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Questions to Ask Before Retaining a Criminal Defense Lawyer
- What is the attorney’s
initial ‘read’ on your case? Based on his
preliminary analysis, does he have any suggestions as
to defenses available to you? Should you plan on trial
or will your interests be better served by a plea bargain?
- What will the costs be? Will
expert witnesses be needed? If so, what will they cost?
Can you afford trial? What is the standard sentencing
range?
- What discovery of evidence
and witnesses does the lawyer propose to undertake?
Discovery includes witness statement, police reports,
video and audiotapes, and other matters that bear on
your evidentiary posture. Has the lawyer discussed with
you the possible significance of evidence that is not
there? Could the prosecutor have evidence that might
help your case? How much investigating may be required
to prove your innocence?
- What does the lawyer suggest
you do? For instance, would it be advisable to enter
into a rehab or anger management class before sentencing?
- What plea-bargains and sentence
alternatives may be available? More than 90% of all
criminal cases are negotiated to a resolution other
than trial. Plea-bargaining is an art practriced well
by the Law Offices of Douglas Slain. First we have to
assess the strength of your case and your odds at trial.
Then we try to size up the attitude of the deputy district
attorney assigned to the case. We consider what we have
in the way of ammunition to improve our response to
the prosecutor's offer.
- Are there any sentencing alternatives
such as electronic home detention or community service?
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