Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer During Your NYC Case

Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer During Your NYC Case

Finding yourself in need of a criminal defense lawyer can be scary. You’re probably feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next. Choosing the right lawyer is crucial, as they will be responsible for building your defense and representing your best interests. When meeting with potential lawyers, you’ll want to ask the right questions to determine if they have the skills and experience to take on your specific case. Here are some important questions to ask a criminal defense lawyer during your NYC case:

What experience do you have with cases like mine?

One of the most important things is finding a lawyer who regularly deals with cases similar to yours. Ask the lawyer how much experience they have defending cases like yours in NYC specifically. For example, if you were charged with assault, you’ll want a lawyer who is familiar with NY assault laws and regularly takes on assault cases. Avoid lawyers who focus on other areas of law or have limited experience with your type of criminal charge.

What will your involvement be?

Find out if the lawyer you meet with will actually be the one handling your case. Many large firms assign junior lawyers or paralegals to do most of the daily casework. You’ll want to confirm that the lawyer you choose will be directly involved and managing your defense themselves.

What is your strategy for defending my case?

A reputable lawyer should give you a basic overview of how they plan to approach your defense. This will give you insight into their legal expertise. Pay attention to whether their proposed strategy seems reasonable and well-informed. They don’t need to lay out every detail, but you want to hear that they have a solid defense plan based on the specifics of your case.

What are the possible penalties I’m facing?

Have the lawyer outline the potential penalties you could face if convicted, including maximum jail/prison time and fines. This gives you an idea of how serious your charges are on a legal level. The lawyer should also discuss possible alternative resolutions, like plea bargains or pre-trial diversion programs, which could allow you to avoid jail time.

Will you accept payment plans?

Quality legal representation often comes with a hefty price tag. If you can’t afford to pay the full attorney fee upfront, find out if the lawyer offers payment plans or will accept installment payments. This makes hiring a good lawyer more feasible for those with limited funds.

Can you provide references from past clients?

Ask the lawyer if they can provide references or testimonials from former clients who faced similar charges. Speaking with a past client can give you a better sense of the lawyer’s actual skills, responsiveness, and track record of success.

How quickly do you respond to client inquiries?

You’ll want to know that your lawyer will be available and responsive if you have questions or concerns throughout the case proceedings. Find out how long it typically takes for them to return calls, emails, or texts from clients.

Will you be the only attorney working on my case?

Some law firms take a team approach, which can be beneficial, but you may prefer having one dedicated attorney assigned to your case. If multiple attorneys will be involved, ask to meet the other lawyers and learn about their experience and role.

What if I need to reach you after business hours?

You’ll want to know if the lawyer has an emergency contact number or other way to reach them outside normal business hours. Many lawyers have 24/7 availability for emergencies related to their cases.

How often will you update me on my case status?

You have a right to be kept informed about what’s happening with your case. A good lawyer will proactively give you status updates at regular intervals. You may want to ask them to provide a written case summary every month or two.

Do you have malpractice insurance?

It’s recommended to use a lawyer who carries malpractice insurance. This protects you if the lawyer makes an error that negatively impacts your case. Many states require attorneys to disclose whether they carry malpractice insurance.

What court do you think we’ll end up in?

Different types of criminal cases end up in different courts in NYC. Based on your charges, the lawyer should indicate whether your case will likely go to one of the following: NYC Criminal Court, the NY Supreme Court, or the Federal District Court for New York’s Eastern or Southern Districts.

Will you go to trial if needed?

While avoiding trial through plea deals or diversion programs is ideal, you need assurance that the lawyer is willing and able to take your case to trial if necessary. Be wary of any lawyer who seems overly hesitant about the prospect of going to trial.

Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer takes research and asking the right questions. Don’t rush into a decision or retain a lawyer without getting answers to questions like these first. The lawyer you hire can make all the difference in how your NYC criminal case plays out.

Here are some other helpful articles on finding a criminal defense lawyer in NYC:

• Tips on Working with a Lawyer in NYC – NYC Bar Association
• NYC Criminal Defense Lawyers & Your Legal Rights – Lawyers.com
• Getting a Lawyer When Charged with a Crime in NYC – NY Courts