If you have been the victim of a false arrest, you may have begun the process of searching for attorneys to represent you as you seek justice. It can feel overwhelming to choose a legal representative-with so many options, how do you know which one is right for you? The best way to determine if you are compatible with a certain lawyer is to ask them questions about how they work. Here are some of the most important questions to ask your false arrest attorney before you commit to working with them.
What Are Your Credentials And Experience?
Any attorney should be open about important details such as where they received their law degree, as well as what bar association or other organizations to which they belong. This information can grant you a more personalized view into the experience your potential attorney has and how long they have been practicing.
Of course, it is also helpful to ask directly about their experience. If they have been working specifically in the field of false arrests and other rights violations, you may have found someone who understands how to structure and present your case.
Have You Worked On Similar Cases Before?
It is likely that false arrest attorneys to whom you ask this question will not be able to give specific names due to client confidentiality requirements. However, those who have worked on cases like yours, with similar details, will already have a general roadmap for how to approach your situation and evidence of what works and what does not.
How Often Do You Settle?
The litigation process can be long and tiresome, and many parties prefer to keep their legal obligations as short and to the point as possible. If your attorney does not demonstrate a track record of attempting to settle and instead prefers to push things to the court, this may not align with the way you want to approach your case. In contrast, other attorneys attempt to settle whenever possible to resolve the case quickly.
Do You Work in A Courthouse Often?
Once your case begins, you will be assigned a specific courthouse. Ask your attorney whether they work on cases in that location often. It is important for an attorney to have established rapport with the other individuals who will be participating, such as local judges. This can help them to properly structure your case to suit the more individualized propensities of the people who will encounter your case.
What Is Your Assessment Of This Case?
Your attorney cannot guarantee a certain outcome, but they can be honest with you about how strong your case is. They can also help you to understand what to expect and what the limits of their own role are.
Who Will Be Working On The Case?
Attorneys do not necessarily work on a single case all by themselves. Paralegals, legal assistants and others may assist an attorney. You may feel comfortable having many experienced professionals working in tandem, or you may feel that you only want one person dedicated to your case. This question will help you determine how a specific firm works.
How Do You Expect Clients To Participate In Their Case?
Some attorneys are happy to represent you fully, so you may not even need to appear in court at all. Others prefer that you remain an active participant throughout. These preferences are important to know ahead of time, alongside how you should communicate. Do you prefer keeping a written record of communication via email, or would you like phone conversations instead? Is your attorney hard to reach? These questions are vital in the decision stage.
How Do You Approach Billing?
Of course, one of the primary considerations many people have when choosing an attorney for a false arrest case is the cost. Some law firms bill a flat fee for a case, while others charge hourly. Some may work on contingency, where you pay them nothing unless they make a recovery for you. At that point, they simply accept a portion of the compensation awarded to you. None of these methods are inherently better or worse, but it is critical to understand this information upfront.
Trust The Legal Professionals To Help You Seek The Justice You Deserve For Your False Arrest
If you have been the victim of a false arrest or are looking for an attorney who can help you with a violation of your rights, be sure to thoroughly vet anyone you consider working with. The legal professionals at The Brown Firm would be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Reach out to schedule a consultation to learn more.
