If you are on the verge of false allegations concerning domestic assault, you must be stressed and confused about whom to tell. In this moment and time, you are supposed to hire a qualified and experienced domestic assault lawyer because they have better knowledge of the law and will defend you well.
Choosing the right domestic lawyer can be challenging. However, there are ways to know if you are getting the best. Check our guide for some of the questions you should ask a domestic assault lawyer before hiring them.
- What Is Their Experience
Nothing beats experience when it comes to matters law. Ask the attorney how many years of experience they have. The number of domestic violence cases they have handled in their experience should be the top priority. If they have operated for ten years and handled only two domestic cases, this is not a good sign.
Ask them if they do extra things like attending domestic law conferences and reading books to boost their knowledge. When hiring, choose a lawyer who specializes in your case and not a general one. This will give you more confidence in winning. Moreover, you would want to know out of the domestic assault cases he has handled how many were successful. That will give you a better idea of the success rate of your case.
- How Many Cases Have They Succeeded in
It is one thing to have handled over 15 domestic violence cases and another to have won more than 13 of those. If your domestic assault lawyer is well experienced, ask them to show you their records. However, this only gives you confidence that you are in the hands of the right person and not a guarantee that you will win the case.
- What Do They Think About Your Case
Ask the attorney their opinion about your case. They should have a slight idea of what the outcome might be and why they think so. This also prepares you to manage your expectations. Ask them of the best things to expect, and the worst ones too. They should also prepare you psychologically for the hearing day and how to answer questions if asked any.
- Is There Another Choice Other Than Facing The Trial?
Standing before the court can be devastating and shocking, and if you are facing false allegations, you might want to get an alternative to the trial. Find out from your lawyer what they think about plea deals and not having the case taken to court.
A well-experienced lawyer knows the advantages and disadvantages of having plea deals or negotiations and should advise accordingly. Ask if there are other options, let them help you choose one whose outcome will be in your favor.
- How Much Do They Charge
As they tell you what to expect and other ways to deal with the cases other than facing trial, get to know how much they will charge to represent you in court and work on your case. You should have this conversation at the beginning everything. Set a budget and see if their expected salary lies within your budget.
Agree on the terms of payment too. Some domestic assault lawyers choose to be paid hourly, while others expect you to pay at the end of the cases. Write down this agreement on paper and sign. The total fee they state should include all the expenses.
- How Long Will The Case Take
Cases drain people financially and mentally. Knowing how long the trial will take will enable you to prepare financially and mentally. The domestic assault lawyer should also tell you the strain you are likely to get from the case, financially or mentally. Cases you are sure that you are falsely accused can be draining. The duration given might not be exact but an estimation.
- How Will You Reach Them?
It is essential to know how you will reach your attorney. Having a common means of communication will make things easier. Is it okay for you to call anytime you need anything, or do you have to reach the attorney through their representative? You two can also agree on weekly meetings or communicating through emails.