Choosing a lawyer in any case is an important decision which must be taken with great care.  In a criminal case, the stakes  are even higher, as a criminal conviction or record can have lifelong consequences for any defendant.

Some things to ask yourself when choosing a criminal lawyer are:

1)      Have you reviewed the prospective attorney's qualifications?  Most attorneys should have a website which discusses the attorney's education, background, and qualifications.  If none is listed, you should proceed with caution.  At the very least, ask the attorney either in person or on the phone about his experience.  Remember this very important advice:  Any attorney who promises you a guaranteed outcome in a criminal case before taking it on should be avoided.  It is my opinion that it is simply not acceptable to promise a potential client an outcome.  Obviously an attorney's job is to evaluate a case and provide an opinion as to possible outcomes, but a guaranteed positive outcome is something that is almost impossible to predict from the outset.  There are simply too many factors involved in a criminal case, most notably what unknown evidence that the government may have against you as it prepares its case.  Make sure your attorney seems honest and straightforward with you before proceeding.

2)      Did the criminal lawyer meet with you and explain the criminal law pertaining to your charges and ask questions?  Did he explain the court process to you?  During the initial consultation, it is very helpful if the attorney explains as much as he or she can about your situation and about what happens next in your case.  The criminal justice system can be very confusing.  Simply knowing what happens next can ease a great deal of apprehension.

3)      Do you have a full understanding of what the fees will be?  Attorney's fees are understandably one of client's biggest concerns.  There should always have a retainer or fee agreement between the attorney and you, and you should always read it carefully before signing.  Many criminal attorneys operate on flat fee arrangements, so make sure you check to see who is responsible for any additional costs or if there are additional fees for a trial or other hearings.

4)      Most importantly, are you comfortable around your lawyer?  Sometimes one's gut reaction is indeed the best.  No one is saying that you have to be in love with your attorney, but you certainly should have a comfortable feeling after speaking to him.  Listen to your instincts.  At the end of the day it is your life that is at stake.