| When charged with domestic violence, the last thing | | | | case so you can get an idea of the overall expense. |
| you want is to be without an experienced domestic | | | | Also, ask how payments should be made. You might |
| violence attorney. Whether you actually committed | | | | be able to set up a payment plan or pay per visit. |
| the act or not, a seasoned lawyer can potentially help | | | | 4. Do you have an AV Peer Review Rating, and |
| you avoid conviction or at least minimize the legal and | | | | what are your credentials? |
| personal consequences. Even if you have been falsely | | | | Credentials might not mean much when under fire, |
| accused, you'll need competent representation to | | | | but they do give peace of mind when you're first |
| help you build a solid case to prove your innocence. | | | | seeking a lawyer. An AV Peer Review Rating, for |
| But don't just hire any attorney. Ask these five | | | | example, is a significant accomplishment and offers |
| questions during your initial interview to ensure | | | | proof of integrity as a lawyer as well as years of |
| getting the best representation possible. | | | | experience. If the attorney you are considering has a |
| 1. How many years experience or how many cases | | | | website, you can read about the credentials and |
| have you taken on related to domestic violence? | | | | accomplishments there. If not, don't be afraid to ask. |
| Experience goes a long way with domestic violence | | | | 5. Are you familiar with local laws and police |
| cases as this type of charge involves not only the | | | | procedures regarding domestic violence? |
| legal aspects, but oftentimes personal relationships | | | | Every city differs in how emergency calls are handled. |
| that have gone sour. These are delicate situations | | | | Police officers are trained to handle these calls in |
| that must be handled with proper methods to build a | | | | various ways, depending on the nature of the call. |
| good case. Your lawyer should understand not only | | | | Domestic violence calls can sometimes be |
| how the system works, but also the psychological | | | | life-threatening to all involved, so the police must |
| and emotional state of all parties involved. | | | | handle every call delicately and soberly. You'll want a |
| 2. What is your success rate for the cases you've | | | | domestic violence attorney that knows the local laws |
| worked with? | | | | and procedures, how calls are handled and how |
| Although even the best of domestic violence lawyers | | | | evidence is gathered. For example, if you live in Miami, |
| will not boast of "winning them all" the lawyer you | | | | Florida, your attorney needs to be familiar with laws, |
| choose should at least have a good success rate. | | | | procedures and local courts in Miami to adequately |
| Ask him to describe two or three cases that were | | | | defend you. |
| similar to yours and what the outcome was (positive | | | | These five questions will provide you with valuable |
| or negative) so you can have an idea of what to | | | | information about the attorney you are considering. If |
| expect. | | | | he doesn't fare well with these questions, then move |
| 3. How much will this cost? | | | | on to the next one on the list. Don't be overtaken |
| It's important to establish the fees up front. Some | | | | with vain words. Your life and future depend on |
| lawyers charge by the hour while others have set | | | | finding the best domestic violence attorney for your |
| fees for certain types of cases. If charging by the | | | | situation. |
| hour, ask how many hours are projected for your | | | | |