How to Check the Background of a Criminal Defense Attorney in NYC

How to Check the Background of a Criminal Defense Attorney in NYC

If you or a loved one have been charged with a crime in New York City, having the right criminal defense attorney on your side can make all the difference. A good criminal lawyer has the knowledge and experience to build the strongest possible defense for your case. But how do you know which NYC criminal defense attorney is right for you?

One of the most important things you can do is thoroughly research and vet any lawyer you might hire. Checking credentials, qualifications, background and reputation allows you to find someone truly skilled in criminal law. Here’s how to investigate the background of any criminal defense attorney in New York City before bringing them onto your legal team:

Verify Licenses and Standing with the New York Bar Association

The first thing to look into is whether the lawyer is licensed to practice law in New York state. Every practicing attorney in NYC should be registered with the New York State Unified Court System. You can easily verify this by searching the Attorney Directory on the NYS Office of Court Administration website. This allows you to see if an attorney is currently registered and in good standing with the New York Bar.

Being in good standing means they don’t have any disciplinary issues, suspensions or sanctions that could affect their ability to take on new cases. You definitely want to avoid any lawyer who was previously disbarred or had their license revoked at any point. Checking the Attorney Directory only takes a few minutes and is a quick way to weed out any lawyers not suitable to represent you.

Research Their Background and Credentials

In addition to being licensed, you’ll want to dig into the lawyer’s overall background, education and experience:

• Where did they go to law school?
• How long have they been practicing criminal defense law?
• Do they focus exclusively on criminal cases or also take other legal matters?
• How many cases have they handled similar to yours?
• What is their general strategy or approach when defending clients in criminal cases?

Look for online biographies, LinkedIn profiles, or background summaries on their law firm website. Many criminal defense lawyers highlight their specific experience defending DUI, theft, assault or drug possession charges. Focus on attorneys who specialize in your type of criminal case.

Review Ratings and Reviews From Former Clients

One of the best ways to evaluate a NYC criminal defense lawyer is to see feedback from those they’ve represented. Most lawyers have client testimonials and reviews on their websites or profiles. Look for consistent themes touching on their legal expertise, communication skills, attentiveness, and results. Google, Yelp and Avvo are other places to find client reviews.

Pay attention to both the number of reviews and the overall star rating. Someone with a 4.8 rating across 200+ reviews likely has far more satisfied customers than a lawyer with only 2 reviews. However, beware of lawyers who only show positive feedback. No attorney wins every case, so authentic reviews will include some negative at times.

Reach Out to the Attorney Directly

Before officially hiring a criminal defense lawyer, set up a consultation to meet them and ask questions in person. This is the best way to get a sense of how well you may work together. Some key questions to ask during a consultation include:

• How many cases like mine have you taken on in the past year?
• What will your specific strategy be for building my legal defense?
• What are the potential outcomes you’d aim for in my case?
• How frequently can I expect updates during your representation?
• What are your rates and fee structure?

Pay attention to how clearly the lawyer communicates during your conversation. Their responsiveness and willingness to answer all your questions also gives clues into how attentive they’ll be as your representative. Never feel rushed into making a hiring decision before getting all your questions addressed.

Ask Around for Referrals From Legal Professionals

Speaking with other legal professionals can provide insider perspective into a lawyer’s abilities that online searches won’t necessarily show. If you know any NYC prosecutors, judges or fellow criminal defense attorneys, ask them for referrals to someone highly respected and successful. Referrals from the legal community are often one of the best ways to identify truly distinguished lawyers.

You can also call the NYC Bar Association lawyer referral service at (212) 626-7373 to get connected with attorneys based on specialty and geography. Let them know you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer for an active case. They may recommend several practitioners worth interviewing and investigating further.

Choose Someone Within Your Budget

The cost of a criminal defense lawyer can vary greatly depending on experience level and case complexity. Top attorneys in NYC often charge $500 or more per hour. Less experienced lawyers may charge $200-$300. Rates can add up quickly for lengthy trials and cases requiring significant research and preparation.

During your initial consultation, get quotes from the lawyer for total estimated fees based on your specific criminal charges. Make sure your budget aligns with their rates before establishing an official retainer agreement. If needed, see if they offer payment plans or are open to negotiating fees.

Watch for Warning Signs

In your due diligence, be alert to any red flags that indicate an attorney might not provide strong representation:

• They are evasive or won’t give straight answers about credentials, fees or strategy
• They make unrealistic promises by guaranteeing certain case outcomes
• They pressure you to pay high retainers before fully assessing your case
• They have a disciplinary history of license suspensions, sanctions or malpractice

Trust your gut instincts during interactions. Even if a lawyer looks good on paper, move on if something feels off during your communications or consultation.

Compare Multiple Candidates

Rather than selecting the first lawyer you come across, use the above steps to evaluate at least 2-3 candidates. Comparing background, experience and client feedback allows you to make the most informed decision. Develop a shortlist of top choices before deciding on the best criminal defense attorney for your needs.

Having an advocate you can trust by your side makes all the difference when facing criminal prosecution in New York City. Do your homework upfront to find the right lawyer – it can help lead to the strongest defense and best possible legal outcome.

References

New York State Unified Court System Attorney Directory

Rosenblum Law Firm

Avvo Criminal Defense Lawyers New York NY

NYC Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service