Red Flags to Watch Out for When Hiring a Brooklyn Criminal Attorney

Red Flags to Watch Out for When Hiring a Brooklyn Criminal Attorney

Looking for a criminal defense lawyer in Brooklyn? Choosing the right attorney is super important. Your freedom and future could be on the line. You want someone who will fight for you.

But not all lawyers are created equal. Some of them just want your money and don’t care about your case. Others don’t have enough experience with serious criminal charges. And some won’t put in the hard work needed to build a strong defense.

So how do you find a great lawyer you can trust? Here are some red flags to watch out for when hiring a criminal attorney in Brooklyn.

They Won’t Meet You in Person

Big red flag! If a lawyer doesn’t want to sit down with you and discuss your case face-to-face, walk away. Your case is too important for just phone calls and emails. You need an attorney who will take the time to meet you in their office and get to know you and what happened. This shows they care and are willing to put in the effort.

Also, meeting in person builds trust. You gotta be able to look them in the eyes and feel like they have your back. Hard to do that over the phone!

They Make Guarantees

Some lawyers will promise you stuff like “I guarantee I can get your charges dropped completely!” or “You’ll never see a day in jail, I promise!”

Stay away from these folks. No ethical attorney will make bold guarantees like this, especially before they review the evidence and meet with the prosecutor. There’s just no way for them to know for sure what will happen. Any lawyer guaranteeing certain outcomes is just trying to get your money.

They Push You to Plead Guilty

Lots of less experienced lawyers just want to plead out all their cases. It’s faster and easier for them. But that might not be the best option for you!

A good attorney will examine your case closely, discuss defense strategies with you, and only recommend pleading guilty if it’s truly in your best interest. If they push you to take a plea deal right away, they probably just want to settle and move on.

They Don’t Have Much Trial Experience

If your case goes to trial, you want a lawyer who has been there before. Ask up front how many criminal trials they’ve handled in Brooklyn. If it’s only a handful, or zero, cross them off your list.

An experienced trial lawyer knows how to argue before judges and juries. They understand all the rules and procedures. They won’t be intimidated in the courtroom. And they can anticipate what the prosecution will do. Their expertise can make a huge difference at trial!

They Won’t Get Back to You

Pay attention to how long it takes for them to respond when you call or email. If it takes days to hear back – or you never hear back at all – keep looking! You need an attorney who is responsive and available to talk about your important case.

Slow responses could mean they are disorganized, overwhelmed with too many clients, or just don’t care. Look for someone who gets back to you within a day.

They Badmouth Judges and Prosecutors

Some lawyers think being aggressive and confrontational is the way to win. They’ll talk about how stupid the judge is or how they plan to destroy the prosecutor.

In reality, that antagonistic approach often backfires. The best criminal defense attorneys have productive working relationships with judges and prosecutors. They’re courteous and strategic. If your lawyer is insulting people, it’s a bad sign.

You Feel Pressured to Hire Them

Beware of lawyers who push you to hire them right away before you’ve compared options. Some use hard-sell tactics and tell you that you need to decide fast or you’ll miss out.

A good attorney will give you time to think, offer referrals to other lawyers for second opinions, and let you make the decision on your own timeline. Don’t let anyone pressure you into something you aren’t sure about.

They Won’t Discuss Fees Transparently

Make sure to ask up front about their fees, billing practices, and payment options. Get fee estimates in writing. A lawyer who avoids answering direct questions about fees or changes rates unexpectedly is bad news.

Good criminal defense attorneys are open about what they charge and work with your budget. If there’s any shadiness around fees, take that as a warning sign to look elsewhere.

They Don’t Have Malpractice Insurance

Believe it or not, some lawyers in Brooklyn don’t carry malpractice insurance. That means if they screw up your case, you can’t sue them for damages. Don’t take that risk! Ask if they have active malpractice coverage. If not, hire someone who does.

They Aren’t Familiar with Brooklyn Courts

Every courthouse has its own unique personalities and procedures. Make sure your lawyer regularly practices criminal law in Brooklyn and is familiar with the judges, prosecutors, and court staff. This insider knowledge can help them navigate the system.

Someone who primarily works in other boroughs won’t have the same connections and familiarity. Hire a local.

What If None of the Lawyers Feel Right?

If you meet with some attorneys but just don’t feel confident in any of them, don’t settle. Keep looking until you find someone you connect with and can trust completely.

You want a lawyer who will be in your corner no matter what. Never hire someone you have doubts about. The stakes are too high.

With the right criminal defense lawyer, you’ll feel heard, understood, and like you are their top priority. Don’t stop searching until you find that person. The extra time will be worth it.

Facing criminal charges in Brooklyn? You need a great lawyer on your side. Watch out for these red flags when choosing one. Finding the right attorney can make all the difference in getting the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t leave your future to chance – hire a criminal defense lawyer you can believe in.

Sources:

The Importance of an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

Kings County Criminal Bar Association Referral Service

How to Choose the Right Criminal Defense Attorney

Tips for Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer