| Question #1: How much experience do you have | | | | organization whose membership is limited to attorneys |
| specifically in the field of criminal law? | | | | who have obtained settlements or judgments of $1 |
| Some lawyers accept just about any case that | | | | million or more. |
| comes their way, and then they find another attorney | | | | Question #4: Will you handle my case or will you |
| to handle it in return for some of the money | | | | assign the case to an assistant? |
| recovered. You'll get better results with an attorney | | | | Some law firms use senior lawyers to bring in cases |
| whose only focus is on criminal law. | | | | and then assign the cases to assistants. You want an |
| A criminal lawyer with extensive experience will | | | | experienced criminal law lawyer handling your case. |
| understand how to aggressively represent you in and | | | | Question #5: What are the fees for using your |
| out of state and federal court rooms. In addition, you'll | | | | services? |
| likely get an accurate estimate for the length of your | | | | Your attorney should be upfront about the merits of |
| case and its strong and weak points. | | | | your case and fee. During your initial consultation, you |
| Question #2: What are your qualifications? | | | | should find out what your case will cost. A flat fee |
| You'll want to find a criminal law lawyer who is | | | | agreement will ensure there are no hidden charges. |
| licensed to practice before state and federal courts | | | | Question #6: (Ask yourself this final question.): Do you |
| within your state, as well as the United States Court of | | | | trust the lawyer? |
| Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. | | | | Find out what reputation your lawyer has with clients |
| Question #3: What professional associations do you | | | | and the legal community. In addition, make sure your |
| belong to? | | | | lawyer takes significant time to listen to you carefully, |
| Involvement with professional associations helps | | | | take notes and read your file thoroughly. Let your |
| demonstrate a lawyer's commitment to the legal | | | | lawyer show you that he truly cares about the |
| system. Some favorable associations include the | | | | outcome of your case. |
| National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, | | | | Resource Box |
| American Bar Association and Association of Trial | | | | Â |
| Lawyers of America. Also, look for attorneys who are | | | | Frederick D. Paoletti, Jr. is the founding principal of |
| members of the trial lawyers and bar associations | | | | Paoletti & Gusmano Attorneys at Law, a criminal |
| from your state. | | | | defense and personal injury firm located in Bridgeport, |
| You may also want to seek out lawyers who are | | | | Connecticut. |
| members of the Million Dollar Advocate Forum, an | | | | |