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
To help choose the right lawyer for your criminal case, look for someone who knows the local players, has experience defending similar charges, and is a good fit for you.
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?
Defendants who hire a criminal defense attorney can fire that lawyer and hire a new one, as long as the substitution of counsel doesn't interfere with the fair, efficient, and orderly administration of justice.