Before your first meeting, you should take a moment to consider what qualities you would want in a drug crimes attorney. You probably want one who has:
- Experience representing clients facing similar drug charges
- A strategy for handling your case you believe will get you favorable results
- Good advice and sound judgment
- A reasonable legal fee
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| Lawyers For Criminal Cases : Al Ittihad |
To make the most of your first meeting, you should bring several documents with you, including:
- Any paperwork you have from the court detailing the charges against you and your next court appearance
- Your bail papers
- The police report, if you have it
- Any other paperwork the police gave you
Whether you are facing state or federal drug charges, some lawyers for criminal cases may ask you to fill out a questionnaire before your first meeting. If you are asked to complete one, send it to the lawyer ahead of your meeting. In addition, the lawyer will find it helpful if you compile a list of everyone connected to the case. Include witnesses, victims, and other defendants. The lawyer needs to verify that neither anyone from the law firm nor the lawyer has ever represented anyone involved in your case. If there is a prior relationship, the lawyer may not be able to represent you because of a conflict of interest.
After you have met with all the criminal defense attorneys on your list, it's time to choose one. Think back to the list of qualities you have defined as most important to you. How do the lawyers measure up? To find out, ask yourself:
- Do the lawyers have the necessary background and experience in defending clients accused of drug crimes?
- Am I confident of their judgment and advice?
- Are the legal fees reasonable?
- Am I comfortable with them?
If you only met with one attorney and were pleased with him or her, then you have found the attorney for you. If, however, you interviewed several and one did not rise to the top, consider contacting some of their former clients. Find out what it was like working with their attorneys and whether the clients would hire them again. First-hand feedback can be invaluable.
Once you have narrowed the field to your one best choice, you are ready to hire a drug case lawyer.

