Finding a Criminal Attorney - 4 Recommendations for your Search

If you're in a situation when you need a criminal attorney, it's important to remember that not every legal professional was created equally. The guy who passed the bar exam with the lowest possible score is still able to go on and open a practice. Of course, bar exams aren't the only (or even most important) measure of what makes a good lawyer, but the idiom illustrates the point that you can't just pick someone randomly out of the phone book and expect the best defense money can buy. Here are four recommendations you should use when trying to find representation.

Defense Experience

It's rare to find a tax lawyer who will take on a burglary case, but there are lawyers out there who dabble here and there. You don't want this kind of lawyer. You want a criminal attorney who has years of experience with cases just like yours. Someone who knows the inside of a courtroom like the back of his hand and will be able to lend you his experience and knowledge to develop and promote a successful defense. Many people don't understand what a losing battle defense trials often are. Prosecutors don't bring cases to trial that they don't believe they can win. Conviction rates are often north of 90%. You can't rely on luck or even the truth of your case to ensure your freedom.

Relevant Cases

Even an experienced general attorney may not have experience in cases like yours. Hiring a lawyer who specializes in DUI cases may not help you if you are being tried for armed robbery. It takes very little effort to ensure you hire a lawyer who had handled cases like yours and will be able to formulate a winning (or at least effective) strategy for your trial.

Don't Buy Promises

As stated, even the best criminal attorney realizes that even promising cases offer uncertain outcomes. If you meet with a lawyer who starts making promises such as his ability to keep you from seeing any jail time, you may want to walk the other way. You don't need a salesman -— you need someone who will be honest about your situation and can give you specific and helpful advice as it pertains to your case.

Goal Orientation

The vast majority of criminal cases never go to trial. If you have no interest in going before a jury yourself, it makes little sense to hire an expensive criminal attorney well-versed in the art of the trial. Find someone who is known for their ability to cut a plea bargain and save your money.