What To Expect
Most criminal charges defense attorneys, including criminal charges defense Attorney Anisa Jordan of The Jordan Law Firm, offer potential clients a free consultation. If you are charged with a criminal offense, you are likely nervous. You are anxious and want to get some insight about your case from an experienced criminal charges defense attorney. To get the most out of your free time with an attorney, here are some tips and information you should review in preparation for your meeting.
How Long Will My Free Criminal Charges Defense Consultation Last?
Usually, the consultation will last 30 to 60 minutes. How long it lasts depends on many factors. The seriousness of the criminal charge is one factor. A case that involves a traffic ticket, misdemeanor DUI, or another criminal misdemeanor charge usually lasts 30minutes. Felony consultations usually last about an hour.
What Should I Bring To My Free Criminal Charges Defense Consultation?
Bring everything! Seriously, bring anything that deals with your case. The more information the lawyer has, the better they can help you understand your case. Some examples of paperwork that will likely be useful in your free consultation may include your bond-slip, a copy of the complaint, order of protection petition and conditions, any special conditions of bond paperwork, copies of tickets, and in cases of DUIs, copies of the law enforcement sworn report. Again, these are just examples. If you have an appointment with Attorney Jordan, you can always call the office to ask what specific documents you should bring with you.
What Questions Should I Ask During My Free Criminal Charges Defense Consultation?
The questions you ask will depend on the specifics of your case. However, here are just a few that you may want to consider:
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What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
In other words, what parts of my case look good for me, and what parts of my case look bad? Often times, the lawyer can give you a GENERAL idea. Keep in mind that when you are meeting the lawyer at this point, he or she does not have a lot of information other than what you have shared with him or her. The lawyer does not have the police report, any witness statements, or any other information. Because of this, it is important to remember that any opinions of the lawyer are limited.
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Have you handled this type of case before?
You want to find out what experience the lawyer has. Now, you may be able to find a lot of this information online. It is important to keep in mind, that just because a lawyer has not handled your type of case, he or she may still have enough general experience as a criminal charges defense lawyer to do a good job on your case.
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Have you handled cases at this particular courthouse?
While all the judges and courthouses in Illinois have to follow the law of Illinois, each court and county may have its own local court rules about how cases are handled. It is a good idea to get a lawyer who is familiar with the rules of the county and courthouse where your case will be heard. For example, Attorney Anisa Jordan spends a good deal of time at the Rolling Meadows courthouse as well as Lake County courthouses. Attorney Jordan is familiar with how these courthouses work. With that said, don’t discount a lawyer who has not been to a particular courthouse. This is especially true if you are confident that the attorney will do a good job handling your case.
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How much do you charge?
Of course, this is the golden question that everyone wants to know at the end of the consultation. Will the attorney charge by the hour? Or will the lawyer charge a flat fee? Another question to ask is what will be covered for the quote the attorney gives you. For example, you may want to ask if there is a different amount charged if you want to go to a jury trial on the case.
The questions above are a good starting point. Going into your free consultation, you want to be ready to maximize your time with the lawyer. Be prepared with your questions.
The Takeaways For Your Free Criminal Charges Defense Consultation
If you want to make the best use of a free criminal charges defense consultation, come prepared. Make sure to bring any paperwork that can help the lawyer to understand your case. Prepare any notes and include any questions you want to be answered.
If you find need a criminal charges defense attorney, contact Attorney Anisa Jordan of The Jordan Law Firm for your free consultation.
The information in this post is intended for informational purposes only and cannot and should not be construed as legal advice to any party.
