If you are facing criminal charges, a DUI, or a traffic ticket in New Jersey, you need experienced legal representation. All violations of the law carry steep penalties in New Jersey. While you might be able to avoid the penalties you are currently facing with the right defense, doing so will require the advice and representation of an experienced New Jersey defense attorney.
So, how do you choose the right New Jersey defense attorney to represent you?
The answer to this question is important. Whether you are facing fines, probation, jail time, other penalties or all of the above, your choice of legal representation matters. Not only do you need an attorney who is familiar with New Jersey law, but you also need an attorney who knows how to use the law to your advantage.
Choosing a New Jersey Defense Attorney to Represent You
With this in mind, here are seven important questions to ask before hiring a New Jersey defense attorney to handle your criminal, DUI, or traffic ticket case:
1. Do You Have Experience Handling My Type of Case?
One of the first questions you want to ask is whether the attorney has experience handling your type of case. When you need legal representation, it’s not just experience but relevant experience that matters. Criminal, DUI, and traffic ticket cases all present unique challenges and opportunities, so it is important that you hire an attorney who knows what can be done (and what needs to be done) to defend you successfully.
In this same vein, it is also worth asking if the attorney has experience in the specific court where your case is pending. While this isn’t as important as having experience with your type of case, it can still play a role in your representation. If your attorney is familiar with the local prosecutors and the judge who has been assigned to your case, this can help your attorney make informed decisions about your defense.
2. Do You Have a Track Record of Achieving Favorable Results for Your Clients?
Experience handling a particular type of case is one thing. Experience winning a particular type of case is another. As a result, when you sit down with a New Jersey defense attorney, you should not hesitate to ask about his or her past results. While the attorney may not be able to provide specific examples due to confidentiality concerns, he or she should be able to discuss prior case results generally. While there are no guarantees, if a lawyer has had success in cases similar to yours in the past, this at least demonstrates that he or she is capable of providing effective legal representation.
3. What Types of Defenses Can You Assert to Protect Me?
While your attorney will need to learn the details of your case to identify the specific defenses he or she can assert on your behalf, an experienced New Jersey defense attorney should be able to generally discuss the types of defenses you may have available. This discussion is a critical part of the information-gathering process, as it will allow you to begin understanding which facts are (and aren’t) relevant to your defense.
4. What Are My Chances of Avoiding a Conviction at Trial?
Likewise, while no attorney can guarantee a particular outcome, your attorney should be able to provide an initial assessment of your chances of avoiding a conviction during your free initial consultation. With that said, this assessment will be subject to change as your attorney gathers additional information and learns what evidence is available to the prosecution. Your attorney should also be able to discuss alternatives to fighting your charge at trial—such as negotiating a plea deal or entering into a pre-trial diversion program.
5. Will I Be Able to Get in Touch When I Have Questions or Concerns?
It is also important to make sure you will be able to get in touch when you have questions or concerns. According to the American Bar Association (ABA), lack of communication is one of the most common complaints against attorneys. When you are facing serious charges, you should not have to sit and wait, wondering when (or if) your attorney is going to get back to you. As a result, there is nothing wrong with asking what you can expect with regard to communication—and the attorney you choose should be able to provide a clear and straightforward answer.
6. How Much Will You Charge?
You should also feel free to ask how much a New Jersey defense attorney will charge. The answer to this question should be clear and straightforward as well. As a client, you have the right to know how much you will pay for your legal representation. Your legal fees should also be clearly outlined in your engagement agreement if you decide to move forward.
7. Do You Have Time to Handle My Case?
Finally, you should also feel free to ask if a New Jersey defense attorney has time to handle your case. While an attorney should not take your case if he or she is already too busy, it is no secret that some attorneys take on more clients than they can represent efficiently. While you should expect your attorney to have other cases, you should also expect that your attorney’s other cases will not get in the way of handling your case effectively.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation with a New Jersey Defense Attorney at Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A.
Do you need a New Jersey defense attorney? If so, we invite you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. We are more than happy to answer all of your questions and help you make informed decisions about your next steps. To speak with one of our experienced attorneys in confidence as soon as possible, please call 877-435-6371 or request an appointment online today.
