There are millions of people living in New York, and on Long Island. Residents here are an informed, independent group and most will want to have a solid understanding of the facts of any situation before they take steps down any path. If you find that you are in a situation where you’ve been charged with a crime of any kind, hiring an attorney will likely be high on your list of priorities.
But if you’re like most New Yorkers, you’ll want to know what to expect from the process. It’s not always like it is on TV, and understanding the basics of what to expect is a good idea. Here’s a rundown of what will likely take place.
- The Search – First, you need to spend some time finding the right lawyer for the job. Make sure that they are familiar with the kind of criminal charges you’re facing, and that they can practice in Suffolk County. Their level of experience and their history should be considered also.
- Consultation – A consultation visit allows you to discuss the specifics of your case with a potential attorney in complete confidence. During this visit they’ll review your situation and any information regarding your case and then explain to you what they suggest. They might offer to represent you, and will usually explain whether or not they feel you have the grounds for a strong defense, whether they feel they could potentially have charges dropped outright, or whether they feel that a plea agreement is in your best interests.
- The Case – If you and the attorney come to an agreement, the next step will essentially be to listen to them and take their advice. The path you take will obviously be yours, but if they suggest pleading guilty then it’s a safe bet that this is probably the right move. If they want to head to trial, they’ll generally give you some advice as to what to do between that moment and the trial and much more. A lot of the process can be a waiting game, but at its most basic the key is simply to trust in your attorney.
These are the three basic stages of finding an attorney. The final one is the longest and the most stressful, and will include the trial if there is one. No matter the nature of your charges, it’s important to find a good lawyer and let them help guide you through the process.