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How to Choose the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in Brooklyn
How to Choose the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in Brooklyn
Finding the right criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. With so many options to choose from, selecting the best attorney in Brooklyn for your specific legal needs can feel overwhelming. This guide covers key factors to consider when researching and interviewing potential candidates so you can make an informed decision.
Determine Your Legal Needs
The first step is identifying the specifics of your criminal charges and your objectives for legal representation. Important considerations include:
- The severity of the alleged crime (felony, misdemeanor, etc.)
- The complexity of your case
- Your budget for legal fees and costs
- Whether your goal is to fight the charges at trial or seek a plea deal
Having clarity around these details will help you find criminal lawyers with suitable expertise and fee structures.
Research Brooklyn Criminal Defense Firms
Once you understand your legal priorities, start researching criminal law practices in Brooklyn. Good places to look include:
- Brooklyn subreddit – Read reviews and recommendations from locals
- Quora posts – Check out answers from real people about top local firms
- Avvo – Browse profiles and ratings for Brooklyn criminal lawyers
- Google searches – Look for law firm websites detailing experience with your type of criminal case
As you research, make a list of a few potential lawyers or law firms to inquire with further.
Verify Licenses and Disciplinary History
Before proceeding too far with any criminal attorney, take time to verify their legal qualifications. Two important checks are:
- Confirming they have an active license to practice law in New York through the NY State Unified Court System
- Checking if they have any disciplinary history with the Attorney Grievance Committee
This due diligence ensures you avoid unqualified or unethical attorneys.
Compare Experience Levels
Next, take a closer look at the background of your shortlist of lawyers. Key indicators of strong expertise with Brooklyn criminal defense include:
- 10+ years handling similar cases
- Experience as a former Brooklyn prosecutor
- High rate of charges dismissed or favorable plea bargains for past clients
- Membership in Brooklyn or NY criminal defense lawyer associations
Less experienced attorneys can still provide capable representation in many cases. However, complex felonies generally demand the depth of knowledge of a seasoned Brooklyn criminal lawyer.
Understand Fees and Payment Options
The cost structure of attorneys varies widely, so be sure to understand your options. Common fee arrangements include:
- Hourly – You pay an agreed hourly rate for time the lawyer works on your case
- Flat fee – The lawyer charges a fixed total fee to handle specific aspects of your defense
- Contingency – Attorney is paid a percentage of any settlement you win
- Pro bono – In rare cases, lawyers provide services for free to clients in need
Many attorneys require an upfront retainer fee from which they bill work against as your case proceeds. Be clear on the lawyer’s payment terms so you can budget accordingly.
Interview Prospective Attorneys
Before committing, schedule introductory calls or meetings with lawyers still under consideration to address outstanding questions such as:
- How much of your case would the attorney handle directly vs. assign to associates or paralegals?
- What is their assessment of the prosecution’s case and probability of conviction?
- What specific experience do they have with similar cases and the judge/prosecutor assigned?
- What defense strategies do they generally employ for charges like yours?
Gauge whether you establish an open rapport and trust their approach to defending you. The right criminal lawyer for you may become apparent through this process.
Check References
Before formally retaining any Brooklyn criminal defense attorney, request 2-3 references to past clients with comparable charges to yours. When speaking to references, key questions to ask include:
- Were you satisfied with the representation and expertise of the lawyer and their team?
- How responsive were they throughout the duration of your case?
- What was the outcome of your case compared to initial expectations set by the lawyer?
Candid feedback from former clients can reveal strengths and weaknesses difficult to gauge otherwise. If an attorney hesitates to provide references, reconsider whether they are truly the best fit for you.
Trust Your Gut
With research complete, reflect on which lawyer made you feel most assured they would fight relentlessly for your best interests. While no attorney can guarantee a particular outcome, you deserve responsive counsel from an experienced Brooklyn criminal lawyer you trust. If your gut tells you an attorney is not the right match, keep looking until you find one who is.
Finding the best criminal defense lawyer in Brooklyn demands time and diligent research. But the stakes could not be higher for your freedom, finances, and future. Evaluating candidates thoroughly better positions you for the best possible result in your case.
Resources
For more information, check out the following additional resources: