How to Check Credentials and Qualifications of NYC Criminal Lawyers

How to Check Credentials and Qualifications of NYC Criminal Lawyers

Verify Licensure and Standing with the New York Bar

The first thing to check is whether the lawyer is licensed to practice law in New York. All attorneys must be admitted to the New York State Bar, which is administered by the New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA). Go to the OCA attorney search website and enter the lawyer’s name to find their registration status and year admitted.

Active attorneys will be listed as “Currently Registered.” Be sure to use the official OCA search, not the New York State Bar Association’s directory. The NYSBA is a voluntary membership organization and not responsible for licensing.

Attorneys must also be in good standing with no pending disciplinary actions. Call the NYSBA at (800) 342-3661 to request a Certificate of Good Standing, or check the Attorney Discipline decisions database.

Verify Experience and Focus Area

Once you’ve confirmed licensure, take a close look at the lawyer’s background and experience handling cases similar to yours.

• How long have they been practicing criminal law? Look for at least 5-10 years of experience for a felony case.
• Do they focus solely on criminal defense or take on many different areas of law? Specialization is key – you want an attorney who eats, sleeps and breathes criminal law.
• Check their case results and client testimonials. Be wary of lawyers who make outlandish claims of winning every case. Honest reviews from past clients can help you gauge their real-world performance.
• Search news articles and press releases to see if the lawyer has handled high-profile criminal cases before. This demonstrates their expertise in building strong defense strategies under public scrutiny.
• Make sure the lawyer has extensive experience specifically within the New York court system. The rules and procedures vary widely from state to state.

Research Their Education and Certifications

A strong educational background and advanced certifications indicate a lawyer’s commitment to ongoing learning and development:

• Confirm they have a Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA accredited law school. Graduating from an unaccredited “diploma mill” is a red flag.
• Ask if they pursued any criminal law concentrations, clinics or externships while in law school. This early exposure is invaluable.
• Look for membership in NY criminal defense organizations like the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NYSACDL) or National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL).
• See if they have earned certifications like “Certified Criminal Trial Advocate” from the National Board of Trial Advocacy. While optional, these show a higher level of trial skills and knowledge.

Meet and Interview Potential Attorneys

Once you’ve vetted candidates on paper, set up in-person consultations with at least 2-3 lawyers before deciding. This lets you assess their communication skills and compatibility. Come prepared with questions:

• How many cases like mine have you taken to trial in the past 5 years? What were the outcomes?
• What defense strategies do you think apply to my case? How might you negotiate with the prosecutor?
• What are the risks if I go to trial vs take a plea deal?
• What are your fees and billing practices? Get a written fee agreement upfront.
• Who handles most of the work – you or junior associates? Make sure the lawyer you meet with will actually be working on your case.
• Listen to their answers and take note of how well they listen to you in return. Do they take time to learn the details or seem rushed?

Trust your gut – you need an attorney you can develop rapport with and feel comfortable confiding in. Don’t commit on the spot, but let them know when you expect to make a decision.

Ask Judges, Prosecutors and Other Lawyers

Tap into the “inside scoop” on an attorney’s reputation and abilities by discreetly asking around the local legal community:

• Consult other criminal defense lawyers you trust. They’ll have firsthand insight into an attorney’s skills in court. But take any competitive criticism with a grain of salt.
• Carefully ask prosecutors about lawyers you’re considering. They know who puts up the strongest fight in court. But don’t share any details of your case.
• Court clerks see lawyers in action daily. Ask for their impressions of an attorney’s demeanor and track record. But know they likely can’t make outright recommendations.
• Connect privately with judges, perhaps citing a “hypothetical situation.” Judges pay close attention to the lawyers appearing before them.

Research Disciplinary History

Even experienced attorneys sometimes have disciplinary issues arise, so it’s wise to check for any past sanctions or malpractice claims:

• Call your local bar association and ask if any complaints have been filed against the lawyer. Complaints alone don’t tell the whole story, but patterns of misconduct are a red flag.
• Search the attorney’s name in the ABA National Lawyer Regulatory Data Bank. It tracks disciplinary actions nationwide.
• Look up the attorney on Avvo and Lawyers.com, which include client reviews and disciplinary records.
• Search online for any news stories about disciplinary sanctions against the lawyer. But take sensational accusations with a grain of salt.
• Ask the lawyer directly if they have ever been disciplined. Most will address it openly if the issue has been resolved.

Trust Your Instincts

Finding the right criminal lawyer is a mix of research and gut feel. Don’t ignore red flags just because a lawyer looks good “on paper.” And don’t settle out of desperation – taking time to vet options carefully leads to the best outcome. Meet with multiple attorneys before deciding, and don’t be shy about questioning credentials. Your future is on the line.

With diligence and patience, you can find an NYC criminal attorney who is not only technically qualified but also the right fit. Having a lawyer you trust by your side provides invaluable peace of mind when facing criminal charges.