There are a lot of things to consider when looking for an attorney that specializes in domestic violence. One, you might be in jail waiting to be arraigned, so you don’t have time to interview a dozen professionals. Two, many attorneys specialize in different areas of law and this can complicate the process of finding the best one for your case. Below are a few pointers to help you find a lawyer for your domestic violence case.
- Do online research
When choosing an attorney, it is important to do research. If you know someone who has been in trouble with the law in the past and just got out on probation, ask him who his attorney was. Talk to your friends and family and see if they can recommend someone. There are also many resources available on the Internet that can assist you with your search for a good attorney.
- Research the costs
Many domestic violence cases involve high fees for both the defendant and plaintiff. In many states, when you are going through a trial, it is not unusual to have legal bills that total hundreds of thousands of dollars. It is important to find an attorney who will take your case and work hard on your behalf no matter how much it costs.
- Ask friends and family for referrals
You can ask your friends and family if they know anyone they can trust that specializes in domestic violence cases. You might also ask your friends and family if they know anyone who has been in jail or fled from a domestic violence situation. These people might be able to give you some names of attorneys they would recommend.
- Do not go with your gut, go with your head
Many times when someone thinks they can find the right lawyer on their own, it is because they have researched the wrong lawyers. Remember, there are a lot of attorneys out there that specialize in different areas of law and many who do not specialize at all. You might find a good attorney who is well liked, but if he does not specialize in your particular case, it could end up hurting you.
- Do research on the lawyer’s background
Before hiring an attorney for your domestic violence case, it is important to do some research. You can look up their name in the state bar association and see if they have any serious problems with the law. Some states will even give you information on how much money they have won in cases and this can be very helpful when choosing an attorney.
- Take notes during the interview
When you meet with your attorney for the first time, take notes about his background, education, state of practice and what he thinks about your case. You will want to ask as many questions as possible so that you can choose the right one for your needs.
- Review their list of past work
It is important to look at the attorney’s list of past cases to see if they have handled a domestic violence case like yours before. You will want to be able to gauge if they can handle your case based on their previous work.
- Review the payment policy and attorney-client agreement
It is very important that you read the payment policy for your attorney and his agreement with his clients before hiring him. Find out how much he charges for his services and discuss any fees that might arise during the course of your case. It is also important to know exactly what services you are getting by hiring him so that there are no surprises later on down the road.
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