How to hire a Criminal Defense Attorney

When you have been arrested and charged with a crime, perhaps the most important decision you make is who you choose to represent you through the process. There are things you should avoid, or at least be aware of, and there are some positive steps you can take to find the right attorney.

First, don't be fooled by advertisements alone. Some attorneys will spend a lot of money attempting to get your attention through advertisements. However, an attorney who excessively advertises is not necessarily the best choice for helping you. Reputation and skill say a lot more about an attorney than the advertisement.

Be wary if an attorney is promising you an outcome based upon your intial meeting with him/her. There is no way to guarentee a result. Every case is different, and the prosecutors and judges handling the cases will likely be different too. There is nothing wrong with drawing upon experiences to help illustrate how the attorney can create a plan for their case. But promising an outcome is negligent and irresponsible.

A lot of attorneys boast that they previously worked as prosecutors. Having that experience can be valuable, but there are varying degrees of experience an attorney can gain from working at a prosecutor's office. If an attorney worked for a year or two at a prosecutor's office s/he may have some trial experience and possess the ability to analyze the elements of a case from a prosecutor's perspective. Others with more experience may offer more insight into decision making, etc. Ask what benefit they received from being a prosecutor and how will that help you in your case?

Research the attorney. Speak to people who may have been in a similar position as you. Who do they recommend and why? Review articles on the internet. Read their bios. Have they received any relevant training? Recognition?Awards? Interview the attorney. Ask about experience. With the economic downturn, there are attorneys handling criminal cases that would not have done so years ago. Ask them if they will be the attorney handling the case from start to finish. Can they contact you when you have a question? What is their plan for your case?

All these issues should be considered when you hire an attorney. It is an important decision but if you understand your priorities, you will make a wise decision and have a competent attorney help you though your important legal days ahead.

Daniel Cavanaugh
Naples, Fort Myers
www.ckcattorneys.com