3. Talk to the lawyer or paralegal
Question & Answer
Where can I get a lawyer or paralegal for my criminal case?You may need to call a few lawyers or paralegals before finding one that will take your case and you're comfortable with.
When you meet with a lawyer or paralegal or talk to them on the phone, remember that you're also interviewing them. They are not just getting information about you. You're deciding if you want to hire them to help you with your legal problem.
Ask about:
- their experience in criminal law cases
- how they would handle your case
- how the law affects your situation
- your options
- how long they think your case will take
- what you should do next
- community services you can contact for information or help
The lawyer or paralegal may not be able to answer all your questions right away. For example, they may need time to review documents.
Find out about their fees. Ask about:
- their hourly rate
- how much your case will likely cost
- how often they will bill you for their services
- what could cause the cost to increase
- how can you lower the cost
- if they will work with you to establish a payment plan
- how much money you need to before they begin work on your case
Tell the lawyer or paralegal about any needs or concerns you have like:
- for disabilities
- finding an interpreter
- safety concerns, for example, you've experienced domestic violence
- immigration concerns
Based on your conversation, decide if you want this person to be your lawyer or paralegal. They should be someone you can work with and trust.
Generally, all conversations you have with a lawyer are confidential, even if you decide not to hire them. This means the lawyer can't talk to others about what you said without your permission.
