How do I find a reputable criminal attorney in Ft Lauderdale? How can I check on his records?

Question

I need to replace my friends attorney.(with his permission) I live in another state and have no idea how to check on lawyers to see if they are any good...the one my friend has know , turns out to be a bankruptcy lawyer and knows zip about criminal law or just doesn't give a hoot....either way, we need to replace him! How and where do I get backround info on lawyers?

Answer 1

Browney is right. First step is Martindale Hubbell

From there, however, I would suggest the following:

1. Select 10 attorneys from the list that you think would be good, and call them for brief phone interview. As for their experience in this area. Ask for rates (hourly and retainer). Ask them how many cases they have actually tried to verdict (very important - prosecutors know who they are, and they get better deals in most cases and, if there is not a good deal, they will actually be ready to try the case). Finally, ask EACH of these 10 to identify another attorney or two whom they would recommend if they were not selected.

2. Narrow the field down to 3-4. Then (this is absolutely essential) you go and interview them, in person, at their office. You will be asking many of the same questions, but it is important that you get a good "feel" for the attorney. HOW you feel is as important as WHAT he says at this point (you have, hopefully, narrowed the prospects down to 3-4.

3. Now, and this is important, you should ask about whether he works up cases, and how he uses his support staff. Ask him, also, how long he has had his current secretary and paralegal. This is actually more important than you think. The fact is, these support staff people do alot of work around the office, and regardless what he says, will be doing alot of work for the client. A red flag goes up if he has gone through a line of these people. If a paralegal or secretary has been with him for a long time, they will be loyal and dedicated. Support staffs save attorneys (and clients) far more than they screw up. A line of support staff would be a red flag - and I would try to avoid that firm.

You should ensure that the attorney taking the case will be the one working up the case and appearing at all conferences.

The deal is ... we are talking about prison. You cannot put a price on someone' freedom. But even if you could, you must take all steps to hire an appropriate attorney. If you are going to spend thousands of dollars on fees and investigation (another topic for interviews), you should spend a few days (and a few hundred dollars in travel expenses) to make sure you get the right lawyer for the client.

Finally, you can usually determine the number of complaints a criminal lawyer has had for conduct, and whether he has been disciplined, but these records are usually incomplete and misleading.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Go to Matindale Hubbard. It's a directory of lawyers everywhere in the US. You should look in the state, then under criminal law. If the lawyer has an AV rating in his/her listing then he/she is outstanding. I believe that the website is www.martindale.com.
You can also call the bar association of Florida and ask for a referral.
Alternatively, talk to people there. Word of mouth is often the best referral. People who have worked at the Public Defender's office or the US Attorney's or District Attorney's office make the best criminal lawyers.
Get on Google for all of that. Lawyers have websites!

Answer 3

The Broward County Bar Association (Ft. L's county) has a Legal Referral Service at 954-764-8040. Call them & tell them you need a criminal defense attorney. You can check the referred attorney out on the Florida Bar Web site: www.FlaBar.org

Answer 4

My name is Michael Dropkin and I live in Boca. I know of a good criminal attorney from my church, Calvary Chapel. I have no personal experience with hiring him but I've seen him speak, know him personally from a few years ago and have "heard" he knows what he is doing. His name is Tim Day. I did a search online for his name and phone number for you but didn't find anything.... you could try this:
Try our Online Lawyer Referral Service or call Lawyer Referral
1-800-342-8011.
and maybe they could help you back into his contact information. He was a kind of counselor to me at chuch for a time and if I was in trouble, I would look him up.
Hope this helps....
Michael [e-mail]

Answer 5

Criminal Records Search Database : http://www.SearchVerifyInfos.com/Info