The United States Constitution grants important rights to any person accused of a crime including due process, the right to a fair and speedy trial, the right to representation by counsel, the right to remain silent and to be free of unreasonable searches and seizures.
When choosing a criminal defense attorney in California, consider the lawyer's training, experience, ratings and reviews. Attorneys that practice within the criminal justice system tend to focus on certain types of cases in either state or federal court.
Most criminal defense attorneys provide a free consultation to discuss the facts of your case and defenses that might apply. Before you decide on which attorney to hire, meet with several different attorneys in their office to discuss the case and the attorney fees required for representation.
Once you decide which attorney to hire, make sure you and the attorney sign a written fee agreement or contract that describes the attorney fees required at each stage of the case including during pre-trial negotiations, motion hearings and a bench or jury trial.
A criminal defense lawyer in California should fight to protect the rights of his or her client in a criminal case against felony or misdemeanor charges... Read more »
CBLS Board Certification in Criminal Law - The California Board of Legal Specialization certifies lawyers as specialists in criminal law. Attorney must show substantial experience, completion of specific task requirements, pass an examination, submit to peer review, and show completion of continuing education requirements in criminal law.
NBLSC Certification in Criminal Trial Advocacy - The National Board of Legal Specialty Certification is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) to certify attorneys as specialists in criminal trial advocacy.
Founded in 1958, NACDL is the largest organization for criminal defense lawyers fighting to preserve fairness within America's criminal justice system. The organization has more than 10,000 direct members including criminal defense attorneys in private practice, public defenders in state or federal court, U.S. military defense counsel, law professors and judges.
CACJ works to preserve due process and defend the rights of the accused while providing quality continuing legal education courses to criminal defense lawyers in the State of California.
San Gabriel Valley Lawyer Referral Service - The Lawyer Referral Service is a community based non-profit service affiliated with the San Gabriel Valley Bar Association, the Pasadena Bar Association, and the Eastern Bar Association of LA County. With offices in Covina, CA, this service has more than 100 participating attorneys serving clients in San Marino, San Gabriel Valley and Pomona Valley.