Meeting with a Lawyer
Being arrested on a California domestic abuse charge can be one of the most frightening and overwhelming experiences an individual may ever have. Hiring the right attorney can help ease some of that anxiety as he or she can guide the accused through the criminal court process with experience and compassion. That being said, not all lawyers are created equal and it can be a daunting task to find the best representation. Here are some tips on how to make that decision easier during an obviously difficult time.
Try to get referrals from friends, family or associates. People who have experience dealing with a particular attorney or firm are the best resources. Local bar associations are also helpful as they can provide a list of local attorneys who specialize in criminal defense law. In addition, Internet searches are useful tools. Individuals can look at various attorney and firm websites to gain valuable insight as to what types of lawyers are out there. Random phone book or television advertisements should be avoided, as useful information cannot be reliably assessed from these sources.
Once the accused has a potential list of attorneys, he or she should contact the attorneys to set up consultations. Consultations can be either face-to-face at the attorney’s office or over the phone. Whether conducted in person or over the telephone, one of the most important things that a defendant should look for during a consultation is a feeling of trust.
Sharing the details of an intimate partner abuse incident can be a very emotional experience, which is why establishing trust is so important. The only way that a criminal defense lawyer can effectively represent his or her client is if the client discloses all facts and allows the attorney to decipher their importance and relevance. Honesty on the part of the client is crucial and, without it, that client’s defense is in severe jeopardy. It should be noted that even when an individual interviews a lawyer and does not ultimately hire him or her, that attorney still has an obligation to keep the entire conversation confidential.
The accused should have a list of questions to ask the lawyer and should also be prepared to answer a series of questions from the lawyer. The accused may want to ask questions about the attorney’s education and training, about his or her success rate with respect to similar domestic violence charges, and about how he or she keeps current with the law and cutting-edge trial strategies. It is crucial to hire a lawyer who has experience with California domestic abuse cases and laws. The attorneys from The Kavinoky Law Firm all receive extensive training and keep up-to-date on current criminal defense issues. They have successfully defended countless intimate partner domestic violence charges with integrity and skill.
A good lawyer wants to help a potential client understand the criminal process. He or she should make the individual feel that there is no such thing as a “stupid” question and should respond to all questions by giving meaningful answers. The tone and the extent in which the attorney answers the questions can be very telling about his or her knowledge on the subject. Additionally, a qualified attorney should ask the potential client very specific questions about the case and the events that took place prior to the accused’s arrest. He or she should also ask questions relating to the details about the arrest itself. If the attorney isn’t asking questions about the case, chances are that he or she is not serious about providing representation.
The bottom line is that an attorney should be honest, trustworthy, understanding and knowledgeable. The attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm exemplify those traits and take pride in exceeding client expectations. When things are at their worst, the attorneys of The Kavinoky Law Firm are at their best! Click here for a free consultation.
