Criminal Defense Lawyers

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Long Island Domestic Violence Lawyer

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Long Island Domestic Violence Lawyer

Dealing with a domestic violence case can be really overwhelming and confusing. You probably have a ton of questions about the legal process and aren’t sure where to start. I totally get it! I wanted to give you a quick guide on some things to look out for when hiring a domestic violence lawyer on Long Island, in case you or someone you know needs some legal help.

Not Doing Your Research

Hiring the first lawyer you find or going with whoever has the flashiest ad can end up being a big mistake. You really gotta do your homework when looking for legal representation. There are a lot of lawyers out there who claim to handle domestic violence cases, but don’t actually have much experience or success in this area.Take some time to research different firms and lawyers. Look at reviews online from past clients to get an idea of their track record. Check out their websites and social media pages to learn more about the specific cases they have worked on. You want someone who regularly handles domestic violence cases and knows all the ins and outs of these types of charges on Long Island.

Only Considering Price

It’s totally normal to have budget concerns when hiring a lawyer, but choosing someone just ’cause they are the cheapest option often ends badly. Going too cheap can mean working with inexperienced lawyers or firms that are stretched too thin to give your case the attention it deserves.You don’t necessarily need the most expensive hot-shot lawyer either though. Find someone who offers reasonable rates for domestic violence cases and has a smaller caseload so they can be accessible and responsive. Getting what you pay for holds true when hiring legal help.

Not Asking the Right Questions

Speaking of accessibility and responsiveness, not probing deeper with questions upfront can come back to bite you. Before committing to work with a domestic violence lawyer, ask stuff like:

• How quickly do you respond to calls/emails?
• Will you personally handle my case or pass me off to associates?
• How often will we meet in-person if I retain you?
• What’s your policy if I need to reach you after business hours?
• What communication can I expect throughout my case?

Their answers will give you a feel for what it’ll really be like partnering with them.

Ignoring Gut Feelings

This might sound kinda “woo woo” but I’m a big believer in listening to your intuition. If something feels off about a lawyer you meet with, pay attention! You want an attorney who instills confidence and makes you feel comfortable sharing personal details about your situation.Don’t ignore red flags just because a lawyer checks all the boxes on paper. Go with someone who you genuinely connect with and who cares about more than just the paycheck. The right lawyer-client relationship can make all the difference in the outcome of domestic violence cases.

Not Asking About Experience

As I mentioned earlier, you want a lawyer who regularly handles domestic violence charges specifically. Don’t be shy about grilling them on their background during an initial consultation. Get specifics on:

• How many domestic violence cases they have worked on
• Typical outcomes of their past cases
• Types of defense strategies they use
• Their process for building cases
• Expert witnesses they work with
• Judges and prosecutors they have experience with

Their expertise and network of contacts could majorly impact your case. You want assurances you are working with a true domestic violence legal specialist.

Rushing the Process

The days and weeks after a domestic dispute can be a whirlwind. You may feel pressure to hire a lawyer and get the ball rolling ASAP. But don’t let the chaos push you into making a hasty hiring decision.Taking your time to thoughtfully weigh all your attorney options, even if that means extending your case timeline a bit, pays off in the long run. Don’t get stuck trying to switch lawyers or undo the work of someone not equipped for your case further down the road.

Not Confirming Logistics

Before officially signing with a domestic violence lawyer, get crystal clear on the nitty gritty logistical stuff, including:

• Exact attorney fees and what’s included
• Payment timelines and options
• Process for meeting and contacting your lawyer
• Who handles what parts of your case
• Contingency plans if your lawyer leaves the firm

Clearing up any question marks or assumptions ahead of time makes things smoother as your case unfolds. Confirm logistics in writing so there is no confusion.

Ignoring Your Responsibilities

Hiring a great domestic violence lawyer doesn’t mean you are totally off the hook. You still need to hold up your end of the bargain as a client. That means:

• Being on time for meetings
• Responding promptly to requests
• Providing necessary documentation
• Following legal advice
• Making payments as agreed

Falling short with your responsibilities weakens your lawyer’s ability to build your defense. Do your part to ensure your case stays on track.

Resources

For more guidance on finding the right domestic violence lawyer on Long Island, check out these handy links:How to Choose an Attorney – Tips from LawInfo on vetting lawyersQuestions to Ask a Domestic Violence Lawyer Before Hiring Them – Important questions from FindLaw to ask potential lawyersSigns You Need a New Lawyer – Avvo article on identifying when you need to switch representation