What Should You Take Into Account When Choosing an SC Criminal Defense Attorney?

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If you are facing criminal charges in South Carolina, there are several things that you need to think about when choosing the right South Carolina criminal defense attorney. At David Aylor Law Offices, our attorneys are well prepared to fight for your legal rights and ensure that you are properly represented at every stage of the process. We handle all kinds of criminal defense cases, including criminal charges related to drugs, domestic violence, traffic violations, fraud, weapons, assault and battery, juvenile offense, and much more. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you. Beyond this, take heed of the following advice when seeking a criminal defense attorney in SC

When To Contact a South Carolina Criminal Defense Lawyer

What many people don’t realize is that you need to contact a South Carolina criminal defense lawyer as soon humanly possible after yourself or someone you care about has been charged with a crime. For one thing, you want to choose the right attorney for your case, and this may require that you consult with multiple lawyers to compare their experience and understanding of your case. Yet, you don’t have a lot of time for this. You’ll need to have an attorney before you go to court, and if you can have an attorney on your side immediately following your arrest, then so much the better. In such cases, it can be easier to handle the bond hearing and get freed from jail as soon as possible. Thus, if someone you care about has been arrested, you can be of great help by contacting an attorney on their behalf.

What Do You Need To Look For When You Need a South Carolina Criminal Defense Attorney?

There are a lot of important considerations that you need to be aware of when you’re seeking the right South Carolina criminal defense attorney for your case. For one thing, some attorneys will make promises that they can’t keep. A qualified attorney should tell you what to expect from the future, based on their experience, but they shouldn’t make unlikely promises about the outcome of your case. Any attorney who guarantees results is suspicious.

It is also important to be clear about what the charges are, what the prosecution needs to prove to get you convicted of those charges, what penalties you might face if you are convicted, and what your options are concerning how you can plead to the associated charges. In some cases, it is in your best interests to accept a plea arrangement. In others, it may not be. You should discuss all of this with any criminal defense lawyer who might take your case. Every situation is different, so you need to make sure that the attorney you choose to work with is looking at the unique circumstances of your case.

This is where it becomes worthwhile to discuss which kinds of cases the attorney you’re considering has worked with in the past. It is best to find a lawyer who has experience in defending clients from the same charges that you are facing, with differences in circumstances, and an understanding of how the law applies to your specific situation. Ask questions and make sure they are answered to your satisfaction. You need to feel confident in your attorney to make the best decisions for your case.

Discussing the Fees Charged by the South Carolina Criminal Defense Attorney You Consult With

It is also important to discuss the fees charged by any criminal defense attorney that you may hire to represent you. This doesn’t just mean that you need to know the amount that the lawyer will charge. You also need to know what this will cover and what future charges you can expect. Find out if the lawyer will demand a flat fee that you have to pay in advance or if they will work at an hourly rate. Then, be clear about what this flat fee or hourly rate is going to be. You can even ask for an estimate of the potential hours involved in your case. It may be difficult to pin an exact price on the cost of representation, but you should certainly have a good idea  before you hire a lawyer.

Discussing the South Carolina Criminal Defense Case and Charges Openly and Honestly 

Finally, you have to be open and honest about the criminal defense charges that you’re facing. Many people are tempted to lie or omit the truth when talking to their attorney because they don’t want to admit any potential guilt to anyone. When it comes to talking to your lawyer, this is a mistake. Your lawyer is on your side, and is not looking for evidence or statements to use against you. However, they do need to know what evidence could be used against you, and they need to know all the facts of the case if they are going to defend you effectively. You don’t want your attorney to be surprised later by facts that you failed to disclose. The more you tell your lawyer about the case, the better able that lawyer will be to defend your rights and best interests.

Contact David Aylor Law Offices for a Free Consultation

The best thing you can do to protect yourself when facing criminal charges in South Carolina is to contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys in Charleston at David Aylor Law Offices for a free consultation. We will discuss your case and the options available to you and help you to face the challenges ahead.

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