If you’re in a situation where you need a federal criminal defense lawyer, you can’t afford to waste time. A tremendous amount of preparation is required to develop a robust defense, and choosing trusted legal representation is vital. While time is of the essence, you should not be too hasty when making a decision. Before hiring an attorney, it’s essential to vet them to ensure they have the experience to skillfully represent you in federal court. Federal criminal law is not something to take lightly, and you want to be confident that the lawyer you choose is committed to fighting for the best possible resolution for your case.
If you’re facing federal criminal charges in Dallas or anywhere in Texas, contact a federal criminal defense attorney with Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense to discuss your case over a scheduled consultation.
7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
When meeting an attorney for a consultation, be sure to ask the following questions to learn if they’re a good fit for your legal needs.
- How Long Have You Been Practicing Federal Criminal Law
This should be one of the first things to research when seeking skilled criminal defense. A lawyer with several years of trial experience arguing federal criminal defense cases will benefit you much more than an attorney who has only managed a few cases.
- How Frequently Do Your Cases Go to Trial?
It’s quite common for criminal defense attorneys to settle their cases out of court through plea bargaining. If the attorney you’re considering resolves most of their cases this way, they’ll have minimal trial experience. In particular, federal criminal cases can become highly intricate and require a trained trial defense attorney who’s prepared to fight for your freedom before a judge or jury when necessary.
- How Much Will Your Legal Services Cost?
Criminal defense attorneys will typically quote a flat rate for securing their legal services. Some will provide a range in price, but generally, it’s a flat fee. Some defense attorneys charge per hour. The amount varies depending on their experience and the nature of the case. How much it will potentially cost to hire a criminal defense attorney to represent you in federal court is something you want to know as early as possible.
- Have You Worked Cases Similar to Mine Before?
Because criminal law is so complex, many attorneys see the bulk of their cases relate to a specialized field, such as:
- Federal criminal law
- Drug crimes
- White-collar crimes
- Domestic violence
- Occupational Driver’s License Law
Suppose you need a federal criminal defense lawyer. In that case, you want to partner with one who has vast experience handling federal cases similar to yours and a positive track record of victorious verdicts. While each case is different and prior results don’t guarantee the same outcome in your case, this will provide insight into their abilities and know-how.
- Will You Be the One Handling My Case?
Some defense attorneys are dedicated exclusively to your case, while others work with paralegals and associates. Defense attorneys who manage their own cases generally charge a higher fee than those who work with a team. You’ll have to consider what you’re most comfortable with and whether it’s critical for your case’s success to have a defense lawyer’s full commitment.
- How & How Often Will We Communicate?
Suppose your federal case involves severe penalties, like possible time in prison or steep fines. In that case, you need a defense lawyer who’s accessible to reach out to so you can get answers for your legal questions when they arise. When you’re troubled with issues relating to your future freedom, profession, and record, you should be able to get in touch with your lawyer. Deciding how and how often you’d like to communicate with your lawyer will help you decide which attorney is best suited to represent you.
- What Strategy Would You Suggest for Handling My Case?
In federal criminal cases, nothing is guaranteed, and no defense lawyer can control every element of the legal process. However, an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer should be able to develop a clear strategy to strengthen your case and explain why they propose this approach. Your lawyer should also explain any potential strategy that could win your case while making you aware of the strengths and weaknesses of each method.
Call Dedicated Dallas Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers
When you need legal representation for a federal criminal offense, you want to hire an experienced attorney with knowledge of federal criminal courts. At the Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense, our lawyers defend individuals who are facing serious misdemeanors and felony charges in state and federal courts. Led by senior defense lawyer Paul Saputo, our firm delivers excellent client satisfaction, as reflected in numerous 5-star reviews and awards, like a “10.0 – Top Attorney” rating with AVVO and a “10.0” rating on Justia.
If you’re ready to discuss legal representation, schedule an immediate consultation with our seasoned federal criminal lawyer, or else you can apply for a free consultation.
