Mistake #1: Using the Public Defender
Public defenders are smart, honorable people who work hard for their clients. Unfortunately, they are always overworked and underpaid. Public Defender Offices were mandated by law to represent those people who do not have enough money to hire a private attorney. Therefore, public defenders are constantly juggling an enormous case load and work long hours. It is very difficult for them to give each case the amount of attention that a private criminal defense attorney is able to give. If the family can afford an excellent private attorney, it is absolutely worth the cost. A criminal conviction, especially a felony, can haunt the defendant for the rest of their life. Hiring an experienced private criminal attorney will almost always benefit the person in jail.
Mistake #2: Hiring an Attorney from the Yellow Pages Instead of a Website
Most excellent criminal attorneys will have a professional looking website. Because the yellow pages will tell you very little about an attorney, it’s best not to waste your time here. A website will give you pages of information about the attorney, including their education, experience, and professional background.
You can also check the California State Bar website at www.calbar.ca.gov to make sure the attorney you are considering has a clean track record. Beware of an attorney who has been disciplined by the State Bar.
Mistake #3: Hiring an Attorney Who Does Not Specialize in Criminal Defense
When searching the web, first look for an attorney who specializes in criminal defense. If the attorney practices criminal defense, personal injury, and bankruptcy law, don’t bother calling him or her. Criminal cases are serious and the law changes every day. You should hire someone who knows the nuances of criminal law and practices criminal defense on a daily basis.
Mistake #4: Hiring an Inexperienced Attorney
You want an attorney with at least ten years experience in criminal defense, the more experience the better. An attorney who has practiced at least ten years should have many jury trials under his/her belt and probably has developed a friendly and professional relationship with the judges and prosecutors. This isn’t the time to hire a newer attorney who may charge a lower fee; let them gain their experience on someone else’s case.
Mistake #5: Hiring a Former Prosecutor
You want an attorney who has always been a criminal defense attorney. Some prosecutors quit the District Attorney’s office and become defense attorneys because they get passed over for promotions or they don’t get along with their boss. Others switch to the defense side to make more money. But can you really trust them to passionately and aggressively defend? How can they intellectually and emotionally switch from being a hardnosed prosecutor bent on sending people to prison and then miraculously transform themselves into an aggressive defense attorney? It isn’t possible. Stick with a dedicated criminal defense attorney who has made a career or helping people stay out of jail and prison.
Mistake #6: Hiring an Attorney who Rarely Goes to Trial
You want an attorney who goes to trial often. Trial attorneys are hands down the most respected attorneys in the courthouse. They are esteemed because they are knowledgeable about the law, they are fearless, they are persuasive speakers, they have the ability to think quickly and react well to curve balls, and they are very hard workers. Because of the respect they have earned, they get the best deals and best results for their clients.
Mistake #7: Not Hiring a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law
An excellent way to find a top notch attorney is to go to the California State Bar website and look for a Certified Specialist in criminal law in the county where the defendant’s case is being prosecuted.
Only the most well-trained and experienced criminal defense lawyers become Certified Specialists. A Certified Specialist has taken and passed a grueling written examination in criminal law, has demonstrated over the years a high level of experience in criminal law, and has taken a great number of advanced courses to stay on top of their profession and keep current with constantly changing developments in the law. Additionally, these attorneys must have received excellent reviews by Superior Court Judges and other attorneys who are very familiar with their work.
Mistake #8: Not Hiring a Big City Attorney
The best attorneys usually gravitate toward big cities. Generally speaking, attorneys that practice in big cities have handled a wider variety of criminal cases and have gone up against tougher opposition than those in rural or suburban settings. If there is a big city within driving distance of the county where the defendant is being prosecuted, it is worthwhile to speak to a Certified Specialist in that city.
