Choosing The Right Attorney
SENSE OF URGENCY
After more than 30 years of practicing and observing thousands of clients, I am well aware of the feelings of helplessness and panic an arrest or investigation causes regardless of whether it happens to you, a loved one or a close friend. In this urgent state, the choice of an attorney is crucial. Not simply to handle the case, but to also guide the client through uncertain times and unfamiliar procedures.
CONSIDER THE SOURCE
There are three primary ways to find an attorney: referrals, advertisements or through the Internet. The last two means are fraught with peril because you are dealing with self-promoting strangers.
WATCH OUT FOR ASSEMBLY LINE LAWYERS PRACTICING ASSEMBLY LINE LAW
Make sure the lawyer you see on the advertisement will be the one handling your case instead of being so busy getting more business that he/she hands it off a less experienced associate
Make sure who you see is who you get. Make them disclose and agree in writing which attorney will be responsible for your case. Check that attorney out.
BEWARE OF FALSE PROMISES
Taking advantage of your weakened and possibly frantic state, many lawyers will promise that they’ll make the case go away. Citing unsubstantiated wins in similar cases or close relations with prosecutors and judges they will promise the same results.
CHECK THEM OUT
Don’t hesitate to ask for proof: case names and numbers. Don’t accept posted testimonials. Ask for names and contact information of satisfied clients. Hopefully their referring clients are not incarcerated.
Check them out on the State Bar Website.
You’d be surprised at the number of attorneys who have been sanctioned for mistreating clients. Check to make sure it isn’t one you’ve hired.
MOST OF ALL EXPERIENCE MATTERS
COURTROOM EXPERIENCE
Allows an attorney to assess and maneuver the case through a complex criminal justice system. Have your prospective attorney tell you about their courtroom experience. Specifically how many and what kinds of criminal cases have they handled?
TRIAL EXPERIENCE
Like an experienced surgeon, trials allow an attorney to understand your case from the inside out. Have the prospective lawyer tell you about their trial experiences and results. Specifically ask for the number of criminal cases they’ve tried, the nature of those cases (especially those with similar charges to your case) and where they were tried.
EXPERIENCE WITH JUDGES & PROSECUTORS
This allows an opportunity to resolve the case without the stress and uncertainty of a trial. Ask your prospective counsel to disclose their successes in a negotiated settlements. Ask them if they know the prosecutor and judge assigned to your case. Remember most cases are settled without the high cost and stress of trials so it behooves you to find counsel with established relations with court and counsel.
