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Choosing a defense attorney....
First, let's discuss some of the things you should look for
in a Federal criminal defense attorney:
 | Experience, experience, experience. Nothing matches
experience. You want to hire a lawyer who's been
there, done that. To be sure, we're just not talking
about how long he has been a lawyer or even a criminal
lawyer. The important question is how long has he been
practicing as a federal criminal defense attorney.
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| You want a lawyer who will treat you like an intelligent
person. That means he will explain the process and the
law and how they apply to your case. He will discuss
and explain to you the charges, the possible defenses, and
the sentencing guidelines that apply to you. Your
lawyer will
fully explain all of the options available to you and give
you an honest assessment of these. He will provide you a
copy of all your documents including the pleadings filed in
your case and a copy of any correspondence he sends or
receives. Your attorney should keep you informed of the progress of
the case and any developments as they occur.
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| You want a lawyer who respects you. He will provide
you all of the information you need to make an informed
decision. Your attorney will not make the decision for you
although he might give you the benefit of his counsel and
advise. But the major decisions of the case -- whether
to reach an agreement or go to trial, for example -- he will
leave to you after having given you all of the information
you need along with an objective assessment of the possible
consequences.
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| You want a lawyer who cares about you. He will keep
in touch with you. He will keep you and your family
fully informed. He will listen to you and follow up on
your suggestions. Your lawyer will protect you and keep your
confidences. He will fight hard for you and back you
up. Finally, your attorney will abide by your decisions and give it his
all regardless of whether or not he agrees with your
decisions.
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| You want a lawyer who is dedicated and professional.
He will devote his best efforts to your case. His only
interest will be in obtaining the best result possible for
you. Your attorney will be loyal to you and you only. He
will stay up to date on the law and will constantly strive
to become a better attorney. He will fully research any
issues which may apply to your case and use the latest
technology to do so. |
Now let's look at some of the things you should avoid in an
attorney.
| You don't want an attorney who does not regularly practice
in Federal court. Let him learn the ropes with someone
else.
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| You don't want an attorney who makes promises he can't
keep. If an attorney promises you a certain result run
for the hills. The fact is, there are too many factors
which affect the result of a case and your lawyer can't
control many of them.
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| You don't want an attorney who's loyalty lies
elsewhere. Just like a dog can't have two masters,
an attorney should not answer to two people. This situation
usually happens when someone else pays your attorney's
fees. Regardless of who pays me my loyalty and my only
interest is in my client. As long as everybody
understands this then there is no problem.
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| You don't want an attorney who brags about never having
lost a case. Need I say more?
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| You don't want an attorney who says he is aggressive.
Unfortunately, a lot of times what this means is that he is
obnoxious. Judges don't like him. Cops hate him.
Prosecutors despise him. If you think this is a good
state of affairs hire the nut. Regardless of whether you decide to go to trial or cut a
deal having a lawyer who is hated by everybody will not
help.
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| You don't want an attorney who talks down to you or tells
you to leave everything to him. Information and able
counsel is what you need. Condescension you can do
without.
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