Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney

Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney

Not Doing Thorough Research on Potential Attorneys

When looking for a criminal defense lawyer, you need to carefully research each candidate. Simply choosing the first attorney you find or going with a family friend may lead you to someone who lacks the right skills and experience.

Spend time looking into the background, credentials, and track record of any lawyer you’re considering. Look for reviews from their past clients to get insight into the quality of service they provide. Avoid attorneys with a pattern of negative feedback.

Hiring the First Attorney You Meet With

Don’t hire the very first lawyer you consult with unless you’ve done your research and they clearly are the best fit. Meet with several attorneys so you can make comparisons. Look for someone you feel comfortable with and who shows genuine concern for your case.

Ask questions to assess their knowledge and level of experience. Also consider whether their communication style meshes well with your needs. Taking time to find the right attorney is worth the effort.

Selecting Someone Without Relevant Courtroom Experience

Any criminal case could potentially go to trial, so your attorney needs to have strong courtroom skills. Avoid lawyers who spend most of their time on paperwork. Look for someone with firsthand experience arguing cases in front of judges and juries. This expertise can make a big difference.

Ask specifically about their courtroom experience. Have they taken many criminal trials to verdict? Do they have experience with the prosecutors and judges in your jurisdiction? The right answers help give confidence they can effectively argue your case.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Not Checking References and Reviews

Online reviews, testimonials, and references from past clients offer valuable insights into a lawyer’s skills and track record. Take time to research this information for any attorney you’re considering.

Look for consistent positive feedback on factors like communication, legal knowledge, case preparation, and fighting for their clients. Beware of attorneys with a pattern of bad reviews. This feedback can help you avoid a poor choice.

Hiring Someone Without Relevant Experience

A real estate or corporate lawyer simply won’t have the right skills to tackle a criminal case. It’s a unique and complex area of law. Look for attorneys who specialize specifically in criminal defense cases. They’ll understand how to navigate the system and protect your rights.

Ask about their specific experience handling cases like yours. Have they taken similar cases to trial before? Do they keep up with the latest criminal defense strategies and techniques? Their expertise and passion for criminal law matters.

Falling for Promises of Specific Outcomes

Avoid attorneys who make outright promises or guarantees about the outcome of your case. No lawyer can predict the future or promise you won’t go to jail or that charges will be dismissed. These types of promises are unethical.

A reliable attorney will give you an honest assessment of your options while explaining how they’ll fight for the most favorable outcomes. But beware if it sounds too good to be true. Stick to attorneys who make reasonable, realistic recommendations.

Not Getting a Written Agreement

Always get a written agreement detailing what the attorney will provide and what their fees will be. Understand exactly what is covered and any additional costs you may face.

Verbal promises often fall short, so look for a thorough contract describing their services. Having clear expectations upfront helps avoid misunderstandings and confusion. Don’t leave room for surprises.

Failing to Ask About Their Defense Strategy

A reliable criminal defense attorney should explain their planned strategies based on the details of your charges and circumstances. Their approach should be tailored specifically to mount the strongest case for you.

Ask how they plan to fight the charges and highlight your innocence. Make sure their strategy sounds reasonable and aggressive. Avoid attorneys who don’t articulate a clear path forward.

Not Asking About Their Availability

You need an attorney who will be available to answer your questions and address your concerns promptly. Before hiring someone, ask about their communication policies.

How quickly do they return calls and emails? Will they provide you with their cell phone number? Do they make themselves available outside regular business hours if needed? Their responsiveness matters.