CRIMINAL DEFENSE

About

"A lawyer is like a good pair of shoes; when the fit is wrong, every step of your long walk will be painful; if the fit is right, the long walk isn't quite as hard."

When you or someone you know is charged with a crime, selecting the right lawyer for the case can be the hardest of all your decisions. Issues of ability, price, and experience are all important. Equally important, however, is the lawyer's attitude and your relationship with him or her.

Many criminal defense attorneys not only handle routine cases but some concentrate in a particular area of defense. Getting one that concentrates on a specific crime is nearly impossible. If you find a lawyer who is willing to put in sufficient time to learn about your case and your defense, you will do fine.

Public defenders are reserved for people who do not have the money to hire a private lawyer. In order to qualify for the services of a public defender, you must complete a financial declaration and the judge must approve the application. If your loved one is in custody and unable to post bail, the judge will customarily appoint the public defender. Even then, you may still wish to hire a private attorney. Public defenders have limited time to work on your case given their schedule and are often unable to give you or your family members the attention you may wish. Many public defenders try to juggle over two hundred cases. They are good lawyers, passionate about their jobs and have the best intentions. However, they are overwhelmed by the sheer number of clients they must represent each day.

Also, when facing criminal charges, this is not the time to hire your third cousin who once won a speeding ticket case for a family member or the lawyer friend who had previously settled your car accident case. At a time when you may suffer a criminal record, loss of employment, a huge fine, suspension of your driver's license and possible jail or state prison, you need someone who knows exactly what he or she is doing.
Don't be fooled by advertising slogans, bland marketing promises or cute catch phrases. The best test is to meet the lawyer and decide if you have confidence in his or her skills and feel comfortable with their analysis of your case. The attorney should be able to discuss how he will proceed and what he will hope to do. You should also discuss law office communications and what ancillary services he thinks you will need such as an investigator or an expert witness.

Criminal defense lawyers will always charge by the hour or by a flat fee. Most lawyers will accept a down payment with the balance paid on an agreed schedule. Rates can be competitive so it may be to your benefit to shop around. However, criminal defense lawyers with substantial experience and a good reputation are going to charge more. Be very suspicious of attorneys who tell you they will handle your case for a fraction of the cost other attorneys have quoted you. No decent attorney will fight to the end for $500!

Price should never be the selling point for choosing an attorney.

Good attorneys are busy. However, no matter the attorney's schedule, you should expect to be kept informed and to be treated courteously and professionally at all times.

CALL FOR A FREE INITIAL EVALUATION OF YOUR CASE. MORE THAN 35 YEARS OF CRIMINAL DEFENSE EXPERIENCE.

PETER MININSOHN
Law Office of Peter J. Mininsohn
P.O. Box 1426
Huntington Beach, CA 92647