How to find a qualified criminal defense attorney

In order to find a qualified Criminal Defense Attorney you should do a little research. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Were you referred to the attorney by a trusted source? If a friend or co-worker recommends them, chances are there is a good reason.
2. Does the attorney have any bar complaints? You can look up any attorney on the Florida Bar Website. If they have serious complaints or issues they will be listed on the site.
3. Ask the attorney if they have experience with your type of case. Some attorneys practice in many different areas. They may have a family law practice and pick up the occasional criminal case but advertise themselves to be a criminal defense lawyer. Ask any potential attorney what percentage of their practice is devoted to criminal cases. If a large part of the practice is devoted to criminal law, ask if they have experience with your particular charge. Some attorneys only handle misdemeanors. Some criminal attorneys only handle traffic offenses, some only serious felonies such as rape. Asking questions will help you determine if the attorney you are considering will be qualified to handle your case.
4. Ask how many cases they have taken to trial. If the attorney isn’t willing to try a case before a jury, they are not qualified to take your case. The decision to go to trial or not is always yours. If the attorney will not follow your case all the way through they are not the attorney for you.
5. Did you get there name from a group or association? There are specialized groups such as the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys that attorneys can join. These groups usually have meetings and classes to keep an attorney up to date on changes in the law. If the attorney you are considering is associated with a group such as this it can be an indication of their dedication to their practice.

These are just some of the factors you can consider. If the attorney makes you feel comfortable and answers your questions it is a good indication that they are the attorney for you