How do I talk to a criminal lawyer?
Asked by: Malinda Dare | Last update: February 20, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (16 votes)
To talk to a criminal lawyer, schedule an initial consultation (often free), be completely honest and detailed about the events (chronological, with all facts), and prepare your questions about their experience, strategy, and fees to get the best advice and build trust for your defense.
Can I chat with a lawyer for free?
Yes, you can talk to a lawyer online for free through services like the ABA Free Legal Answers for civil issues, Justia Ask A Lawyer for anonymous questions, 1Law for 24/7 chat (often AI-assisted), and local bar associations or law school clinics, often connecting you with volunteer attorneys for brief advice. These resources are great for understanding basic legal rights or getting answers to simple questions without hiring someone immediately.
How do you start talking to a lawyer?
Call the State Bar's Lawyer Referral Services Directory at 1-866-442-2529 (toll free in California) or 1-415-538-2250 (from outside California) Search for a State Bar-certified specialist (if you need a very experienced attorney in a particular area of law)
How much does it cost to just talk to a lawyer?
Lawyer consultation fees vary widely, from free (especially in personal injury/criminal defense) to hundreds or even over a thousand dollars, typically ranging from $100-$350/hour, depending on the lawyer's experience, location, firm size, and practice area (corporate/estate planning often costs more than family law). Some lawyers charge an hourly rate for the first meeting, offer a reduced rate, or give a portion back if you hire them, while others may charge a flat fee or offer it free to attract clients, so always confirm the fee structure upfront.
How do I formally call a lawyer?
Write the person using a standard courtesy title (“Mr. Robert Jones” or “Ms. Cynthia Adams”) Skip the courtesy title and put “Esquire” after the name, using its abbreviated form, “Esq.” (“Robert Jones, Esq.” or “Cynthia Adams, Esq.”)
How to talk to a Lawyer
What do you say when you first call a lawyer?
All you have to do when you call their office is tell them:
That you would like to schedule an initial consultation (which simply means the first meeting with the attorney to discuss your case and options).
What is the best name to call a lawyer?
Good lawyer names often sound authoritative, trustworthy, and memorable, blending classic names like John, James, or Michael with strong surnames (e.g., Atticus Finch, Clarence Darrow) or combining them for firms (e.g., Baker McKenzie). For a personal touch, use your own strong name; for a firm, consider descriptive words like DealMakers Law Group or ContractGuard Attorneys to convey expertise.
Do you pay a lawyer before or after a case?
Contingency Fees: Many personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if you win your case or receive a settlement. In Fresno, California, this arrangement is popular among personal injury attorneys because it minimizes the financial risk for clients.
What do you call a first meeting with a lawyer?
All attorneys meet with prospective clients in what is called an initial consultation. This is a first meeting between you and the lawyer to help you both decide whether you want to work together in an attorney-client relationship.
Do lawyers charge you every time you talk to them?
If you pick up the phone every time you have a legal question, you will be billed each time you speak with your attorney. However, if you compile a list of issues or questions and make one call to address all of them at once, your efficiency will save you from being billed for multiple calls.
What not to tell the attorney?
You should not tell a lawyer to downplay injuries, admit fault, lie, exaggerate, withhold details, or trash-talk others involved; avoid telling them how to do their job, comparing them to other lawyers, being overly casual (like saying "you guys"), or discussing irrelevant personal info, as honesty is key, but focus on facts and let the lawyer guide strategy, especially regarding admissions or social media posts.
What is the B word for lawyer?
The "B word" for a lawyer, especially in the UK and Commonwealth countries, is Barrister, which refers to a specialist lawyer who argues cases in higher courts, distinct from a solicitor, though other terms like Attorney, Counsel, or even the pejorative "ambulance chaser" can be used, while "Esquire" (Esq.) is a title for any licensed lawyer in the U.S.
Can you talk to a lawyer over the phone?
You can consult via phone with an attorney as many times as necessary when you need: General advice on how handling your legal situation might work. Help determining if you need further assistance from an attorney. Guidance on how the law relates to your situation and what actions can be taken.
Do lawyers charge for asking a question?
You might wonder, “Why isn't my real estate lawyer consultation free?” or “Why does my lawyer charge me for a consultation?” These are valid questions. The truth is, not all lawyers charge for consultations. Some offer free initial meetings, while others require a fee.
What types of cases do lawyers handle?
Seven Types of Cases a Civil Litigation Lawyer Handles
- # 1. Business. Disputes among businesses range from financial claims, to partners clashing, allegations of cheating, parking disputes and everything in between. ...
- # 2. Landlord/Tenant. ...
- # 3. Financial. ...
- # 4. Real Estate. ...
- # 5. Personal Injury. ...
- # 6. Family. ...
- # 7. Employment.
What to wear to see my lawyer?
A well-chosen outfit signals respect for the person you're meeting and your readiness for a productive conversation. In professional settings where details matter, a polished look underscores your professionalism. Dresses for women with minimal accessories can be an ideal choice for a meeting with a lawyer.
What is the hardest question to ask a lawyer?
The hardest questions for a lawyer aren't about legal facts, but about deeply personal situations, like "How can I protect my children from abusive relatives if something happens to me?" or asking for a brutally honest "What is the likely worst-case outcome for my case, and what are my real chances of winning?", pushing beyond generic advice to uncover hidden challenges, their true battlefield experience, and if they're just sugarcoating the difficult realities of your specific legal problem.
Which lawyer wins most cases?
There's no single lawyer universally recognized for the most cases won, as records are hard to track and definitions vary, but Gerry Spence is famous for never losing a criminal case and a long civil win streak (until 2010), while Guyanese lawyer Sir Lionel Luckhoo holds a Guinness World Record for 245 successive murder acquittals, making them top contenders for different aspects of "most wins".
How much do lawyers charge per phone call?
Many lawyers charge for their time every six minutes, and will round up. They may also charge you for time their staff spends on your case. You will be billed for small tasks like writing emails and answering your phone calls. For example, if your lawyer charges $300 per hour, a ten-minute phone call may cost you $60.
What can a lawyer do if you don't pay them?
These aren't optional. They're built into the legal and ethical framework of how attorneys can recover unpaid fees. The first requirement is fee arbitration. Under California's Mandatory Fee Arbitration (MFA) program, attorneys must inform clients in writing of their right to arbitrate billing disputes.
Who are the big 5 lawyers?
"Big 5" law firms usually refers to the top firms by revenue/size, often led by Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins, with others like DLA Piper, Baker McKenzie, and A&O Shearman frequently in the top ranks globally, though specific lists vary, sometimes including firms like Skadden, Sidley Austin, or the UK's "Magic Circle" (A&O Shearman, Clifford Chance, etc.). The exact "Big 5" changes depending on whether you're looking at US-specific, global, headcount, or revenue metrics, but the consistent leaders are Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins.
What is slang for lawyer?
Common slang for lawyers includes derogatory terms like shyster, mouthpiece, ambulance chaser, and pettifogger, while more neutral or positive colloquialisms are legal eagle, counsel, or simply attorney. These terms can range from deeply insulting to familiar, depending on context and tone.
What is a top lawyer called?
Top lawyers are called by various terms, often reflecting their firm rank like Senior Partner/Managing Partner, specialized titles like Senior Counsel/Silk (for senior barristers), or recognized designations like Super Lawyer, indicating high peer and client respect, with some also known informally as High-Profile Attorneys.