4 Questions to Ask Your Criminal Defense Attorney

You’ve recently been arrested. No matter what the charge is, your next step is to hire a Covington criminal defense attorney. But, who? This is a really big decision, one that will affect the rest of your life. The right lawyer could make the difference between “guilty” and “not guilty,” and at the very least it could make the difference between paying a fine or doing jail time. Clearly, this is something you need to get absolutely correct. For a major decision like this, it’s helpful to ask any potential criminal lawyers a few questions. The way they answer these will help you decide whether or not to have them represent you:

What are my options?

From a DUI charge to an arrest for a violent crime, every case is unique. Your available options and the most plausible positive outcome is directly related to the individual facts of your case. Your defense attorney may say you can challenge the arrest all together due to an unlawful search and seizure, they may recommend exploring a plea bargain, or they may suggest taking your case to trial because you will be sympathetic to a jury.

What should I be doing right now?

In most cases, there’s months, or even longer, in between the initial arrest and the final judgement and sentencing. In high-profile or violent cases, it could easily be years! There may be a number of things you can do as you wait that will not only help yourself but help your attorneys as well. A lawyer may suggest you take special classes or get treatment and counseling. You may need to spend the next few months gathering any evidence and documentation you can to prove what occurred in as much detail as possible. They may simply tell you to go to work, lay low, and stay out of trouble!

What are the potential outcomes?

You don’t want a lawyer telling you what you want to hear. Right now, you need to hear the truth. Are you facing prison time? Is your case a solid one or should you plead guilty? No matter what the potential outcomes are, a lawyer will help them be more favorable. Understanding what’s at stake in your case can help you prioritize your life. 

Are there alternative sentencing options? 

It is possible there are options for alternative sentencing that can keep you out of prison. Discuss home confinement, drug or alcohol treatment, work-release or work-furlough programs, and other options with your attorney. Are these possible in your case?

Being arrested and charged with a crime is a frightening experience. When you ask the defense lawyers at Ellen Cronin Badeaux these questions, you can trust the responses you get. We’ve been serving the Covington, LA community for decades. Don’t trust your future to the wrong attorney!