• Asking your criminal lawyer the right questions can help tip the scales of justice your way.Legal Law Justice image by Stacey Alexander from Fotolia.com
  
  Asking the right questions when you're meeting with a criminal lawyer can make or break your case. You want to ensure you have a quality lawyer who can properly represent you; better understand your legal options so you can make the appropriate decisions; understand the charges and possible penalties you face; and how the legal process will unfold. Before you meet with a criminal lawyer, jot down your questions so you will be sure to cover everything.
  
  

Credentials & Experience

• Once you've told the lawyer about your case, you can ask him if he has experience handling cases like yours. Ask how many years he has handled criminal cases and whether he handles other types of cases. Ask if he is certified. Certified attorneys are tested and have handled a minimum number of trials, according to Faqs.org. Ask if he's participating in continuing education and if he belongs to any professional organizations. How many cases is he currently handling? What is his won-loss record? Ask if he's ever been disciplined and if he has experience in the court in which you'll be tried. How often does he plea bargain? Also be sure to ask whether he will represent you personally, or if he will pass the case to another attorney. If so, ask to meet with the other attorney as soon as possible.
  
  

Options & Penalties

• You will have choices to make along the way like deciding on your plea. Ask the lawyer to explain all your options and their consequences. What are the possible penalties if you're convicted? Ask the lawyer what problems he foresees. What will be his strategy?
  
  

Process & Time

• Ask the lawyer to explain the legal process that lies ahead, according to Lawyers.com. Have him explain the different stages: arraignment, filing motions, hearings and the trial itself. Ask how long the entire process could take and what you can do now to help your case.
  
  

Communication

• How does the lawyer plan to stay in touch with you? Can he provide you a way to contact him quickly and at any time? How long should you expect to wait for a return call?
  
  

Fees

• Ask the lawyer how much he charges. Does he take credit cards or provide payment plans? Will there be added expense for experts or investigators?