Seeking a criminal defense attorney – Being charged with a crime can be a very stressful situation, that in turn can lead to very bad decision making. We have written extensively on the importance of remaining silent so that you do not make incriminating statements or provide other types of evidence against yourself. We also recommend hiring a criminal defense attorney or at the very least, having a consultation with one as soon as possible.
Seeking representation is imperative, but it is has come to our attention that people do not know the proper ways to do that. In this blog, we will discuss seeking representation for a criminal defense matter. Like all our blogs, this is intended for general informational purposes only and not intended as a substitute for the advice and counsel of a criminal defense attorney.
The proper way to hire a criminal defense attorney
There are many ways to find and hire a criminal defense attorney. You can find them online, through referrals, or through other means. The important part, however, is setting up a consultation so you can discuss the criminal charges you are facing. The attorney can give you a good idea of what to expect as far as the process, give you an estimate at the price of representation, as well as tell you how to go about officially retaining that attorney. Once the two of you have an understanding about the retention process, and you pay the attorney’s full fee (or are adhering to an agreed payment plan), and any other terms and conditions of that representation are met, then typically the representation begins.
*Just because you spoke to an attorney or had one consultation, that doesn’t mean he or she is your attorney.
The wrong way to go about seeking representation
In today’s environment, people and businesses are more accessible than ever. Unfortunately, that also means that there is less privacy than ever. Reaching out on websites or on social media and laying out the facts of your case in a public forum is the absolutely the wrong way to go.
When you comment on a blog for everyone to see, for example, that information may end up in discovery as part of the case against you. Which also means, it may be used as an exhibit in your trial. Additionally, you forfeit attorney client privilege when speaking to your attorney through a medium where other parties (and the general public) is privy to your conversation. Blogs are meant to give legal information. The comment section is meant for questions or comments about that law or that topic. It is not meant for you to reveal things about your case or your potential case.
If you have been charged with a crime in North Carolina or charged with a crime in South Carolina and are seeking a criminal defense attorney, contact us by calling our office or sending us a private email.
