If you have recently been charged with a criminal offense, you may be anxious to clear your name of the allegations against you. While you have the option of working with a public defender if you cannot afford to hire an attorney, if you have the means to hire a private criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, IN, to defend you, it is certainly in your best interest to do so.
We have access to the resources you need to win and will never take on more cases than we can handle, so you can expect your case to get the attention it deserves. When choosing the right criminal defense attorney to take on your case, it is important to consider the following:
A Clear Fee Structure
Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer, it is critical that you understand their fee structure. The right criminal defense firm for you will make it known whether they work on flat fees or charge an hourly rate. Under an hourly billing structure, you will be expected to pay your lawyer for the exact amount of time they spend working on your case. If you work for a lawyer for a flat fee, it does not matter how many hours they work; the flat fee covers the costs no matter how long it takes to move through the criminal justice system.
When hiring a criminal defense lawyer, be prepared to pay a retainer. This acts as a sort of down payment that allows the attorney to start investigating and building your defense strategy. Generally, misdemeanor cases will be less expensive than those tried at the felony level.
Has Handled Many Cases Like Yours
Select a criminal defense law firm that has handled many cases like yours. If you have been charged with drunk driving, for example, selecting a lawyer who specializes in DUI charges may be in your best interests. If you are facing federal criminal charges, your requirements will be even more strict. When cases are heard in federal court, they require a federal criminal defense attorney who is admitted to practice at the federal level, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Extensive Experience Defending Trials in Indianapolis Criminal Courts
It is important to select a criminal defense attorney who has considerable experience challenging criminal charges in the Marion Superior Court Criminal Division and will help you understand your rights. Although state laws govern your case, working with your Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer who has tried several cases with the county district attorney and state court judges can only benefit your case. We know which prosecutors are more likely to negotiate plea agreements and can anticipate how your case may play out in court.
Choose the Right Criminal Defense Law Firm for Your Case
When facing criminal charges, your future could be in jeopardy. Choosing the right criminal defense law firm to take on your case could be one of the most important decisions you will ever have to make. Trial experience, a powerful track record of success, local court knowledge, a clear fee structure, and a history of handling cases similar to yours are just a few considerations you should keep in mind when interviewing potential criminal defenders. As always, follow your intuition and do not stop until you find an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer you feel confident in.