If you're facing criminal charges, it's important that you begin working with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. This will allow you the time needed for your legal team to begin building a case before your scheduled court date. Of course, you don't want to hire just any criminal law attorney for the important job of defending your rights and best interests in court; as you schedule case consultations with a few reputable law firms in your area, take the time to ask a few key questions.

How Do You Charge Your Clients?

Start by finding out what type of fee structure the attorney follows; these can vary greatly from one law firm to the next. Some will not charge you anything until the outcome of your case is determined, whereas others may require a retainer. Either way, you'll want to find out what the lawyer's representation will cost you and how much you'll need to pay up front versus later on.

Do You Have Related Experience?

When hiring a criminal law attorney, it's a good idea to work with one who has experience with cases similar to yours. For example, if you're facing any drug charges, then you'll want to consult with an attorney who has years of experience representing and defending others who have faced similar drug-related charges. Areas of expertise can vary greatly from one lawyer to the next, so be sure to find one who has worked on similar cases in the past.

What Are Possible Defenses?

During your consultation, the attorney should ask you some specific questions about your case and what happened at the time of your arrest. This will help them get a better idea of what types of defenses could possibly be used to have your charges reduced or dismissed altogether. Be sure to find out exactly what your lawyer's "game plan" would be in court before moving forward.

What Will Communication Be Like?

Staying in frequent communication with your lawyer is important, so make sure to find out how you'll get in touch with your lawyer if you have a question. It's also good to find out how often your lawyer will be touching base with your regarding your case so you know what to expect.

With a little bit of research and taking the time to ask the right questions, you'll be on your way to finding the right criminal defense lawyer in no time. Contact a law firm like Jacobs & Barbone P A  to learn more.