If you have been charged with a crime of any kind in New York, you need a criminal defense attorney who will aggressively fight for your rights and freedom. Given the potential consequences of a criminal conviction, this is not a decision that you should take lightly. Therefore, it is important that you understand how to go about choosing the right criminal defense attorney. Below is some information to help you choose a criminal defense attorney in New York.
Act fast
First, if you’ve been arrested in New York, you should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The legal process can move quickly, so time is of the essence. Even if you have time before your first court date, there is a lot of legwork that must be done to properly prepare your defense. Therefore, the sooner you begin your attorney search, the better.
Schedule a consultation
Before choosing a criminal defense attorney in New York, you should schedule a consultation. A consultation provides you an opportunity to discuss your case with your prospective attorney and ask him or her important questions. Following your consultation, you should have a good idea of whether he or she is the right lawyer for you.
Ask the right questions
After scheduling your initial consultation, you should prepare some questions to ask your prospective attorney. Asking the right types of questions will go a long way in helping you choose the right attorney. Good questions to ask include:
- How much of your practice is devoted to criminal defense?
- Have you handled many cases like mine?
- What were your past results in handling cases like mine?
- Are you familiar with the court in which my case is being tried?
- How long have you been practicing law?
- Will you be personally handling my case, or will another attorney do most of the work?
- Do you charge a flat rate or an hourly fee?
Contact our New York criminal defense attorneys
If you are facing criminal charges, you must act quickly to ensure that your rights are protected. Depending on the charges, you may be facing a lengthy prison sentence, the loss of your right to vote, and the loss of your eligibility for certain professional licenses and government benefits. In addition, a permanent criminal record can make it difficult for you to obtain employment and find housing. Therefore, it is imperative that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to defend you against your charges. At Heiferman and Associates, PLLC, we provide aggressive and efficient legal representation to clients throughout New York City, Queens, Brooklyn, Long Island & New Jersey in state and federal courts. Backed by extensive experience and working knowledge of New York Penal Law and Federal Criminal Statutes/Code, our aggressive and knowledgeable attorneys are committed to balancing the scales of justice, making sure you receive due process, and preserving your freedom. Please contact us today for a consultation.