Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Las Vegas

Finding yourself in need of a criminal defense lawyer can be an intimidating and stressful experience. Your future could be heavily impacted by the outcome of your case, so it’s important to find the right legal representation. When meeting with potential attorneys, come prepared with questions to help you make an informed decision. Here are some key questions to ask a criminal defense lawyer in Las Vegas:

1. What experience do you have with my specific charges?

• You’ll want to find out how much experience the lawyer has dealing specifically with charges like yours – for example, DUI, drug offenses, domestic violence, etc. An attorney who regularly handles your type of criminal case will understand the complexities and best defenses.
• Ask how many similar cases they’ve taken to trial and what the outcomes were. An experienced lawyer should be able to provide examples and stats.
• Find out if they stay up-to-date on changes to laws and sentencing for your charges. You want someone well-versed in the latest protocols.

2. What will your involvement be?

• Find out if the lawyer will be directly involved in your case or if it will be handed off to less experienced associates.
• You want the assurance that your case will get the dedicated time and attention it deserves.
• Ask who you can expect to be working with directly throughout the process – the lawyer, paralegals, investigators, etc.

3. What is your defense strategy?

• A reputable lawyer will have a plan for building the best defense for your specific charges. Ask them to walk through their typical process.
• They should discuss steps like reviewing evidence, contacting witnesses, hiring experts, filing motions, etc.
• Look for a concrete strategy vs vague generalities. Their response will give you insight into their approach.

4. What are the possible outcomes?

• Make sure to ask about the range of potential penalties if convicted, including jail time, fines, probation, etc.
• They should be able to provide an honest assessment of likely outcomes based on your charges and prior record.
• Beware if they offer blanket assurances or guarantees – no ethical lawyer will do this.

5. How can I get the charges reduced or dismissed?

• An experienced lawyer will know what options are available to get charges dropped or reduced – such as plea bargains, pretrial diversion programs, etc.
• They should assess if any of these options could apply to your case and discuss pros/cons.
• If they immediately dismiss these possibilities, it could be a red flag.