The Right Versus Wrong Way To Hire A Criminal Defense Attorney
Putting your future into the hands of a criminal defense attorney isn't easy when woes with the law mount. After all, how can anyone represent you in a time of crisis better than yourself? It's because you are in a crisis that you need to hire an attorney to help guide you through your legal options.
Everyone would like to be their own attorney, but that's hardly wise given how complicated the legal system has become. You will need to save your acumen for selecting a criminal defense attorney that is best for you.
The wrong way to hire an attorney is to leave it merely to chance or family connections. Thumbing through the phone book or a quick Internet search could be a starting point, but more research will be needed.
You may have a lawyer in the family or know a friend who has a lawyer in the family, but don't merely take their word the lawyer is right for you and your case. On the other hand, it doesn't hurt to ask friends or family about criminal defense lawyers they know. But remember, it could be just another starting point in your search to find out more information about a lawyer you want to hire.
Bar associations throughout the country are established to uphold professional standards for their member lawyers and for the public they serve. The State Bar of California gives the following general recommendations on ways to hire an attorney:
Attorney public records: Check an attorney's official bar membership record (address, phone number, discipline history, etc.) on the State Bar's Web site.
Recommendations: Friends, co-workers, employers and even other lawyers can often offer recommendations. Business people or professionals such as bankers, ministers, doctors, social workers and teachers are also good sources.
Certified lawyer referral services: Look in the Yellow Pages of the local telephone directory for a list of State Bar-certified lawyer referral services. In addition, check the listings at the beginning of the "Attorneys" listings, or contact the local bar association. A list of certified lawyer referral services can be found on the State Bar's Web site.
Certified Legal Specialists: The State Bar maintains a list of attorneys who are certified specialists in particular areas of law. A list of Certified Legal Specialists can be found on the State Bar's Web site.
Prepaid legal services plans: Generally, premiums paid entitle clients to a certain amount of a lawyer's time or to the services of a lawyer at a reduced rate.
Advertisements: Telephone book Yellow Pages and newspaper advertisements may provide information about a specific lawyer. Some lawyers and law firms advertise on the Internet. The same laws governing advertising in print, radio, TV and other media apply to the Internet. In addition, sometimes lawyers join together and advertise their services as a group.
Many criminal defense lawyers and law firms maintain Web sites where they list their areas of expertise, professional background and memberships to the bar and other legal associations. Some criminal defense lawyers have sat in both prosecution and defense chairs, giving them a well-rounded perspective in trying a case.
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