How to Choose the Right Criminal Defense Attorney

Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer can be difficult. After all, your lawyer’s ability to defend your case can be the difference between a fine or jail time. When choosing the right attorney:

Do Lots of Research Beforehand

Ask around and see if you can get a referral. When you have some names, start looking online. First and foremost, you should check the Website for the State Bar of California. This will show you whether the attorney is a specialist or has ever been disciplined. Also check your local bar association and sites like yelp.com and avvo.com for reviews by other people.

Does the firm have a website? Check out how informative it is. Does it say how long the attorney has been practicing? What is their background? How experienced are they with your kind of case?

It is important to find a lawyer that has experience specifically dealing with the types of charges you are facing. For instance, some attorneys specialize in defending people against domestic violence charges, or charges relating to petty theft. Although nothing is guaranteed, the more experience the attorney has with situations similar to yours, the more likely it is to get a favorable result.

Go For a Consultation

Always set up an initial consultation to see if you like the attorney, and bring as much information about your case as possible. Note how they interact with you. Does the attorney seem to be listening closely? Is he or she asking you questions about your case? Does he or she give you an idea of how the prosecution might argue its case? How does the attorney’s staff treat you?

Don’t be afraid to get a second (or third) opinion before you sign a fee agreement. You should never feel pressured into hiring a specific attorney. After all, if you don’t like or trust the attorney handling your case, chances are the judge or jury won’t like them either.

Understand there are No Guarantees

A good lawyer understands that unexpected factors can throw even the strongest case out of whack. In fact, giving a guarantee may violate the California State Bar Rules of Professional Conduct. (See e.g., Rule 1-400). Ask the attorney to give you an idea of anything that may hurt your case, or whether there is anything the prosecution might be able to use against you.

If you or someone you know have been accused of a crime, arrested, or contacted by police, contact San Jose criminal defense attorney Maureen Baldwin at (408) 279-4450 to learn your options today!