How do I find a Bail Lawyer?
A bail lawyer specializes in helping people who have been arrested for criminal charges and need to post bail. Bail is a security payment made in exchange for a criminal defendant’s freedom while the case in pending. Bail is most often used in the following situations:
– When a criminal defendant has committed a serious crime.
– When a criminal defendant is considered a flight risk.
– If there are overcrowded or underfunded jails, judges will often allow defendants to post bail while awaiting trial.
You are entitled to consulting with a lawyer throughout the entire criminal justice process, so ensure that you are in contact with a defense lawyer when you are required to post bail for your release.
What to tell your lawyer
When speaking with your bail lawyer, it is important that you are able to provide as much factual information as possible. If you have any legal documents or papers, make sure to show them to your lawyer. You should be ready to discuss the event that caused you to post bail and this communication will be vital to ensuring that your rights are protected. Anything said to you by the police, prosecutors, other lawyers, or any government agent should be brought to your lawyers attention. The more information provided to bail lawyers, the better they can help their clients.
Where to look for an attorney
Most bail lawyers use different forms of advertisements to try to get new clients. Phone listings, legal services organizations, and other media sources may all provide you with the names and locations of bail lawyers. However, you should not pick a lawyer only based on their advertisements. You should gather some sort of information about any potential lawyer before hiring them. A quick search of the internet or asking the lawyer questions about their background should be a priority, even when you must hire a bail lawyer immediately.
Use of this website can be a valuable tool when deciding on a bail lawyer. Se the search function at the top of the page to find listings of lawyers in your area or to find information about your legal issues.
Do I need a specialist?
Bail lawyers will have the knowledge to represent you during bail hearings, pre-trial hearings, or any other procedure of the criminal justice process. Generally, most criminal defense lawyers will help you with bail hearings or other basic bail proceedings. If you are facing charges for evading arrest, loss of bail, or any other bail related criminal or civil charges, it is important that you seek a lawyer that specializes in these bail issues. If this is your case, you should find a trusted defense lawyer in your area who can either help you with your bail issues or refer you to a lawyer who can help.
Preparing for an appointment
Always come to any meeting with a bail lawyer prepared to talk about the charges that you are facing, the facts of the case, and anything else you can tell your lawyer. If you are in possession of any relevant documents, bring copies or originals to the lawyer for review. Because bail hearings are often time sensitive, it may be necessary that you are prepared to give your lawyer the basic information in a very short amount of time, so any preparedness you can have will help.
Having questions prepared for your lawyer may also be extremely helpful, as your lawyer will be able to answer anything you are unsure of. Understanding the process can help you avoid feelings of frustration or helplessness.
Evaluating Experience & Education
All lawyers must meet minimum requirements before practicing law and representing clients. They must graduate from an accredited law school and pass the bar of the state in which they will practice. While these are the basic requirements for any lawyer, you should also look for a bail lawyer that has had experience helping clients at bail hearings and has had a good success rate. Knowledge of the local rules and procedures are extremely important, so finding a lawyer who works in the jurisdictional where you are facing charges is the best thing you can do.
While advertisements provide you with basic information of where to find local lawyers, conducting your own research can lead you to a qualified lawyer that can best represent you.
Personality & Values
Good bail lawyers will have experience representing clients in bail hearings in the local courts. They may specialize in either state or federal courts, but many will have the necessary skills to defend their clients in either jurisdictions. Bail lawyers will want to fight for your rights and be skilled negotiators and litigators. They will have contacts within the local courts, often knowing all of the judges and prosecutors. A bail lawyer will often be found talking with clients in jail, prison, or out on release at rehabilitative homes or on probation and parole.
Besides being great negotiators, bail lawyers should also have the ability to listen to your problems and concerns. A bail lawyer should not make all important decisions and should consult their client before accepting deals or negotiating.
Rates, Fees & Retainers
Bail lawyers may either charge on an hourly basis or they may charge their clients flat fees for specific legal work. Public defenders do not charge fees for their clients, as they are provided by the state, however a defendant must show a financial need. These requirements vary from state to state.
Of course, the amount of the rates and fees will be highly dependent on the type of charges faced by the defendant and the type of legal work that will be needed to be done. A retainer will usually be required by bail lawyers. Retainers are upfront payments which are deducted as legal work is completed.
Interviewing your attorney
Think about the following when meeting with a bail lawyer.
– Make sure you understand the fees you will be charged and the rates the lawyer will be receiving. If you do not understand all of the fees, ask about them and question them. If you have the time, do not be afraid to shop around between different lawyer’s rates or try to negotiate with lawyers.
– Develop a trusting relationship with your lawyer. You lawyer will be working hard to protect your rights, so make sure that you believe in their skills and trust them to help you.
– Always know how to contact your lawyer. Where and how to contact them should be something you can do under stressful conditions such as an arrest or under police questioning. Always remember your rights as a criminal defendant and ask your lawyer if you are unsure of those rights.
