what questions would a lawyer ask in court

Lawyers are expensive, which is why one of the first questions to ask a criminal defense appeal attorney involves money. What do they charge, and when? Also, don’t forget to ask what happens if your case goes to trial, as that can increase your costs exponentially.

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What are good questions to ask an attorney?

Ask the lawyer A number of questions arise: Can you show the tenant’s demand ... Do you know the expression “no good deed goes unpunished”? Bottom line: Consultation with counsel here also is advisable. Is the tenant’s conduct a breach of the ...

What questions do judges ask in a courtroom?

the Judge will ask you about this question where others cannot hear. 31. Have you, your spouse/partner, or your children been convicted of a crime? Circle One: Yes No . a. If “Yes,” please explain the situationwithout using any names . If it would make you highly uncomfortable to answer this question in writing, please write “Private,”

What questions do lawyers ask their clients?

Some relevant questions to ask include:

• Do you have time to represent me?
• Are there other criminal defense attorneys in your office who will work on my case? May I meet them?
• When I have questions, whom should I call? How do you prefer to be contacted? How quickly should I expect a reply?

How do I Ask an attorney a question?

For the rest of you, here are my thoughts on this subject:

1. Real mentors see themselves as teachers whose job is to teach their associates how to practice law properly.
2. Those ‘mentors’ who loudly proclaim that they believe in the ‘sink or swim’ method and are vehemently opposed to ‘holding the hand’ of their juniors are full of crap. ...
3. People do not learn to practice law in law school. ...

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What are questions that lawyers ask?

What Questions do Lawyers Ask Their Clients?What is your case about? A lawyer will want to know every single detail of your case. ... What do you hope to accomplish? ... How do you want us to communicate? ... Why did you choose me? ... Are you comfortable with my rates?

What are the 6 questions to ask every witness?

You must ask questions beginning with words such as Who, What, Where, When, Why, How, Describe, Tell, Explain, etc. You should ask questions that allow the witness to provide her own answer.

What are leading questions in court?

As indicated by the term, a leading question is one that leads a witness to an answer, by either suggesting the answer or by substituting the words of the questioning attorney for those of the witness.

What are lawyers questions called?

Search Legal Terms and Definitions Direct examination is interrogation by the attorney who called the witness, and cross-examination is questioning by the opposing attorney.

What are good interrogation questions?

Questioning the ReporterWhat happened? ... What was the date, time, and duration of the incident or behavior?How many times did this happen, that you're aware of?Where did it happen?How did it happen?Did anyone else see it happen? ... Was there physical contact? ... What did you do in response to the incident or behavior?More items...•

How do you say I don't know in court?

Instead the better practice is to say “I'm not sure” or “I don't know.”

What are types of questions?

The 4 Main Types of Questions in English + ExamplesGeneral or Yes/No Questions.Special or Wh-Questions.Choice Questions.Disjunctive or Tag Questions.

What are direct questions?

noun. a question asked in direct speech, such as Why did you come? Compare indirect question.

What is an example of a leading question?

A leading question suggests a particular answer that the questioner desires – most often a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer. ∎ “Were you in Los Angeles last week?” ∎ You were in Los Angeles last week, weren't you? ∎ You didn't see the stop sign, did you?

Who questions the accused in court?

The Judge or Magistrate will explain the law and procedures to the defendant/accused but they will not help them to run their case. If the person asks questions that are insulting or irrelevant, the prosecutor can object. The Judge or Magistrate ensures that the defendant/accused behaves in an appropriate manner.

How do judges ask questions?

Court's power to ask questions Under Section 165 of Indian Evidence Act, 1872 the parties nor their agents shall be entitled to make any objection to any such question or order, nor, without the leave of the Court, to cross-examine any witness upon any answer given in reply to any such question.

How do you answer a lawyer question?

Do Not Exaggerate. Specifically, do not make over-broad statements that you may have to correct. Be particularly careful in responding to a question that begins “Wouldn't you agree that . . .?” The explanation should be in your own words; do not let an attorney put words in your mouth. Explain your answer if necessary.

What does a lawyer need to know?

Your lawyer needs to know the results you desire at the end of the suit. It helps them to work towards attaining them. For instance, if you want monetary compensation for something terrible that was done to you, let them know. Do not forget to tell them the amount you think would be enough for you.

Do lawyers want to know your case?

A lawyer will want to know every single detail of your case. This includes the circumstances that forced you to file the suit. When answering this question, be as honest as possible. Do not withhold any important information from your attorney. It will increase your chances of winning in court.

Can a lawyer negotiate with a client?

You can even ask them to lower them for your convenience. Most lawyers have no problem negotiating with their clients. These are some of the many questions that your attorney might ask you during your first meeting. Be as genuine as possible because it will lay a solid foundation for your working relationship.

What should a lawyer review with their clients before trial?

Every lawyer should review with their clients the possibility of a negotiated resolution prior to trial. In criminal matters, for example, you may be able to get a good plea bargain. In civil cases, your lawyer might propose mediation, a settlement negotiation process involving a neutral third-party.

Why is it important to choose the right lawyer?

Choosing the right lawyer is a very important decision—whether you were in a car accident, have a medical malpractice claim, or find yourself the target of a criminal investigation. Referrals from friends or co-workers can be great, but you need to do your homework to make sure you have the right attorney for the job.

How can a lawyer save you money?

Your lawyer can often save you money by delegating routine tasks to firm employees who charge a lower hourly rate. However, your lawyer should be involved in all key aspects and decisions of your case, or should explain to you why a colleague can handle some important part of the matter just as well.

What is the importance of having a lawyer?

Getting a lawyer with the right legal background is essential, but it is also important to know whether your attorney has experience with the judges who will likely preside over your case. If yours is a criminal matter, it is important to know if your lawyer knows the local prosecutors. This courtroom experience can greatly enhance your lawyer’s ability to evaluate the likely outcomes in your case and give you advice that you can rely on.

How to discuss case strategy?

In discussing case strategy, your lawyer should give you an estimate of how much time it will take to get to a resolution. Keep in mind that your lawyer does not control the pace of the process and cannot make any promises about when it will be over.

What is a conflict in a lawyer?

If the lawyer’s representation of prior or existing clients would limit the attorney’s ability to represent you, there is likely a conflict. For example, if you want to sue a hospital that the potential lawyer regularly represents, there would be a conflict. A conflict might also arise if the attorney you are interviewing has already been hired by ...

How to feel comfortable with an attorney?

You should feel comfortable from the beginning of your attorney-client relationship that you will be able to have regular communications with your counsel. Make sure that you exchange contact information and agree on the ways that you will stay in touch.

What is it called when your lawyer questions you?

When your own lawyer questions you, it's called direct examination. If you're representing yourself (that is, if you don't have a lawyer), you can: testify (speak) on your own behalf, or. ask if you can give your evidence in an affidavit.

Who can cross-examine you after you testify?

After you testify, the other person in your case (the law calls them the other party) or their lawyer can cross-examine you (ask you their own questions). They'll ask you questions that they think will get you to say something that helps their case more than it helps yours.

Can you use documents as evidence?

You can also use documents as evidence when you're examining a witness. But you can only introduce documents you shared with the other person in the discovery process. After you've introduced the document by asking the witness questions about it: ask the clerk to enter it as an exhibit, and.

1. How long have you practiced law?

At a minimum, you'll want to know about the lawyer's expertise and whether the lawyer is a veteran or beginner attorney, for instance. Your legal issue may very well be handled by someone who is fresh out of law school, (or not). It all depends.

2. What type of cases do you generally handle? What percentage of your practice is devoted to (the practice area in question)?

You'll also want to know about a lawyer's expertise and how much of the attorney's practice is devoted to topic area your legal issue falls within. For example, if you need help with an adoption case, you may wish to seek a family law lawyer who has worked on, well, adoption cases. Click here for a full list of practice area definitions.

3. Who is your typical client?

This is an important, but often-overlooked question. For example, if you are an individual with a particular legal problem, but the attorney your meeting with represents only corporations, this may not be the best lawyer for you. Likewise, you may wish to know the financial background of some of the lawyer's clients.

4. How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?

Now is not the time to act shy. Feel free to ask about the attorney's track record, such as the number of cases won or settled, for example.

5. Other than a law degree, what kind of special training or knowledge do you have that might apply in my situation?

Some cases, like DUI and patent cases, require specialized training and knowledge for effective representation. Be sure to inquire whether your case fits into that category.

6. What are your attorney fees and costs, and how are they billed? Will a portion or all of my case be handled by paralegals or legal assistants? If so, ask about reduced costs

This step is obviously an important one. You'll want to know whether you can afford the lawyer's services and how you will be required to pay. This is also the time to ask about payment options and how often, and under what circumstances, you will be billed.

7. What is your approach or philosophy to winning or representing a case?

This can be important in two ways. First, if you are seeking an amicable divorce, for example, but the attorney is known to "go for the kill" in divorce cases, the attorney may not be the right one for you.

What is the point of consultation?

Consultations with a lawyer are an important stage of the process: you’re meeting up with an attorney for the first time on a case that could have a significant impact on you and your loved ones. You’ll want to make sure you’re dealing with a true professional. If not, you move on. That’s the point of the consultation.

Can you arrange things out of court without an attorney?

In the legal industry, there a variety of processes moving forward. Sometimes an arbitrator would be suitable. You can arrange things out of court without the need for an attorney, too. And the reason for asking is that you might have considerably less cost to worry about. 9.