For over 20 years our team of Van Nuys criminal attorneys has represented clients in a wide variety of cases ranging from simple DUIs/misdemeanors to murder trials and defending other serious charges that have been highly publicized, and because of that we thought it would be helpful to share this blog post with insights/tips on how to find the best criminal attorney in Van Nuys or anywhere else in the country.
Below are a variety of things to keep in mind along with questions you should feel comfortable asking a criminal attorney/firm you’re looking to hire:
How long have you been practicing criminal law and in what cities/courthouses?
This question is important in two ways: An attorney fresh out of law school may be the smartest person ever, but they just don’t have the real-world experience handling thousands of cases to truly/analytically understand the big picture and ultimately the solutions for the issue(s) at hand.
Additionally, imagine being a substitute teacher where you’re called in for the day, know nothing about the student/teacher dynamic, their names, behaviors, etc. yet have to create a unique learning experience for that day alone. Now think about how that relates to criminal attorneys appearing at courthouses they’ve never been to before, don’t know the judges and how they typically rule, and the list goes on.
The last thing you want is to hire a criminal attorney for a case in Van Nuys and they’ve never appeared there before, don’t know where to park, and ultimately won’t provide you with the best defense possible.
How familiar is your criminal defense firm with the Van Nuys court including the judges and prosecutors?
This ties into the above where if you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in Van Nuys and need an attorney to help, find one that has experience in the community while also being a part of it. Our managing partner has deep roots in the San Fernando Valley, not just Van Nuys, and that expertise helps clients in a variety of ways.
Based on the charges and similar cases in the past, what’s your track record?
As the old saying goes, “don’t tell me what you’re going to do, show me what you’ve done,” and that’s one of the best questions potential clients can ask criminal defense lawyers before deciding to gamble your life (or someone you love) by putting everything in their hands.
Additionally, in ways education matters – our managing partner Garret Weinrieb received his law degree from UCLA – though where he shines is the results afterwards from winning a variety of criminal trials to handling thousands of criminal cases across all practice areas (assault, domestic violence, murder, sex crimes and more). The proof is in the pudding/results; not only the education.
Hopefully the above information helps… if you want to learn more we offer free consultations and are only a call away: (818) 888-2711