What to Expect from a Criminal Defense Lawyer: Riverside Attorney Gary Wenkle Smith Provides Advice to Families about Legal Counsel

For over thirty years, attorney Gary Wenkle Smith has been the criminal defense lawyer Riverside clients have turned to for expert legal representation. Mr. Smith works with people who are accused of serious crimes including murder, burglary, and arson. Often, the person who hires him is a family member or loved one. When they reach out to a criminal lawyer, Riverside families may have no experience in these legal issues. They may not know what makes a lawyer “good,” whether the attorney can get the accused out of jail on bail, or what to expect during the case. Below, Gary Wenkle Smith offers his perspective on some common questions. Read on, and then reach out to Mr. Smith to discuss the details of the case.

How Do We Know Which Lawyer to Hire?

Not every lawyer is a good fit for every client. Here are factors to consider when choosing an attorney… • Area of expertise: The lawyer that a family selects should have a track record of success with the type of case a client faces. • Expense: Before choosing a criminal defense lawyer, Riverside clients should know how much they can afford to pay for quality representation. • Personal connection: Families should choose a professional who will be dedicated to the case and not someone who has a reputation for being unreliable, late, or inefficient.

Can the Defendant Get Out on Bail?

Getting bail for someone who is accused of a serious crime is dependent on many factors, but it is unlikely to be affordable to many families. The cost could be as high as $500,000 to a few million dollars; families may not be able to pay that much, especially if they are saving up for a long legal battle. However, each court works differently, and so bail is somewhat up to the judges’ discretion. When Gary Wenkle Smith serves clients as a criminal lawyer in Riverside cases, he works to reduce the cost of bail through the court.

What Should We Expect During the Case?

Once Gary Wenkle Smith has met with a potential client and they have decided to work together, he will lay the groundwork for the client’s defense. There will be meetings in the courtroom, and the judge will lay out the schedule for the trial should one be required. Trials for serious offenses may be scheduled as far as two years in the future. Often, it is to the benefit of the defense for trial to be postponed in this way. The window of time gives a Riverside criminal defense lawyer the opportunity to find witnesses, review evidence, and check for conflicting statements. It also allows a lawyer to prepare witnesses for trial. The investment of time and effort gives clients the best chance possible at winning in their case. Contact Gary Wenkle Smith by telephone or email to discuss how he can help your family member or loved one.