Questions to Ask When Hiring a Criminal Lawyer in Seattle

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Seattle

Finding the right criminal defense lawyer can feel overwhelming. You’re already dealing with the stress of criminal charges, and now you have to find someone you can trust to handle your case. It’s important to take your time, do your research, and ask potential attorneys the right questions before making this big decision.

I’ve been charged with crimes in Seattle before, so I know how confusing this process can be. Based on my experience, here are the most important questions to ask any criminal defense lawyer before hiring them to represent you.

How Long Have You Been Practicing Criminal Law?

Experience matters – a lot. You’ll want to find an attorney who has been practicing criminal defense for many years. Don’t be afraid to ask directly, “How long have you been working on criminal cases?”

An experienced lawyer will have seen all kinds of cases go through the local courts. They’ll understand how prosecutors and judges typically act. They’ll know all the processes and what to expect at each stage. An experienced attorney can use their knowledge to build the strongest defense for your specific charges.

A newer lawyer may mean lower fees, but they also have less know-how to draw from. I’d avoid any attorney who has practiced criminal law for less than 5-7 years in Seattle. There’s no substitute for the wisdom gained over many court cases.

What Percentage of Your Practice is Dedicated to Criminal Defense?

Along with total years practicing law, you also want to ask about their focus. Many attorneys split their time between different legal fields like divorce cases, personal injury lawsuits, and criminal defense.

Make sure to ask, “What percentage of your current caseload involves criminal defense?” Look for a lawyer who dedicates at least 50-75% of their practice to criminal law. Handling criminal cases day in and day out gives them specialized experience.

I once hired a lawyer who mainly did family cases and took my criminal charges on the side. He didn’t know the prosecutors or have relationships with the local court system. I wish I had asked upfront about his background.

Have You Handled Cases Similar to Mine?

Every criminal case is unique, so you want a lawyer who is familiar with the specific charges you face. Don’t be shy about asking directly:

• “Have you worked cases like mine before?”
• “Are you familiar with this particular statute and the potential penalties?”
• “How many similar cases have you taken to trial?”

Their experience with comparable cases will give you insight into their track record. An attorney who regularly deals with your charges will also have more knowledge about defense strategies that work.

I once made the mistake of hiring an attorney who had never taken a case with my charges to trial before. He didn’t have the right experience and I think it hurt my outcome.

What Is Your Success Rate?

Understanding their background is important, but you also want to know about their results. It’s perfectly reasonable to ask, “What is your success rate on cases like mine?”

Pay attention to whether they can give specific examples of success with similar charges. Have they been able to get charges reduced or dismissed? How often do their cases go to trial versus ending in plea deals? What are the typical outcomes?

While every case is different, their past results can give you an idea of what to realistically expect. I suggest looking for an attorney with a proven history of getting positive outcomes for their clients facing similar charges.

Can You Share Client Testimonials?

Speaking with past clients can provide unique insight into what it’s like to work with that lawyer. You should ask, “Can you provide any client testimonials or references I could contact?”

An attorney who doesn’t have any testimonials may be new or have dissatisfied clients. I’d try to find a lawyer who can connect you with at least 2-3 past clients who can vouch for them. Hearing their first-hand experiences gives you more confidence upfront.

How Do You Prefer to Communicate with Clients?

Open communication between you and your lawyer is crucial. You need to fully understand what’s happening at each stage so you can make informed decisions.

Be sure to ask upfront:

• How do you prefer to communicate with clients – phone, email, text?
• How quickly can I expect you to respond when I have questions?
• How often will you provide case updates?
• Can I contact you evenings/weekends in an emergency?

Their communication style needs to work for you. Don’t feel bad about asking for specifics so you know what to expect. I once hired a lawyer who was impossible to get ahold of when I had time-sensitive questions. Clear communication expectations early.

What Are Your Legal Fees and Billing Policies?

Lawyer fees are a stressful topic for many people. It’s smart to get all the cost details upfront so you can make an informed decision. Here are key questions to ask:

• Do you charge hourly, flat fee, or another fee structure?
• What are your hourly rates or flat fee costs? Get specifics.
• Are there retainers, deposits, or prepaid amounts required?
• What case expenses aren’t included in your fees if any?
• Can you provide a written fee agreement detailing costs?

Avoid any lawyer who seems dodgy about their rates. They should be transparent with you. Cost shouldn’t be the only factor, but understanding their billing practices prevents surprises.

Can You Work with My Budget?

Be honest if money is an issue. Many lawyers are willing to offer payment plans or reduced rates in certain cases. Don’t be afraid to explain your situation and ask if they can accommodate a lower budget.

If a private lawyer still remains out of reach, also ask if they know of any affordable legal aid clinics or pro bono assistance programs they can refer you to. Most attorneys have contacts.

Do You Have Malpractice Insurance?

This is an important question that many people overlook. You want to verify that the attorney carries malpractice insurance. This protects you if the lawyer makes an error that negatively impacts your case. Reputable attorneys will have no problem confirming their coverage.

What Sets You Apart from Other Criminal Defense Lawyers?

Every attorney will talk up their skills and credentials. But you want specifics about why this lawyer is the right one for your case. Consider asking:

• What do you feel makes you different than other local criminal defense attorneys?
• Why should I choose to hire you over another lawyer?

Listen for unique experience, case results, or client service they provide. Their answer will help you gauge if they truly stand out.

Trust Your Gut Feeling

No article can give you all the answers. After asking these key questions, you still need to listen to your intuition. Does the attorney seem genuinely interested in helping you? Do you feel comfortable talking openly with them? Do they take time to explain things clearly?

Pay attention to your gut feeling during the initial consultation. The right lawyer-client relationship is built on trust and communication. Don’t ignore any concerns just because an attorney looks good on paper.

Conclusion

I hope these tips help you feel empowered to find the best criminal defense lawyer for your needs in Seattle. The questions you ask during your initial attorney consultation will give you crucial information.

Don’t feel rushed or pressured into making a quick hiring decision. Take your time, get proposals from multiple lawyers, and make sure all your questions are answered. The right attorney can make all the difference in your criminal case outcome.