After being arrested, individuals can find themselves in a world of fear and uncertainty, often resulting in them facing a jail or prison sentence. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, at the end of 2020, about 5,500,600 persons were in the care of adult correctional systems in the United States, 11% fewer than at the same time the previous year. Criminal defense attorneys can help individuals defend themselves and avoid ending up in the correctional system. If you decide to hire a criminal defense attorney, here are four questions you'll want to ask them.

1. Is Your Practice Focused on Criminal Law?

You wouldn't hire a plumber to repair hydraulics and you shouldn't hire a general practice or employment attorney to represent you before a jury of twelve. A criminal defense attorney, whose practice is dedicated to the practice of criminal defense law, will give you the representation you deserve in the courts. Nothing beats the experience of someone who performs criminal defense on a day-to-day basis.

2. Will the Partner I Hired Represent Me?

If you're hiring a top-flight attorney to win your case and your freedom, then you want them to show up on your court date themselves, not a brand-new associate. While young lawyers have their benefits, the experienced attorney you hired should show up on your behalf.

3. Do You Offer a Free Initial Consultation?

Attorneys who know your case are more likely to be able to provide you with a comprehensive defense that is more likely to get you a favorable plea bargain or an outright acquittal or dismissal of charges. A free initial consultation is one of the most important things an attorney can offer you. It allows you to get to know each other, without the trial looming, and gives you the chance to find out their fee schedule and confidence level before signing on the dotted line.

4. How Much Do You Charge?

Your freedom is the most precious thing you have. Your attorney should fight for it. However, they should also make sure that what they're charging won't send you through a second stab at court: bankruptcy court. The criminal defense lawyer should be charging a reasonable fee.

Your freedom can depend heavily on the skill of your attorneys. You want to make sure you hire an attorney whose skills and experience you trust. Contact the Law Office of Kevin MacKay to get started with a criminal attorney you can rely on.