How do I go about finding an attorney? What will an attorney charge me?

With both your liberty and reputation at stake, you don’t want to hire the wrong attorney. Do not make the mistake that some people do and simply go through the yellow pages calling attorneys in order to find the lowest bidder. You are buying an attorney’s knowledge, experience, and professionalism, you are not buying a refrigerator. If you have had friends who have had to hire a criminal defense attorney in the past, you should first consult with them regarding their experiences. In any event, here are some questions to ask: (1) Does the attorney specialize in criminal law or is criminal law just once of the attorney’s many practice areas? (2) Is the attorney board certified in criminal law? (3) How much experience does the attorney have with your type of case? (4) Did the attorney offer to give you a fee contract that sets out the fee and what he or she will do to defend your case? (5) Did the attorney take time to explain things thoroughly and in plain English? (6) Will the attorney be available to meet with you and take your phone calls after you pay his or her fee? Beware of an attorney that promises a certain result or suggests that they have special influence with the courts or the prosecution. Many criminal defense attorneys in Dallas County will charge a flat fee as opposed to an hourly fee. Nevertheless, in setting the flat fee, a criminal defense attorney will have to estimate how many hours he or she thinks they will put into your case. Beware of attorneys that charge you a very low fee simply to get your case as often the attorney will only put as much time into the case as the fee supports. On the other hand, beware of attorneys that try to take advantage of your situation and charge an exorbitant fee which has no relation to the amount of hours the attorney will need to work on the case.