How to Find a Criminal Lawyer's Case History
Having the right criminal defense attorney on your side can make a big difference in the way your case get resolve. You can find a criminal defense lawyer by asking people you know, but this is not the most effective approach. The best approach is to research before you make a selection.
Materials
- Online access
- Telephone
- Transportation
- Look online to see if you can find information about the attorney you want to handle your case. Visit your courthouse criminal division and look for cases that the attorney worked on to find out the outcome of the case. Call the courthouse first to find out the requirements to review this information before you drive there and there is a problem.
- Find out the guidelines to obtain an open records file at the courthouse or public defender's office. Public defenders have to follow the open record guidelines in your state, and provide you with information on cases that they defend. If you think it is necessary, you can also request the attorney performance review as well. These same guidelines are applicable for court appointed attorneys as well.
- Contact your local bar association to obtain the attorney record. Check if your state attorney bar association has a website and if you can obtain the information you need there. The bar association will have information regarding complaints filed as well as any disciplinary actions taken. Consider any complaints in its entirety before you dismiss an attorney.
- Ask your family, friends and coworkers for information on criminal lawyers. They may have experienced a problem in the past and sought assistance from a criminal lawyer. Some people will not voluntarily give you this information because they may be embarrassed but if you approach them with your issue they may give you information. Ask people in your inner circle as a last resort.