Hiring A Lawyer

How to Hire a Lawyer

Where do I find a Criminal Defense Attorney?

This online version of the Travis County Criminal Justice Guide is provided to you by Hines, Ranc, & Holub. This Guide is a one of a kind publication designed to help people better understand the Travis County Criminal Justice System as well as educate individuals on how to proceed in dealing with a misdemeanor or felony arrest. We invite you to contact us at no cost for the initial visit to discuss your case.

If you are still not satisfied, ask a friend or family for a referral or contact the State Bar of Texas.

When Should I Hire an Attorney?

An Attorney should be consulted or hired at the earliest possible stage of the criminal process. This allows your attorney ample time to prepare your defense. If you are arrested on a criminal charge and the bond is set in an amount you cannot make, you should hire an attorney to file a motion to reduce the bond. When hiring an attorney, the attorney and client should agree on the amount of the fee and when the fee is due and payable.

As a client you must understand that the attorney's fees you agree to pay should be paid as agreed so your attorney can focus on your representation. Once you hire an attorney, be candid with him/her as to the facts of your case so that he/she can provide effective representation.

An attorney should be consulted anytime you, family member or friend have a legal question or problem. Often times the money spent to hire an attorney will be less than the money spent on fees and fines, if you handle your own case.

Anytime you are a defendant in a criminal investigation or you have a friend or family member that is a defendant in a criminal investigation an attorney should be consulted or hired for representation as early in those procedures as possible for protection and preservation of your legal rights. When involved in the Criminal Court system the best defense for your family member and/or close friend is to retain an attorney.

How Do I Select A Lawyer?

To retain a lawyer's services you will need to schedule an appointment to meet with him or her about your case. First, make a list of four or five law offices with phone numbers and, if possible, their Internet web site addresses. If attorney has a website you can find out a lot about their practice before you call for an appointment. Some things to look for are:

• Is the lawyer experienced in the type of law for which you need help?
• Does this lawyer charge a fee for a preliminary interview, and if so, how much is the fee?
• Will you be able to get a written contract or agreement clearly describing what type of legal services will be provided and what those services will cost?
• If your legal problem or case is a routine matter, does this lawyer charge a standard fee for services, and if so how much is it?
• If a standard fee does not apply in your circumstances, what is this lawyer's hourly rate?

If the lawyer or law firm does not have a web site where you can get this information, then call his or her office and ask them the same questions, noting on your list what they answer. When you have this information from all the lawyers on your list you can make a decision as to which one you think will be most satisfactory in helping you with your case. Finally, call that lawyer and make an appointment to go over the circumstances of your case - but don't throw away your list until you have made your arrangements certain.

How Should I Decide to Hire an Attorney?

Before deciding to hire an attorney, think about the contact you have had with him or her to this point, including both telephone and face to face interviews, and then:

• Ask yourself if you think you and your lawyer can communicate well with one another. Was this lawyer clear about the particulars of your case and what she could do on your behalf?
• Compare the fees and/or rates this attorney has quoted you with those of others and ask yourself if those charges seem fair and reasonable?
• Ask yourself if you have a good understanding about how this attorney will inform you of potential problems concerning your case?

If for any reason you are not comfortable with how this attorney has responded to you and addressed the issues of your case, do not hire him or her, but consult your list again for another lawyer. Finally, it is very important that you read and completely understand all the terms of the contract your lawyer will ask you to sign before you sign it. If anything in the contract is in any way unclear to you, ask your attorney to explain it to you again until you are satisfied that you understand it.

What Should You and Your Lawyer Expect From One Another?

It is important that you and your lawyer work together to ensure the best outcome of your case. To that end, each of you must fulfill certain expectations, such as:

• Your lawyer should always give you honest advice, including the strong and weak points of your case.
• Your lawyer should keep you informed concerning the status of your case.
• Your lawyer should give you copies of all documents relevant to your case.
• Your lawyer should never represent another client whose interests might be prejudicial or adverse to yours.
• Your lawyer should always follow your instructions concerning your case, unless those instructions dictate illegal or unethical behavior on his/her part.
• Your lawyer should provide you with an itemized bill detailing all fees and expenses incurred concerning the disposition of your case.
• Finally, your lawyer should always put your best interests first and never make any agreement or deal, or obligate you to do anything prejudicial to your case.

In return for doing these things, your lawyer also has the right to expect things from you, such as:

• Be on time for all of your appointments and court dates.
• Keep your contact information and place of employment current - he might need to get in touch with you urgently.
• Be open and honest with him/her concerning the events or action of your case. Remember that what you confide in your lawyer about your case is protected under the law and will be kept confidential.