How to Select a Criminal Defense Lawyer Who is Right for You

One of the advantages to lawyer's marketing on the Internet and in the phone books, it that consumers have access to information. Obviously, one of the disadvantages is the asymetry of information: The lawyer has more information and knows how to use it to land a case.

The best phone book ad doesn’t guarantee the best lawyer. For example, a lawyer may have a big, flashy ad that says “DUI Only!” yet that lawyer may not be a criminal law specialist. In fact, there is no specialty in DUI recognized by the Florida Bar Association or the Florida Supreme Court! The only two specialties in criminal law are criminal trial law and criminal appellate law.

Select a lawyer by asking questions before you go to the lawyer’s office. A handy checklist is provided.

Most lawyers in the criminal defense field provide free initial consultations. The free initial consultation has two purposes: 1) explain what a lawyer can do for you, and; 2) what the fee would be if you and the lawyer agree to representation.

Desperate lawyers will offer low money down payment plans, cheap fees and cheap service. The best best criminal defense attorneys are lawyers who will expect their fee up front, they will charge more, and they will have the time to provide the best service. Most importantly, they can answer the questions on the checklist with a ‘yes,’ not an excuse.

Checklist for Hiring A Criminal Defense Lawyer

• Are you certified by the Florida Bar Association and the Florida Supreme Court as a specialist in criminal law?
• Does your law firm focus on criminal law exclusively?
• Have you handled at least a thousand or more criminal cases?
• Are you a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers?
• Are you a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers?
• Are you a member of your local Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers?
• Do other lawyers call you when they have questions about criminal law?
• Are you a “Lone Ranger” or do you have a defense team?
• Have you ever led a defense team?
• Have you handled cases like mine in the past?
• Have you had trials in cases like mine in the past?
• Have you practiced law for more than ten years?
• Have you won any cases that have been reported in the Southern Second Edition Case Reporter?
• Are you qualified to handle capital death penalty cases?
• Have you ever won a capital case?
• Have you ever won any motions to dismiss?
• Have you ever won any motions to suppress?
• Have you ever won any judge trials?
• Have you ever won any jury trials?

Now, some of these won't apply in every case: If you or your loved one has been charged with Burglary, then this Checklist for Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer can be modified to suit your needs.