If you believe you need an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney to help you or your loved one, be smart about your decision. After reading this ... you may also want to consider the following:
Trust Your Gut
If you aren't comfortable with the Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer that you've consulted with try a different office. Believe it or not: you do not have any obligation to hire a lawyer merely because you met with him or her. If your lawyer is promising you that your case is easy, or makes promises that you won't go to jail, speak to other lawyers before signing a retainer agreement - some lawyers misrepresent the gravity of the situation or the complexity of a case ... in order to entice someone into paying a huge fee, and then blame the judge or prosecutor when the promises they made don't come true.
Pay Lawyer or Public Defender?
People who are charged with serious, felony offenses, and many individuals who are charged with certain misdemeanors, may be eligible for a free lawyer - ie.,, the public defender. This is based on an assessment of the defendant's resources to determine if the he/she will qualify for an appointment of a free lawyer.
Some people assume that a court appointed criminal defense lawyer will offer services which are inferior to a privately retained lawyer --- this isn't always true. Sure, some public defenders will prove to be insufficiently skilled or dedicated to their work to provide an effective defense --- but, you could find some private attorneys who are equally flawed.
One main difference ... "customer-service." A private attorney is likely to have more time to involve themselves in your case --- able to answer your questions at any time/anywhere.
If you can hire an effective Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer you should not hesitate to do so. Not all lawyers are the same ... and prices vary widely. Call the Rolloff Law Office to see if we might be able to help you: (612) 234-1165.
So, you have some questions about whether you might need the services of a Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney. Here are a couple of things you should strongly consider.
Do I a Lawyer?
Anyone acing a criminal charge, no matter how minor, could benefit from speaking with an experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer. Even if you never hire him, a FREE CONSULTATION will help you to understand the nature of the charges you face, possible defenses, what plea bargains are likely to be offered, and what is likely to happen in the event of conviction.
For serious charges, it will be a rare situation where one can "do-it-themselves." When the consequences are huge/serious ... a lawyer can assist with (at the least) the negotiation of a plea bargain, or to prepare a case for trial.
What Should Your Lawyer Know?
An experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer should also be able to identify important pretrial issues, and to bring appropriate motions which might significantly improve a defendant's situation, or even result in the dismissal of charges.
How Much it Cost?
The cost of a lawyer can vary significantly --- depending upon the nature of the charges which have been filed (or which are expected to be filed) against the defendant --- and what needs to be done - ie., a trial and/or plea bargain. As a general rule, lawyers will typically require a large fee for a complex case ... less for a simple one. The amount of a retainer fee will also typically increase with the severity of the charge filed against a defendant.
Misdemeanors & Felonys
In a misdemeanor case, , it is not unusual for a lawyer to request a retainer of several thousand dollars. For felony cases, retainers often start at $5,000 - $10,000, and can be $25,000 or more for serious or life felonies, such as sexual assault cases or homicide. The anticipated cost of expert witnesses can also significantly increase a retainer.
Where to Find a Lawyer
It is unfortunately not always easy to find a good criminal defense lawyer. Here are some suggestions:
Professional Organizations - Each state, and some counties/cities, have organizations of criminal defense lawyers. Some of those organizations offer referral services or online directories, which you can use to find a defense lawyer in your area.
Referrals - It may be possible to find a criminal defense lawyer from somebody who is familiar with the lawyer's practice. For example, if you regularly work with a lawyer or law firm, that lawyer may be able to suggest a competent criminal defense lawyer in your area. If your county is served by a public defender's office, sometimes a defender's office will be willing to suggest a competent are defense lawyer. If you have a friend or family member who has been in trouble with the law, that person may be able to make some suggestions.
Directories - There are a number of online directories which include criminal defense lawyers, including LegalMatch.com, Lawyers.com and FindLaw.
After you have located one or more attorneys whom you wish to consult about your case, call them to schedule appointments. Try to speak with the criminal defense lawyer over the phone before scheduling the appointment. Ask about the lawyer's general experience with criminal defense, and any specific experience with cases like yours. Call the Rolloff Law Office - today - to set up your FREE CONSULTATION: (612) 234-1165
