First, let's discuss some of the things you should look for in a Federal criminal defense attorney:
Experience, experience, experience. Nothing matches experience. You want to hire a lawyer who's been there, done that. To be sure, we're just not talking about how long he has been a lawyer or even a criminal lawyer. The important question is how long has he been practicing as a federal criminal defense attorney.
You want a lawyer who will treat you like an intelligent person. That means he will explain the process and the law and how they apply to your case. He will discuss and explain to you the charges, the possible defenses, and the sentencing guidelines that apply to you. Your lawyer will fully explain all of the options available to you and give you an honest assessment of these. He will provide you a copy of all your documents including the pleadings filed in your case and a copy of any correspondence he sends or receives. Your attorney should keep you informed of the progress of the case and any developments as they occur.
You want a lawyer who respects you. He will provide you all of the information you need to make an informed decision. Your attorney will not make the decision for you although he might give you the benefit of his counsel and advise. But the major decisions of the case -- whether to reach an agreement or go to trial, for example -- he will leave to you after having given you all of the information you need along with an objective assessment of the possible consequences.
You want a lawyer who cares about you. He will keep in touch with you. He will keep you and your family fully informed. He will listen to you and follow up on your suggestions. Your lawyer will protect you and keep your confidences. He will fight hard for you and back you up. Finally, your attorney will abide by your decisions and give it his all regardless of whether or not he agrees with your decisions.
You want a lawyer who is dedicated and professional. He will devote his best efforts to your case. His only interest will be in obtaining the best result possible for you. Your attorney will be loyal to you and you only. He will stay up to date on the law and will constantly strive to become a better attorney. He will fully research any issues which may apply to your case and use the latest technology to do so.
Now let's look at some of the things you should avoid in an attorney.
You don't want an attorney who does not regularly practice in Federal court. Let him learn the ropes with someone else.
You don't want an attorney who makes promises he can't keep. If an attorney promises you a certain result run for the hills. The fact is, there are too many factors which affect the result of a case and your lawyer can't control many of them.
You don't want an attorney who's loyalty lies elsewhere. Just like a dog can't have two masters, an attorney should not answer to two people. This situation usually happens when someone else pays your attorney's fees. As long as everybody understands this then there is no problem.
You don't want an attorney who brags about never having lost a case.
You don't want an attorney who says he is aggressive. Unfortunately, a lot of times what this means is that he is obnoxious. Judges don't like him. Cops hate him. Prosecutors despise him. If you think this is a good state of affairs hire the nut. Regardless of whether you decide to go to trial or cut a deal having a lawyer who is hated by everybody will not help.
You don't want an attorney who talks down to you or tells you to leave everything to him. Information and able counsel is what you need. Condescension you can do without.
