It may be the most serious decision you ever faced in your life. If you or a loved one is facing a serious felony charge, a homicide, a sex crime or other offense with life-changing consequences, it matters who is defending you.
But how do you find the right attorney for the job?
USE PUBLICLY AVAILABLE REFERRAL SOURCES TO DEVELOP A LIST OF CANDIDATES
Previously, most people found legal representation through referrals from friends, family, and associates. This has slowly changed with the invention of the internet. Now Since the World Wide Web came into existence this
There are reputable attorney referral resources.
These include Bar Association which provide verified listings such as:
- The American Bar Association
- The State Bar of California State
- The Los Angeles County Bar Association
There are also commercial sites which include paid advertising, including:
RESEARCH THE BACKGROUNDS OF THE LAWYERS AND LAW FIRMS THAT YOU ARE CONSIDERING
As a basic matter, you will want to check up on whether the attorney is licensed to practice law in your state and whether the attorney has had any discipline. This can be done by visiting the state bar website of your state. For example, in California, you can visit the California State Bar Website
You can also look on various sites to see what an attorney’s rating is and read comments, both positive and negative. These include:
WHAT TO ASK BEFORE YOU HIRE AN ATTORNEY
Whether criminal, civil, business, family or one of the many other possible categories, your attorney should have experience in your matter’s particular part of the law. Moreover, you need an attorney with experience and a history of success.
Questions to ask include:
- How many trials have you had?
- How many of those trials have you won?
- How many of those trials were in cases like mine?
- How many trials have you won in cases like mine?
- How many times have you represented clients in cases like mine?
- What are examples of strategies you employed in those cases?
- What steps will you take to prepare my matter for trial?
- Can I talk to some of your prior clients who have had cases like mine?
In most jurisdictions, attorney retainer agreements must be in writing. Insist on this. Be sure to review the retainer agreement carefully. Does it include trial preparation, necessary motions and the trial itself? What will be charged for any items not included?
WHAT TO AVOID IN AN ATTORNEY
The sad truth about many attorneys is that they are quick to take your money, but slow to perform the difficult work of fully investigating your matter and properly preparing it for trial.
In the area of criminal defense, these attorneys are known as “dump trucks.” Characteristics of the “dump truck” attorneys include:
- Lack of contact with you and/or your family.
- Failure to complete (or even begin) the necessary investigation to establish your defense.
- Failure to formulate and execute a winning strategy or theory of your case.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN ATTORNEY
Characteristics of competent legal counsel include:
- Maintains contact with you and your family, listening and seriously considering your input and ideas.
- Investigate fully to develop evidence of your innocence.
- Has a plan winning strategy.
- Prepares for trial (required even if there is no trial, preparation is the key to obtaining the best plea bargain).
You should also understand that legal fees are always negotiable. That said, ask yourself, is an attorney you have paid very little money for really going to perform all the above? Think about a serious criminal charge like a serious disease. Would price be the biggest consideration when selecting a physician?
Once you have verified that the attorney you are considering has a track record of success in your area, consider communication style. Every attorney and law firm is different. It is important to select legal representation that you are comfortable with.
Finally, be sure that your agreement is in writing (which is required in most jurisdictions, including California). Read it carefully. Is all of the preparation included? How about trial? Are necessary motions included? Does the agreement cover only until the completion of the preliminary hearing? What about costs such as for investigators and experts?
The Innocence Legal Team is the only law firm in California that exclusively handles sex crimes. Others claim to “specialize” in this area while also “specialize” in everything from drunk driving to petty theft. Don’t be fooled.
Patrick Clancy is the Founder and Chief Strategist of the Innocence Legal Team. He has tried more sex crime jury trials on behalf of the accused than any other attorney in California. Client testimonials include:
- “Patrick Clancy saved my life.”
- “I give credit to Mr. Clancy's reputation leading to no charges filed.”
- “He is a true expert that will fight with all of his heart.”
- “Thank you, Mr. Clancy, for fighting hard for my freedom and dignity.” The Innocence Legal Team provides
Please use the below link to schedule a consultation so that we can get started helping you right away.
(This article is intended as general information only. It is not intended as legal advice.)
