When Do You Need an Embezzlement Lawyer?
Hiring legal representation is often in the best interests of those accused of embezzlement. In truth, most criminal defendants have legal counsel, especially when jail or a prison sentence could be the outcome. It is quite challenging for individuals to manage their own criminal cases successfully.
Although no exact numbers are available, estimates of the proportion of people who opt to represent themselves in criminal matters fall significantly below 1%.
Embezzlement is a serious offense that may have unanticipated consequences. While fines and jail time may be on the table, you might not have given your career a second thought if you were convicted of this theft offense.
Even if you may have already lost your current job, you might not be able to find employment in your preferred field in the future. It is in your best interest to work with an embezzlement attorney who is prepared to fight to stop these consequences as soon as possible.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Embezzlement Lawyer in the U.S.?
The typical legal fee ranges from $1,500 to $3,500. The untrained and less costly embezzlement defense lawyers will charge as little as $750, while the more expensive embezzlement defense attorneys will charge between $4,000 to $5,000.
What to Look For in an Embezzlement Lawyer
Below is a list of qualities to look for in an embezzlement attorney.
Qualifications
The criminal defense attorney with three years of legal training and a concentration in this field is your best choice. They will have proficiency in legal research, writing, and criminal procedure. Your attorney should also be knowledgeable about the criminal justice system.
Your attorney must have succeeded on the bar exam following law school. Never be afraid to ask your lawyer about their educational history, practice areas, and specializations.
Knowledge
By visiting a lawyer’s website, you can look up their experience to see if they are the best fit for your case. Do they have “criminal defense” listed under your practice areas?
You can also ask prospective attorneys if they have experience dealing with embezzlement similar to yours. Can they give you an example of someone in a similar situation? What happened, and what strategy did they use?
Find out what percentage of the cases your lawyer handles are related to criminal defense. How often do the defendants in these cases prevail?
Your attorney’s comments should reveal how much experience they have defending clients in embezzlement cases.
Recommendations
When you’re considering hiring an attorney, it won’t be difficult to identify previous clients who are eager to recommend one who is a good fit. After you’ve narrowed your search, ask prospective attorneys for the names of former clients, and don’t be afraid to ask them questions.
Were they satisfied with the outcome of their case? Was the lawyer courteous and clear in understanding throughout the process? Any unexpected expenses that arose along the way?
You can also check out websites and search engines for online reviews. Even though every lawyer occasionally gets negative feedback, you should watch for any trends that might cause concern.
Do many former clients assert they could not communicate with their lawyer directly? Do many people assert that they would have won the case had they had a different attorney?
On the other hand, you are more likely to have a positive experience if numerous former clients have expressed their satisfaction with the method and outcome.
Being Up Front With Costs
Most criminal defense attorneys charge a set amount or by the hour. The complexity of the case, the experience of your attorney, and the amount of time required to handle it will all be important factors.
It’s not always a good idea to hire the cheapest lawyer. Spending money on a knowledgeable attorney who will help you get the outcome you want is much preferable. You should be cautious not to overpay for legal services.
Obtain at least three estimates from knowledgeable attorneys in your area. Verify if the experience levels of their backgrounds and track records are comparable. Understanding that your money will be used wisely for the services is essential.
How to Prepare for Your Consultation With an Embezzlement Lawyer
The earlier you retain legal counsel, the sooner your lawsuit may begin. The actions to get ready for a meeting with a criminal defense attorney are listed below.
- Don’t post about the case on social media
- Collect documents related to your case
- Write down the events in order
- Make a list of witnesses
- Write down any questions for the lawyer
Where to Find the Best Embezzlement Lawyers in the U.S.
You can find the best embezzlement lawyers in the U.S. on LegalMatch. You can also use the American Bar Association to search for embezzlement lawyers.
