how to hire my own lawyer drug charge

How to Hire a Drug Crimes Lawyer

• Finding a Drug Crimes Lawyer. You have several means of finding a criminal defense lawyer. You can ask your friends,...
• Preparing to Meet with a Criminal Attorney. Before your first meeting, you should take a moment to consider what...
• Meeting with a Criminal Defense Attorney. When the time for the first meeting has arrived, let the...

Full Answer

Why hire a criminal defense attorney for a drug possession case?

An experienced criminal defense attorney can make all the difference in a drug possession case and the future ahead for those facing charges. For those not familiar with the legal profession, it’s important to understand the costs involved when hiring a criminal defense attorney.

Why does it cost so much to hire a lawyer?

There are several factors involved such as the complexity of the case, ones’ criminal history, the attorneys experience, additional fees, etc. Like other professions, in the legal world “you get what you pay for”. If you want a highly skilled, highly experienced lawyer on your side, it will cost you.

Why do criminal defense attorneys charge so much?

Usually there are two factors when it comes to criminal defense cases - the complexity of the case and seriousness of the charges. Felonies often require a greater investment of time and concentrated effort, rather than a misdemeanor or domestic law case. Therefore, the legal fees are likely to be higher.

How does a criminal defense attorney build a case?

When building a defense case, a criminal defense attorney may require specialists such as investigators, doctors, or accountants to assist in the defense. It may also involve testimony from witnesses who will need to be found, interviewed, and researched. This results in more work for the attorney, but could also make all the difference in a case..

Which type of crime may not afford the defendant the right to a court appointed attorney?

In criminal cases where the charge is a misdemeanor or felony, if the defendant cannot afford a lawyer, the court will appoint one without cost to the defendant. In civil cases, if a party cannot afford a lawyer, they have to represent themselves. There is no right to a court-appointed lawyer in an infraction case.

How do you qualify for a public defender in California?

At your first court appearance there is usually a "duty public defender" who is there to assist you. If you are out of custody, the court will have you fill out a financial declaration, under penalty of perjury, to determine if you qualify for a public defender or if you are financially able to hire a private attorney.

Why is it important to have an attorney?

An Attorney Can Help You Avoid Problems. By having everything in place to begin with, you will be able to avoid issues down the road. You will understand all the aspects of your contract or what you need to have in place before starting a business. Based on all these reasons, it just makes sense to use an attorney.

How much does a public defender cost California?

Under California law, every person who is represented by a court-appointed attorney, including the Public Defender's Office, may be asked to pay a registration fee of up to $25 to the County of Napa. You will not be forced to pay anything if you cannot afford to pay the registration fee.

Do public defenders win cases?

“Most offices don't have paralegals, law clerks, or full-time investigators,” he added. So, to answer the question at hand, you can beat a case with a public defender, if you happen to get a good one.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?

Throughout the United States, typical attorney fees usually range from about $100 an hour to $400 an hour. These hourly rates will increase with experience and practice area specialization.

How do I hire a lawyer?

Take time to search for the right lawyer.Ask family, friends, or co-workers for recommendations.Check with your state and local bar associations.Consult lawyer referral services offered by a union or community group you belong to.

What's the difference between attorney and lawyer?

Attorney vs Lawyer: Comparing Definitions Lawyers are people who have gone to law school and often may have taken and passed the bar exam. Attorney has French origins, and stems from a word meaning to act on the behalf of others. The term attorney is an abbreviated form of the formal title 'attorney at law'.

What happens if you can't afford a lawyer?

If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court will appoint a public defender to represent you. If the police have arrested you on suspicion of possessing or selling narcotics, you need to find drug cases lawyer, and you have no time to spare.

Why can't a lawyer represent you?

If there is a prior relationship, the lawyer may not be able to represent you because of a conflict of interest. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations.

Should a lawyer be accessible?

Given all the means of communication around the clock nowadays, your lawyer should also be accessible as needed. You should expect a high level of expertise regarding even the smallest points in your legal situation and a series of regular progress reports as well.

Do you have to get bail if you are arrested on a drug case?

All federal drug case attorneys know that if an individual is arrested on a federal drug case, then he should be taken to get a bail. If you are thinking about how much does a drug cases lawyer Brampton then our professionals are here to help you. When you get to your arraignment, the judge will ask you if you have a lawyer.

Why Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

The phrase “Don’t Mess With Texas” is very appropriate when it comes to the Texas court system. Texas is among the highest conviction and incarceration rates in the US. It’s not a place where one can expect to prevail simply because they feel they are innocent. Texas prisons are filled with folks who thought they could “beat the system”.

The Unique Complexity of the Case

To put it simply, the more serious the charges, the more work for an attorney. This will mean higher legal costs as well. Usually there are two factors when it comes to criminal defense cases - the complexity of the case and seriousness of the charges.

Defendants Criminal History (If Applicable)

The cost is also affected by one’s criminal history. The more legal trouble someone has had in the past, the more the lawyer will have to work to make sure that those issues from your past don’t impact your current predicament.

Flat Fee vs Hourly Billing

Civil and family law attorneys often bill by the hour of work done on a case. It’s common for those attorneys to request a portion of the expected total cost upfront as a retainer. As they work on a case, they track the hours and will deduct it from the amount in the retainer.

Before You Meet With a Criminal Defense Attorney

Before you have your first meeting, you should consider what you want from your defense attorney in the first place. For example:

The Meeting

Once you’ve decided to meet, prepare to answer any and all questions the attorney may ask. Depending on the type of case, they may require a little or a lot of information.

Your Case - Your Choice

Now that you understand the cost of a criminal defense attorney, you’re better prepared to find the right lawyer to represent you.

How to find a good lawyer for drug charges?

One of the best ways to look for the best lawyer for drug charges is by asking your family and friends for referrals. Make an effort to gather honest feedback from these people on how their respective attorneys handled their drug cases. Doing so can help narrow down your options.

What is the best way to defend your rights?

Your lawyer should have regular experience and involvement in navigating drug cases. This way, you are better guaranteed that your chosen attorney knows the basics of this type of law, and is adept in creating the best defenses. If the lawyer has no experience in dealing with drug cases, you might not be able to heighten your chances of winning your case, or, worse, you might become a victim of wrongful imprisonment .

Is it easy to get a drug charge?

Facing a drug charge is never easy, but not having a lawyer on-time to defend you can place you in huge trouble. In such a case, always find someone who can work on your case right away. And, when you set an appointment with your prospective lawyer, see to it that they respond quickly within the day. That way, you can have an idea of how quick and responsive your lawyer is when it comes to fighting your rights in court.

What happens if you are charged with drug trafficking?

A drug trafficking charge can have serious consequences, if the case results in a conviction. Many prosecutors seek maximum penalties in drug trafficking cases, because of the drug epidemics sweeping the country. If you or a loved one has been charged with drug trafficking, or are under suspicion of drug trafficking, then it is important to hire a criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights.

Can a prosecutor charge someone with drug trafficking?

Some prosecutors may choose to charge a person with drug trafficking instead of a lesser drug offense. In this instance, the prosecutor is taking a strong stance against drugs in the community and will fight hard for a conviction.

What happens if you have a large amount of drugs?

Like we said in the beginning, the quantity of the controlled substance found with the person, is also a crucial factor. It can affect the criminal charges that the person will face under the drug charges. Someone who has a larger amount of drugs will face serious felony charges. It is especially true if the quantity is large enough to indicate that the person facing the charges, intended to distribute the drugs.

Should I represent myself in court?

Even if you are completely innocent, you should not be overconfident to represent yourself in court. The prosecution has its way to prove its charges against you, which only a trained and experienced legal mind can combat. Your opinion or your words do not hold any evidential value in the court of law. Only a trained attorney knows how to present the case and what elements of it to highlight. To represent yourself through an attorney is all the more important because whatever you say runs the risk of being used as testimonies against you.