There are many attributes of criminal defense lawyers that could affect a case, including the person’s standing in the profession, the person’s ethics, and how the person has interacted with opposing counsel, judges, and other people germane to the cases the person has taken on. Since your criminal defense attorney has such an impact on your case and future, it’s important to put in the research and choose wisely.
Experience
Sure, a “wunderkind” can be brilliant and have a keen insight into the process, but without experience regarding judges, how juries respond to certain things, or even how to interact with others who help build a case strategy, that person may not be the best choice to represent you. Nothing teaches like experience, and when your future and/or life are on the line, then you’ll need someone who knows what’s what.
Legal Specialization
In some states, lawyers can actually specialize in a certain aspect of law. It’s not legal for a lawyer to claim to be either an expert or a specialist unless that person has the requisite criteria that have been bestowed by the relevant authorities. If lawyers say, “I focus on such and such,” then that’s one thing. But, if the person says, “I’m an expert,” then you should demand to see the person’s qualifications on that score.
Other Credentials
It’s perfectly fine for you to research the person you seek to represent you. Is the person involved in scholarly activities? Has the person been published? Does the person act as chair for committees, legal associations, or other legal entities? Where has the person been admitted to the bar? Finding out as much as you can is just plain wise.
Ethics
Part of your research should also be to look through disciplinary actions of the relevant bar associations to see if the lawyer you plan to select has had any. Was the lawyer ever censured or otherwise disciplined? What were the reasons? Has the person ever been suspended from practice? All of these are relevant questions.
Peer Ratings
While client testimonials are useful, it’s generally better to see how lawyers’ peers rate them. There are quite a few such rating organizations, and you can read those ratings while researching your chosen lawyer. Sometimes, the people who do such peer ratings are judges, and these can be the most useful evaluations in your quest to find the right lawyer to represent you.
Your Measure of the Person
Most lawyers offer a free consultation. Sometimes, these are 30 minutes. Other times, they could be longer. This can sort of be an “audition” where you get to ask questions about both the veracity of your case and the person’s opinion about your prospects. You’ll also be able to judge how the person communicates and how well you “gel” with the person. Remember, you have the final say, so use the time in such a free consultation wisely.
Remember, your future is at stake if you need a criminal defense lawyer. Lawyers who are on the up-and-up will never shy away from questions or communicate in anything other than a clear and direct manner.