If you’ve never been involved in a criminal case before, you might be feeling scared and overwhelmed. However, once you find an attorney who can represent you, your job is to do whatever it takes to make your attorney’s job easier. He or she has your best interests at heart, and a skilled attorney will be examining all aspects of the case to ensure you have a solid case. Once you hire a lawyer, or an attorney has been assigned to you by the state, there are some essential questions you should ask before you get started.
Question 1: What Should I Do?
Depending on the circumstances, there are steps you can and should take which can dramatically lessen your sentence. You should ask your attorney if there is anything you can do to improve the outcome of your case. Likewise, are there any records or other information you can provide so your attorney can bring them to court? You may also want to discuss whether you can enroll in any classes, counseling, or a drug rehabilitation program that will lessen your sentence.
Question 2: How Much Will It Cost?
If you’ve hired your own attorney, you should know what their hourly rate is. However, if you and your attorney want to hire expert witnesses to testify on your behalf, you might need to shell out more money to get this done. How much does the average expert witness expect to testify on someone’s behalf? How much will it eventually cost you?
Question 3: Are There Any Sentencing Alternatives?
There are some alternatives to prison in some instances for first-time offenders, such as electronic home detention, Sheriff’s Work Program, Work Furlough, or community service. Ask your attorney whether or not you might be eligible for one of these sentences. Can you get probation rather than a prison sentence? Some clients want to avoid fines, while others want to keep their driver’s licenses. Talk to your attorney about what your options might be.
If you have been accused of a crime, don’t hesitate to talk to one of our skilled Raleigh criminal defense attorneys about your case as soon as possible. The longer we have to look over the details of your case, the more time we have to mount a defense. Let us see what we can do for you.
Contact us at (919) 887-8040 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case consultation today.