It may be the most serious decision you ever faced in your life. If you or a loved one is facing a serious felony sex crime charge, it matters who is defending you.
But how do you find the right attorney for the job?
Previously, most people found legal representation through referrals from friends, family, and associates. This has slowly changed with the revolution and evolution of the internet.
There are reputable attorney referral resources.
These include Bar Associations including:
There are also commercial sites which include paid advertising, including:
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 your state's bar website. 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:
Sex crime defense is an expertise very few attorneys have. Attorneys will insist they are "experts" while providing few specifics. They will even get offended if you ask questions. Don't fall for it. When your life is on the line, you need to ask the right questions.
Questions to ask include:
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?
The sad truth about many attorneys is that they are quick to take your money but slow to perform the difficult work of thoroughly investigating your matter and adequately preparing it for trial.
These attorneys are known as “dump trucks.” Characteristics of the “dump truck” attorneys include:
Legal fees are always negotiable. Ask yourself, is an attorney you have paid very little money for really going to perform all the above? Think about a serious sex crime charge like a life-threatening disease. Would price be the most significant 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 the attorney's communication style. Every attorney and law firm is different. It is crucial to select a 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:
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.