The Skill To Defend You

What To Consider Before Choosing Counsel

Facing legal matters? There are certain things you should think about.

  1. Can you afford private counsel? Depending on your case there can be significant lawyer fees that apply. A good attorney will give you an estimate of cost. While estimates are never exact, it can let you know whether it’s an option for you. Or, should you ask the court for a public defender because of financial restraints?
  2. Are you ready to hear straight talk about your situation? You need to be able to discuss your case frankly with your attorney. There shouldn’t be anything worrisome about this idea: your attorney is your ally and advocate. They have the knowledge to tell you what’s going to happen and what you might be facing.

If you can answer “yes” to both these questions, you are ready to begin looking for an attorney.

Factors When Interviewing Attorneys

When you are facing legal issues of any sort, you can feel overwhelmed. You might think that any lawyer is as good as another, and you just need to pick one. However, that’s not the case. You need to think hard and do your research before choosing an attorney.

Because attorney Shapiro has years of experience both in criminal defense and working in a prosecutor’s office, our firm is able to offer some pieces of advice when seeking an attorney:

  • Do not make decisions based on advertisements. Ads can introduce you to attorneys, but they are not a foolproof indicator of future success.
  • Remember that there are no sure things when it comes to court. Each case is different and although consistency can indicate skill, no competent lawyer could or would promise you a jury trial win or a favorable plea bargain.
  • Seek out experience. You don’t want to be someone’s guinea pig.
  • Look for someone who says they are a trial lawyer. Sometimes, attorneys make it clear that they try to avoid trial. They might say that this is for your benefit, but all this means is that you are probably going to take a plea bargain. Your lawyer needs to be willing to go to trial.
  • Avoid lawyers who are not criminal defense lawyers. You should never trust an attorney who doesn’t do criminal cases with your future. They might be excellent in their field, but you want someone who knows the system.

Interested to learn more? Click here for a shopping list when hiring an attorney.

Is Sam Shapiro Law Office Right For Me?

When choosing an attorney, the most important thing is that you’re comfortable with, and have faith in, your attorney. Sam Shapiro is direct, he speaks his mind and tells you exactly what his assessment is of your case without much sugar coating. We believe it is important that you understand the reality of your case and its risks, and Mr. Shapiro’s duty is to provide you with an objective analysis of your case so that your decision-making is informed, logical and realistic. You are paying for his knowledge, experience and reputation. Sam has handled post-conviction relief cases, and argued criminal cases before the Indiana Appeals Court and the Indiana Supreme Court on appeal.

This is YOUR CASE. You are in control. If the case is not dismissed, then you do not HAVE to take a plea bargain. You also do not HAVE to go to trial. Ultimately, you will decide what is best for you, whether it is trial or plea bargain. Sometimes trial is the only answer since the case is strong and the prosecutor is being unreasonable. Other times the case is not as strong and a negotiation eliminates the RISK of jail time or other harsh consequences.

To assist with trials, if necessary, Sam has business relationships with expert witnesses like forensic toxicologists, forensic pathologists, child psychologists, jury selection experts, forensic dentists, psychiatrists, psychologists and sentencing experts. If these witnesses are necessary in your case, you must pay for their services. Sam will not hire experts without your input and permission.

Reach Out Today

Whether you are just starting your search for an attorney or you have decided that Sam Shapiro Law Office is right for you, please reach out today. We’d be pleased to speak with you and let you know what we think. Should you choose to hire us, we expect patience, faith, courtesy and honesty from our clients. In return, we offer the same to you. Reach us at 812-336-8192 or via our online contact form today.