Your selection of the appropriate criminal defense attorney can make the difference in your experience involving the criminal justice process. Below is a list, not necessarily comprehensive, but a good starting point, highlighting important issues to consider when choosing a criminal defense attorney.
An important consideration in finding the right attorney is researching the attorneys who work in the court in which your case is set. While many attorneys claim to be specialists in a particular courthouse, a more substantive analysis may reveal otherwise. Ask specific questions about the number of cases that attorney handles in this particular courthouse.
Any search for a local attorney should include evaluation of business "Review" websites. These sites gather reviews from past clients of various businesses, to assist people in the process of business selection. Some examples of "Review" services include, Google, Insiderpages, Yelp, Local.com, Kudzu, and Yellowbot, to name a few.
Another good source for recommendations is the local chamber of commerce. Businesses which are truly connected to the community are typically members of local business organizations.
A thorough discussion with a prospective criminal defense attorney may reveal whether he or she is the correct choice for you. If the attorney seems more concerned with collecting payment from you than representing you, i.e., asking for your credit card number one minute into the first conversation, you may want to look elsewhere for your attorney.
Will your attorney be the one handling the case in court, or will they outsource your case to a brand new attorney, or an attorney you have never met or chosen?
Is the attorney available to answer important phone messages? If you are having trouble reaching an attorney before you retain his or her services, you probably won't have much luck reaching him or her after you have paid your fees and started with the case representation.
Will your attorney make efforts prior to court to help resolve your case, or will he or she wait until the first day of court to start work on your case?
Make your selection wisely, and do not be afraid to ask any question which you believe is relevant.