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Thread: Finding an attorney?

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    Senior Member coco34's Avatar
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    Default Finding an attorney?

    How does one go about finding a good defense attorney? I've never dealt with any kind of legal issues before and I'm at a loss. My family knows attorneys, but I'm not in that city right now and it would cost so much to have the attorney travel to me. I'm terrified right now. I've been looking up ways online, but it hasn't been a lot of help.

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    Banned Melonie's Avatar
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    Default Re: Finding an attorney?

    there are typically two basic factors to consider ...

    - the attorney must have experience in the type of law you actually need ... in your case criminal trial law ?

    - the attorney must have 'good ol boy' connections with the DA and judges in the jurisdiction where your legal problem must be handled

  3. #3
    Senior Member coco34's Avatar
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    Default Re: Finding an attorney?

    Thanks for responding, Melonie.

    Yeah, I suppose so...it's for a DUI. It's first offense, but there is an "aggravated factor" which automatically doubles the punishment in my state. I'm most likely going back to jail unless I find a good lawyer.

    How do people do this? Just by knowing people? I don't want a random lawyer from the phone book, there's so many crooked ones.

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    Default Re: Finding an attorney?

    either by knowing people, or, ask a local bailbondsman. they usually know the local crim defense attorneys.

    DUI with aggravating factors might be tough though. I don't know what state you're in, but if it comes down to "stripper with DUI and aggravating factors", well, unless the attorney is a miracle worker, or you've got kids you need to be home for or something along those lines, you might be in trouble.

    I agree you should not just randomly pick one out of the yellow pages, lol.

    Another option is go to the court house, sit in on the open crim arraignments and see who seems sharp. Then, when they are leaving, politely go up to them and ask if they can recommend someone.

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    Default Re: Finding an attorney?


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    Default Re: Finding an attorney?

    You definitely want to approach the local bar association and get a referral from them. Do not ask a bondsman or someone else who may be taking commissions to refer to particular defense attorneys. The law society is impartial and also handles dicipline issues so they will not send you to a crook. You will ask for the local lawyer referral service, which all bar societies have.

    You can also ask the law society to refer you to a specialist, which in most jurisdictions means someone who is certified in a particular practice area based on years of experience and continuing education about the evolving laws.

    There is a huge range of talent, from excellent defense lawyers - to those who practically sleep through court then rush off to the bank with your cheque.

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    Senior Member coco34's Avatar
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    Default Re: Finding an attorney?

    Thank you so much for the advice, and the link. I'm looking up the bar association now.

    Edit: Ahh, of course my county's website would be under construction and has no information on it! There's a number posted on it to call, though.

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    Default Re: Finding an attorney?

    Try calling the number. There will probably be someone there that can help you. Good luck!

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    God/dess Zofia's Avatar
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    Default Re: Finding an attorney?

    You don't say what state you are in. But, the general rule is attorneys defend innocent people differently than guilty ones.

    If you are guilty, and just looking for the best deal, go with the local good old boy who is buddy buddy with the traffic court prosecutor.

    If you are innocent, go with the King of the DUI from the big city in the state where you are charged. For example, if you are in NC and innocent, call Joe Cheshire IV, Brad Brannon or Wade Smith. They are connected and they are fierce about defending the innocent. If you are charged with a DUI in Raleigh and are guilty, Cheshire, Brannon or Smith would be good because they are connected and know where the skeletons are. If you are in Durham, the guy to call is Wes Covington.

    HTH
    Z

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    Default Re: Finding an attorney?

    If you're in Texas, I have a great lawyer I would love to refer you to.

  13. #11
    Senior Member coco34's Avatar
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    Default Re: Finding an attorney?

    Quote Originally Posted by Zofia View Post
    You don't say what state you are in. But, the general rule is attorneys defend innocent people differently than guilty ones.
    I'm in Kentucky.

    I'm sorry, I don't mean to be dense, but I'm kind of confused about what you mean. I'm definitely pleading guilty, there's no way around it. Plus, I know what I did was horribly stupid and wrong. I'm prepared to accept the jail time, I just want to fight it because I know in my heart I learned my lesson.

    And I don't know any lawyers or any big names to contact...I'm beginning to feel pretty discouraged. I'm not directing this to any of you all - but how the hell am I supposed to 'know people' when I've never even had so much as a traffic ticket before! I know nobody in this city except for the people at my club.

    Edit: Nevermind. Spoke to a lawyer. Thanks guys.
    Last edited by coco34; 01-25-2010 at 01:23 PM.

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    Default Re: Finding an attorney?

    I really hope you can work something out so that you don't have to go to jail. Good luck.

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