Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers | January 8, 2026 | Criminal Defense
If you are facing criminal charges, having the right criminal defense attorney on your side can be crucial to protecting your rights. It is important to remember that you do not have to hire the first attorney that you speak to. Ensure you ask them the right questions to determine whether they are the right fit for you and your case.
Keep reading below to learn the five key questions to ask before hiring a criminal defense attorney.
1. What Is Your Experience With Cases Similar to Mine?
One of the most important questions you want to ask a potential attorney is about their experience. Specifically, you want to make sure they have in-depth experience with cases similar to yours. Different types of criminal cases may be handled very differently, so you want to make sure that your attorney knows how to handle your charges.
For instance, the defense strategy in a drug trafficking case will be very different from a case involving a white collar crime. Do not hesitate to ask how many similar cases the attorney has handled in the past, as well as what the outcomes of those cases were.
2. What Are My Legal Options?
When you talk to a lawyer, they should be able to help you understand your legal options. For instance, you might be able to negotiate a plea deal or find a way to get your charges reduced.
Going to trial can be risky, and your lawyer should be able to give you sound legal advice about all your legal options. While you have the ultimate decision on which option you wish to pursue, your lawyer should be able to provide solid information to help you make your decision.
3. How Much Will You Charge, and What Is Your Fee Structure?
Another important question to ask prior to hiring an attorney is how much they will charge. You should also get details about their fee structure. Some attorneys charge an hourly rate, while others may charge a flat fee.
Many criminal defense attorneys require the payment of an upfront retainer before they will begin working on your case. Many personal injury attorneys use contingency fees as a means of compensation. This means that the client does not owe a fee unless the lawyer wins the case. In Texas, attorneys generally cannot charge a contingency fee for defending a criminal case.
4. How Often Will You Correspond With Me?
You will also want to ask your potential attorney how frequently you can expect updates about your case and who will be your primary point of contact. Communication between attorney and client is crucial to successful representation, but this is often a point of contention, especially in criminal cases.
You will want to ensure that your attorney returns your calls and emails in a timely manner. Having a lawyer who remains in close communication with their client can help build trust and alleviate some of the stress associated with facing criminal charges.
5. Will You Be Handling My Case, or Will It Be a Junior Associate?
Make sure you know exactly who will be handling your case once you hire a law firm. Experience matters, especially when your freedom may be at stake. While it should not be an issue to have a junior associate involved and working on your case, you will want to ensure that the attorney you wanted to handle your case is actually the one who will be leading your defense.
Contact Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers to Arrange a Consultation With a Fort Worth Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are facing criminal charges, you want to ensure that you choose the right attorney for your situation. Finding the right attorney starts with asking the five questions above.
For more information, please contact the criminal defense law firm of Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers for a consultation. Give us a call at (682) 777-3336 or visit our convenient location:
We serve the surrounding areas of Tarrant County and Fort Worth, TX.
Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers
604 E 4th St Ste 101
Fort Worth, TX 76102