Getting A Criminal Law Attorney
How can I find a good defense attorney?
If you want good steak or good seafood, you don't go to a place that serves surf and turf. You go to a speciality house. If you want good Italian food, you don't go to a restaurant that has Italian and Chinese because it's only going to be OK. Similarly with a defence attorney, you want to get an attorney that only practices defence, that has some experience of defence. So generally if a defence attorney worked for the state, either as a prosecutor or a public defender, or as a judge or any part of the process, they will have experience. Another way to find a good defence attorney is word of mouth. If you know somebody that used the defence attorney before, that's a good vetting process. You should also know that a defence attorney that's being honest with you may not have all the definitive answers. Be wary of a defence attorney that makes too many promises or gives you absolute promises without having read anything or knowing anything about the case. Also let the buyer beware of bargains when looking for a defence attorney. If you're shopping for a surgeon, and you had a medical problem, you wouldn't go to the Hollywood upstairs medical clinic and get the best deal you could. Looking for a defence attorney is not a time to go deal shopping. You get the best defence attorney you can reasonably afford.
What questions should I ask a prospective attorney?
You should ask a prospective attorney their experience, their opinion, their fees. You should ask to see and review a retainer agreement of a prospective attorney. You should understand and try to ask exactly what the attorney can and cannot do for you.
What should I bring with me when I first go to see an attorney?
When you first go to see an attorney, you should bring all paperwork and documents that you have. You should bring personal identification. If you have any evidence, you should at least bring a list of that to the attorney. It would also be a good idea to bring a list of questions that you have. Going to an attorney when you're in trouble is kind of like going to the dentist; it's not a pleasant experience and can be stressful and frustrating. Bring with you any documents you have, any personal documents, and it's a good idea to write down any questions you might have for the attorney.
Are public defenders as qualified as other attorneys?
Each attorney is different. Many private lawyers are very qualified, some are unqualified. Most public defenders are qualified and are very good attorneys. Often, they're just overworked. Sometimes, they're burned out, but many of the best attorneys I know are public defenders.
What if I am arrested and need an attorney right away?
You should ask to speak to an attorney if you are arrested. Once you ask for an attorney the police can no longer question you. Questioning must cease when you ask for an attorney, although unlike TV, they don't have to bring in an attorney right away in the middle of the night. But when you are charged for any court proceeding, you are entitled to have an attorney present. If you want an attorney present for questioning prior to that you may have to hire one privately.
Are there alternatives to private council and public defenders?
There are alternatives to private council and public defenders. You can represent yourself. Always unwise. Anybody who represents themselves has a fool for a client.
