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HIRING A CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY
It is relatively simple to find the names of attorneys
who take on criminal defense cases, but how do you find out if the lawyer
is ethical and highly competent?
Look for experience and a high percentage of
caseload devoted to the practice of criminal defense.
Criminal law is a complex and changing field. Good defense attorneys need
ongoing experience in order to
- foster ongoing relationships with key players in the criminal justice
system
- keep up to date with the latest developments in criminal law
- maintain advocacy skills at their highest level
Find out how many years a lawyer has been practicing criminal defense
law and what percentage of the practice is devoted to defending people accused
of crimes.
Check credentials and reputation.
Online resources can help research this critical information quickly.
- Make sure the lawyer is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Learn more about background and education at Martindale-Hubbell. Always look for someone with a Peer Review Rating.
Ratings are AV, BV and CV and appear as the first line of the biography with a link to the explanation of the rating. Any
rating indicates the highest ethical standards. Many lawyers on the site are not rated
- Search for the attorney's name in the online archive of your local newspaper or on a search engine. If the name is
common, add key words like "trial" and "defense attorney" to see if articles or information about past trials come up
Make sure the lawyer has time to represent you.
A good criminal defense attorney needs to manage caseloads so that each case gets the attention it deserves.
- Determine if the lawyer has time to handle your case
- Make sure you know who is going to handle your case and who will represent you in court
Determine how fees will be paid and get a written agreement.
It is unethical for a criminal defense attorney to enter into a contingency fee agreement with client. Unlike personal injury
law, the fee in a criminal case does not and cannot depend on the result. Criminal defense lawyers charge either a flat fee
or on an hourly basis.
- Be sure that you understand up front about the fee arrangement between you and your lawyer
- Ask for a written fee agreement. A lawyer who provides a written agreement demonstrates respect for the client and the
relationship
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