CokeMonger
Bluelighter
Suggested criteria . . . .
You want a former prosecutor who handled the same kind of case you're charged with (for example, if you're charged with homicide, you don't need a former prosecutor who handled Vice Squad cases).
Do they know - by name without checking - the cops involved? Ever cross examined him/her?
Do they know who will be prosecuting it? Do they know the person, personally?
Don't - do NOT - be taken in by a shiny suit. Do NOT operate on the assumption that "if it costs more, it must be the best" -- obviously, you're not looking for the cheapest out there, either, but don't be scammed by "it costs more so it must be better." How many cases has he/she handled?
Has he/she ever represented a cop? The cops know who the good ones are.
Google the person. No one will have 100% positive rating, but keep your eyes open - see what's generally said. Spend at least 1/2 an hour seeing what's out there on the person.
When Googling, aside from whatever else might be out there -- see whether he/she advertises a specialty in criminal law. You do *NOT* want the guy/gal who advertises "personal injury ... divorce ... real estate ... criminal cases .... civil defense ... construction law ... contracts and......." No way. One, maybe two specialties if they intersect (for example, maybe divorce and immigration since a situation might come up needing both areas of law in one case).
Is he/she political? Running for office ever? Judgeship someday?
Take notes. Write it down. Go with a friend (spouse or minister would be best - they can't be called to testify against you).
Check his/her ethics history - should be publicly available at your state's judiciary website.
Ask who else in the area is good? Who would he/she go to if wrongfully charged with a crime? If they are reluctant to share other names or seem offended that you're shopping around, that's major points off. They should freely tell you who else is good -- who they would go to. Be upfront that you're shopping around. Run other names by him/her; see what they say (but tell him/her that you won't repeat whatever they say - you want honest appraisals that won't be repeated by you).
Ask for a retainer agreement and read it carefully. Not just while sitting there; take it home and study it. Is it a flat fee (in whole or part)? Discuss the fees in detail and understand what you're getting into. Again, don't think more expensive is better - there is a "going rate" in your community; you want upper end of it, but avoid "it's more expensive so it's better."
Do they have email? How often do they check it and answer it?
Commit to yourself that you'll talk to at least 3-4 attorneys before picking one. Can't assign "points" to each category, it's not that scientific, but take copious notes and think hard on it. Don't just go with your gut on the first guy / gal you meet - no matter what. Even if you're paying a consult fee, the decision is just too damned important. The same offense, with the same evidence, in the same state ... the difference in pleas (or the sentence if no plea) is mind-boggling. One guy gets 6 months for the same thing that another gets 5 years...and another gets probation for. It is all about the lawyer.
...... and, for God's sake....... keep your mouth shut about the case. More people end up convicted as a result of running his/her mouth than as a result of any other evidence. Your priest, your doctor, your shrink, maybe your spouse, otherwise STFU about it.
You want a former prosecutor who handled the same kind of case you're charged with (for example, if you're charged with homicide, you don't need a former prosecutor who handled Vice Squad cases).
Do they know - by name without checking - the cops involved? Ever cross examined him/her?
Do they know who will be prosecuting it? Do they know the person, personally?
Don't - do NOT - be taken in by a shiny suit. Do NOT operate on the assumption that "if it costs more, it must be the best" -- obviously, you're not looking for the cheapest out there, either, but don't be scammed by "it costs more so it must be better." How many cases has he/she handled?
Has he/she ever represented a cop? The cops know who the good ones are.
Google the person. No one will have 100% positive rating, but keep your eyes open - see what's generally said. Spend at least 1/2 an hour seeing what's out there on the person.
When Googling, aside from whatever else might be out there -- see whether he/she advertises a specialty in criminal law. You do *NOT* want the guy/gal who advertises "personal injury ... divorce ... real estate ... criminal cases .... civil defense ... construction law ... contracts and......." No way. One, maybe two specialties if they intersect (for example, maybe divorce and immigration since a situation might come up needing both areas of law in one case).
Is he/she political? Running for office ever? Judgeship someday?
Take notes. Write it down. Go with a friend (spouse or minister would be best - they can't be called to testify against you).
Check his/her ethics history - should be publicly available at your state's judiciary website.
Ask who else in the area is good? Who would he/she go to if wrongfully charged with a crime? If they are reluctant to share other names or seem offended that you're shopping around, that's major points off. They should freely tell you who else is good -- who they would go to. Be upfront that you're shopping around. Run other names by him/her; see what they say (but tell him/her that you won't repeat whatever they say - you want honest appraisals that won't be repeated by you).
Ask for a retainer agreement and read it carefully. Not just while sitting there; take it home and study it. Is it a flat fee (in whole or part)? Discuss the fees in detail and understand what you're getting into. Again, don't think more expensive is better - there is a "going rate" in your community; you want upper end of it, but avoid "it's more expensive so it's better."
Do they have email? How often do they check it and answer it?
Commit to yourself that you'll talk to at least 3-4 attorneys before picking one. Can't assign "points" to each category, it's not that scientific, but take copious notes and think hard on it. Don't just go with your gut on the first guy / gal you meet - no matter what. Even if you're paying a consult fee, the decision is just too damned important. The same offense, with the same evidence, in the same state ... the difference in pleas (or the sentence if no plea) is mind-boggling. One guy gets 6 months for the same thing that another gets 5 years...and another gets probation for. It is all about the lawyer.
...... and, for God's sake....... keep your mouth shut about the case. More people end up convicted as a result of running his/her mouth than as a result of any other evidence. Your priest, your doctor, your shrink, maybe your spouse, otherwise STFU about it.
That's the person who works in a true "right hand" capacity and if you're an asshole to him or her, you can forget about anything like getting a note slipped to your lawyer while they're on the phone with someone else. They can't discuss strategy or legal theory, because that would be practicing law without a license, but they can tell you when and how you will next be contacted - and they can give the boss a call on his or her cell at odd hours if necessary for an "A" client - and you become an "A" client by doing as you're told, taking responsibility for your part in your case, and sending referrals. 