This simple guide is to give you an idea of what you should expect from your criminal defense lawyer, and what questions you can ask your attorney if you are concerned about the quality of representation.
1
The Attorney Should be Able to Tell you What Sentence you Face if Convicted
An attorney who represents you, should be able to give you a general idea of what sentence you face if you are convicted of the charges. However, there are a number of reasons why this might always be the case. First state and federal sentencing laws have become very complicated. The attorney may need to tell you that she or he can't yet predict the possible sentence because there are too many variables to predict a likely sentence.
The attorney should, however, be able to discuss with you what some of those factors are and demonstrate to you that she or he is continuing to research these issues.
2
The Attorney Should Spend Time in Learning the Facts of the Case
Your attorney should want to know about your, your personal and any criminal history, and most importantly, the facts of the case. This is true of a relatively minor offense as well as the most complex federal criminal case.
This means that your attorney should review the police or investigative reports with you. In many cases, the attorney should want to view evidence seized or view the scene. In generally, the attorney should be knowledgeable about the facts of the case and how the facts might be viewed based on the law. If an attorney discusses a "plea bargain", but does not seem familiar with the facts of the case, y ou can ask the attorney to explain why she or he is recommending a plea based on the facts of your case.
Generally, the attorney should not avoid discussing the facts of a case with you, even if a plea agreement is in your best interest.. Also, you will want to have had any discussion about the facts before any important court apperance. More in Pt. II.
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