What Information do you need for a Free Consultation?

My office receives numerous calls per day seeking a Free Consultation for their criminal case, personal injury case or Medical Malpractice case.  Most are speaking with an Attorney for the very first time and really don’t know how the process works, what questions to ask or what information the Attorney needs to make an informed decision of whether to accept your case.

When I speak with clients for the first time, I attempt to diagnose the potential problem in an effort to determine the issues.  Here are some of the many questions I will ask when callers contact my office for representation:

When did the incident occur?

What are the names of the individuals involved in the incident?

What paperwork do you have from the incident?

Have you been contacted by anyone concerning this incident?

Have you signed anything pertaining to this incident?

Did you speak with anyone regarding the incident?

Do you have a Claim/OTN/CC/CR/Reference number?

The answers to these questions usually lead to additional questions and information, but I have found that clients who are initially prepared to answer these questions before picking up the phone get more from their consultation since the time is spent answering questions and explaining as opposed to searching for paperwork and information.  

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Pittsburgh Criminal Defense & Injury Attorney Frank Walker
FrankWalkerLaw.com
1-800-496-4143 Office
412.532.6805 Cell

Follow us on Twitter @frankwalkerlaw

How To Choose a Criminal Defense Attorney - Tip #4

Is the potential attorney knowledgeable about your charge?

Too often, attorneys advertise themselves as "General Practice" and tout themselves as a jack of all trades: i.e. expert on all areas of law . . . including Criminal Law.

Granted, there are probably some very good general practice attorneys who can navigate different areas of law. However, do you really want a general practice attorney defending you on DUI charges, Domestic Violence Charges or a Charge of Homicide when you are facing substantial jail/prison time? Probably Not.

Be Smart. Ask around. Ask for references. Ask your potential attorney questions about their practice and the last time they handled a criminal case with charges similar to the ones you are facing.

If you don't like the answers you receive, odds are: you need to search for an attorney elsewhere.


Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney Frank Walker
FrankWalkerLaw.com
412.281.5423 Office
412.401.1764 Cell

How to Choose a Criminal Defense Attorney - Tip #3

Are you able to reach your potential attorney?

Ask around.

Do you know what the number one (#1) gripe clients have about their attorney? Yep. You guessed it: "My attorney didn't return my call(s)!"

When searching for a Criminal Defense attorney, if the potential attorney fails to return your calls while you are searching for an attorney, what makes you think they will return your calls once you hire them?

Now granted, we are not going to sit on the phone for hours and give you Free Advice while you "search for an attorney". But your potential attorney should return your calls within a reasonable time to answer your questions about why they are the right candidate to represent your interest.

So if you are calling around looking for a Criminal Defense Attorney, make sure you are comfortable with the ability to contact your attorney if needed to answer simple questions. If not, the attorney client relationship could be strained throughout the entire process.

Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney Frank Walker
FrankWalkerLaw.com
412.281.5423 Office
412.401.1764 Cell

How To Choose a Criminal Defense Attorney - Tip #2

Asking Questions.

Many times, clients seeking to choose a criminal defense attorney fail to ask questions, whether tough or routine. Questioning your potential attorney on certain tactics or strategy should not offend the attorney. Think about it, the criminal defense lawyer does not face the possible maximum sentence and fines that you face, so it's totally reasonable, if not prudent to ask questions and make sure that you are understanding exactly what will happen during the criminal process you or your family member are facing.

Here are some examples of decisions or advice that you should question and make sure you have a clear reason and explanation for the decision.

- If the potential attorney is recommending that you waive your preliminary hearing without receiving anything in return, ask why!

- If the criminal defense lawyer is pushing you to plead guilty, make sure you know all the elements of every single crime you are pleading guilty to. In addition, make sure you know the possible penalties, defenses, fines, suspensions and possible repercussions of your guilty plea.

- If your attorney is advising you to waive your absolute right to a jury trial, make sure you understand why and make sure you know the pro's and con's of jury trial versus non-jury or bench trial.

Asking questions BEFORE you decide on a criminal defense lawyer will help you fully understand your rights throughout the criminal justice process and assist you in making the best decision on how to proceed in your case.





Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney Frank Walker
FrankWalkerLaw.com
412.281.5423 Office
412.401.1764 Cell

How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer - Tip #1

Ask the potential criminal lawyers if they have experience in your type of case. You want a lawyer with years of experience in the charges brought against you.

What type of experience? Preferably, you want your attorney to have dealt with your particular issue in the past, from the inception of the case: from the preliminary hearing all the way through trial.

For example, an attorney that typically deals with fraud cases wouldn't have much experience in drug charges. Additionally, you want someone who was actually the lead attorney on the particular case, not an intern, clerk or second chair.


Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney Frank Walker
FrankWalkerLaw.com
412.227.0290
412.401.1764