appearances, developments, filings, or anytime you need answers about something related to your case.
How Do You Charge for Your Services? Do You Offer Payment Plans?
Make sure you know exactly how your lawyer charges and what you can expect for your case. Some defense lawyers use flat fees, while others charge hourly. Don’t accept a vague answer — make sure you know exactly how you’ll be billed so you’re not surprised later on.
Asking these questions gives you an idea of what to expect from the attorney you’re talking to and allows you to make an informed decision about who should represent you.
Red Flags to Watch for During a Free Consultation
When you meet with a lawyer for a free consultation, it’s just as important to know what you want to watch out for as it is to know what you’re looking for. Below are some red flags that should make you reconsider working with the lawyer.
Promises or Guarantees About the Outcome
Be very cautious if they guarantee you a certain outcome, such as obtaining a not guilty verdict or having your charges dismissed. You obviously want a lawyer who is confident in their abilities, but no lawyer can guarantee a specific outcome. If they claim they can, they’re likely just doing so to secure your business.
Putting Pressure on You to Sign Immediately
If you feel pushed to sign a contract before your questions are fully answered or before you’ve even had time to consider their answers, that’s a red flag. You deserve time and space to review your situation, financial obligations, and what you’re agreeing to.
An Unwillingness to Explain the Process Clearly
A good lawyer should want you to understand the overall strategy. If the attorney avoids explaining their process or acts as if you don’t need to understand what’s going on, since they’re the professional, this is a red flag.
Dismissing Your Concerns or Cutting You Off
How you’re treated at a first meeting matters. If the lawyer interrupts you and ignores basic concerns, that’s likely an indication of how they will treat you going forward.
Contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys for a Free Consultation With a Lanham Criminal Defense Lawyer
Legal support should never feel rushed or disrespectful. If you’re searching for a criminal defense lawyer in Lanham, Maryland, who respects you and will fight for you every step of the way, you’ve come to the right place. Contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation with a Lanham criminal defense attorney.
For more information, contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a confidential consultation with a criminal defense attorney. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, and Waldorf.
We proudly serve Prince George’s County, Frederick County, Montgomery County, Charles County and the surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Lanham
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste 201 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 262-7005
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Frederick
25 E Patrick St #200 Frederick, MD 21701
(301) 381-1993
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Rockville
11140 Rockville Pike 550-J Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 364-3195
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Waldorf
8 Post Office Rd, Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 857-4771