If you've been charged with a crime, you'll probably need a lawyer. Defendants who do not qualify for the public defender or panel attorney will need to find and hire their own. Learn how to conduct a thoughtful search, and how private attorneys bill for their services.
What to Look for in a Private Criminal Defense Attorney
The attorney you're looking for will probably not be the same person who handled your will, or helped you buy a house, or whom you aunt used when she was involved in a car accident.
Paying a Private Criminal Defense Attorney
One of the first questions you're likely to ask an attorney whom you're considering hiring is, "What will this cost?" Here's the low-down on how criminal defense attorneys charge for their services, which vary according to such factors as:
Can I Change Defense Lawyers After I've Hired One?
My lawyer doesn't seem to be very interested in my case. Can I change lawyers after I’ve hired one?