Hiring a Lawyer FAQs

The United States Supreme Court has provided that everyone facing incarceration in a felony is entitled to a lawyer. The State's have extended the right to counsel in most misdemeanor offenses in which jail is possible. Regardless of your income level, you should have a lawyer when facing criminal charges.

SHOULD I HIRE A LAWYER?

Assuming you have the funds, an experienced private attorney can normally resolve your matter in a more satisfactory outcome than a public defender. This is not because public defenders are bad lawyers, in fact, public defenders may be more competent than private attorneys who dabble in criminal defense. Rather, an experienced private attorney often knows how to work the system better than a public defender and is not so overloaded that your case will get lost in the shuffle.

HOW DO I PAY FOR COUNSEL?

In Arizona, you may pay for counsel hourly or based upon a flat fee. Contingency fees are prohibited. Hourly fees vary greatly depending on the attorney and experience. Fees range from $150-$350 per hour. Most attorneys charge a flat fee for a case. Some attorneys charge one fee to handle a case and an additional fee if a trial is required. Depending on the attorney, you may be able to arrange a payment plan. Regardless of the terms of payment, your fee agreement should be in writing.

HOW DO I PICK THE RIGHT ATTORNEY?

As this is a criminal offense, you should hire an attorney who practices only in the area of criminal law. For better or worse, criminal law has its own unique practice and methodology. Frequently you will find attorneys who practice criminal law, but also handle personal injury, divorce, and other matters. They may be good attorneys, but criminal law is too specialized to risk any potential distractions facing an attorney who handles multiple types of law and who is not in the trenches everyday.

In addition, you should inquire about the number and type of criminal cases the attorney has handled. You should also inquire about the attorney's trial experience.

Lastly, if you have the funds available, you should hire an attorney who has been Certified by the State Bar of Arizona as a Specialist in Criminal Law. The Certification means the Attorney has shown experience beyond the normal attorney in areas of criminal law and trial experience.

Howard Snader is Certified by the State Bar of Arizona as a Specialist in Criminal Law.

For an initial consultation with an Arizona Criminal Defense Lawyer at the Law Offices of Howard A. Snader, call (480) 559-8218, or contact me online.