Questions To Ask When Hiring An Attorney
Can I defend myself?
What can a good criminal defense attorney do for me?
State and Federal law stipulates that you have the right to represent yourself, though this is generally not a good idea. There is an old adage that “anyone who represents himself has a fool for a client.” Even if you are a lawyer by profession, you should hire a lawyer for your case. The Texas Criminal Justice System is not a living room filled with family where you can admit your faults and ask for forgiveness.
It is a place where prosecutors take advantage of those who have little or no knowledge of the law, and load you up with a punishment that you may not deserve. While the prosecutor may seem like he is friendly and is on your side, he is really trying to con you into accepting a charge that makes him look good, not you.
State and Federal criminal law is a very complicated field, encompassing many complex procedural, evidentiary, constitutional, sentencing, testing, and administrative issues that are just too vast for someone to overcome their first time in court. An average criminal defense attorney will probably plea bargain you out to huge fines, jail time, or both.
A good criminal defense attorney can navigate your case for defects, suppress evidence, compel discovery of important evidence, negotiate for a lesser charge and/or reduced sentence, obtain expert witnesses for trial, contest the bail amount, properly contest the statements or conduct of the arresting officer, etc.
How much criminal defense experience do you have?
Tad Nelson began his legal career in 1992 as an Assistant District Attorney for Galveston County. During this time, Mr. Nelson gained notoriety in his prosecution of numerous criminal offenses, including murder, rape, kidnapping, DWI/DUI, assault with bodily injury, assault causing bodily injury with a deadly weapon, burglary of a habitation, burglary of a motor vehicle, breaking and entering, theft, evading arrest, and numerous drug-related offenses.
During his three years as a prosecutor, Mr. Nelson learned all of the “tricks of the trade” that he now uses against the very system that he helped to create. Since Mr. Nelson started The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates in 1994, our expert legal team has defended thousands of criminal cases with truly exceptional results, so rest assured that you will be receiving the absolute best representation possible in the Houston/Galveston area.
How many criminal cases have you handled?
What type of criminal charges have you defended?
Tad Nelson started his career in 1992 with the Galveston County District Attorney’s office, where he gained vast experience as a prosecutor of a wide range of criminal offenses. Since starting Tad Nelson & Associates in 1994, Mr. Nelson and his legal defense team have handled literally thousands of cases with truly exceptional results. While many lawyers in the Houston/Galveston area will refuse to handle certain types of cases, we at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates handle the entire spectrum of criminal defense, from traffic tickets to capital crimes.
That’s probably why Tad Nelson was recently selected as “The Best Attorney in Galveston County” by the Galveston County Daily News. At Tad Nelson & Associates, we provide you the big city experience that you demand, while giving you the personal attention of a small-town law firm that sets us apart the competition.
Are you Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization?
When you see many advertisements for attorneys, you might have noticed that quite a few of them have the following disclaimer “Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.” It is required that non-certified attorneys place this disclaimer in all of their advertisements and public documents. Board Certification is held by a relatively small number of attorneys in the State of Texas, and it signifies the “best of the best.” Tad Nelson received his board certification in 1996, and he is committed to the principles and guidelines of the Board.
Will the details of my case be confidential?
To ensure that clients and their attorneys can speak freely about any legal matter, the law protects the confidentiality of attorney-client communications. Whatever you tell your attorney stays with that attorney, and he is under strict legal duty not to divulge information to anyone without your consent. Even if you admit to your lawyer that you are truly guilty of the crime in question, your attorney cannot reveal this fact to the authorities without your approval.
At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we also go beyond this legal duty to create a working relationship with clients that fosters open communications. We are always willing to discuss questions by phone or to schedule an appointment with you. Under no circumstances should you feel that you cannot or should not discuss a concern with our legal team.
What professional legal organizations do you belong to?
There are many legal organizations across the country that claim to be the top professional societies, but here are a few examples of the most highly regarded associations:
- Board Certification in Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- American Trial Lawyers Association
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Texas State Bar Association
- Texas Trial Lawyers Association
- Texas Association of Criminal Defense Layers
- National College for DUI Defense
- State Bar College
In addition to the state and national associations listed above, a lawyer that is truly dedicated to the Houston/Galveston area will be affiliated with these regional legal organizations:
- Harris County Lawyers Association
- Galveston County Criminal Lawyers Association
- Harris County Bar Association
- Galveston County Bar Association
Mr. Nelson and the legal team at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates are proud members of all of the organizations listed above, and we are committed to upholding the standards and principles set forth by each.
Will you handle all aspects of my case?
Tad Nelson & Associates will be involved in every phase of your defense, from the time of arrest until the time that you walk out of the courtroom victorious. Some firms will assign other lawyers or even legal clerks to handle your case; but rest assured that Tad Nelson & Associates will be with you every step of the way.
How much will it cost to defend my case?
If you are looking for the lowest fee in defending your rights, you might want to consider the consequences of your actions. Would you really want the “low price leader” defending your freedom? Oftentimes, the low price that you pay for your defense will end up costing you more in the end, due to the fact that a verdict of guilty brings fines, lost wages, embarrassment and humiliation. Plus, a low price means that your low-cost lawyer will be handling more cases, thus devoting less time to your specific defense.
Each criminal case is unique and requires a unique defense strategy tailored to your specific case. At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates we offer you the proficiency, expertise and proven record of success necessary for the successful defense of your case.