How does one go about picking a lawyer for a self defense situation?

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LocoGringo

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I was reading a different thread and someone asked the question, "how many of you have actually pre-selected a defense lawyer?", or something close to that. That raises a good question for me which is, how does one go about picking a self defense lawyer? Once the situation has already happened, presumably, you're not going to be in a good state of mind for picking a lawyer. I honestly have no idea how to select a lawyer, much less a "good" one, but it seems like it would be a great idea to have that already done before anything bad happens. I'm not plugged into the local legal community, so I have no experience in picking a lawyer. The worst situation I face is a speeding ticket. It's especially important to me since my job requires a security clearance and that can be ruined a number of ways. With so many law offices out there, how do you narrow down the field? How do you determine a "good" lawyer?

We consistently say "call a lawyer", but have you seen how many there are? As with any career, not all lawyers are created equal. Some are smarter, more savvy or clever and know the law better than others. This seems like it could be a big decision and a big step in remaining out of jail/prison.

I don't know anyone who has faced a local self-defense situation to ask what they did, so, how do you pre-select a local lawyer for a possible, future self-defense situation?
 
Look for an attorney that has a good reputation as a "criminal defense lawyer" - and expect to pay more than you can afford... As I write this - I don't have one at all and wouldn't begin to look for one unless I'm jammed up and facing charges... that's my truth...

A few years back I needed a referral to one for a family member that was not living in my area and went through quite a routine before settling on the one I paid for... Not fun, but I'm happy to say I picked one that did a great job with the facts at hand... but that situation was relatively minor and the family member had never been in trouble before at all.
 
Yes, there are a metric ton of us out there, and some are definitely better than others. Some outstanding estate planners with personalities about as pleasant as overripe gourds. Others are great appellate lawyers who have no business standing in front of a jury. And some, of course, really are good trial lawyers.

For a speeding ticket, you really just need someone who can keep it off your record. For a SD shooting, you'll need someone well-versed in criminal law and firearms law (on both federal and state levels). So I'll offer some handy hints:

1. Call a lawyer you know and ask for recommendations. That will start to develop the "long list" that you can narrow down later.

2. Go to the courthouse and talk to the bailiffs. Especially the ones in courts that handle a lot of criminal cases. They hear all the rumors and watch a lot of trials. Plus, they're "normal people" (unlike us lawyers), so they can give you a normal person's perspective on how well a particular lawyer has done at trial. They will almost certainly tell you that they "can't give legal advice," and "can't recommend a lawyer," but they know who has impressed them at trial.

3. Once you get the list narrowed down, set and appointment and go get a consult. Some will do it for free. Some will charge a nominal fee. They'll either have some quick answers to questions about SD/guns/CC, or they won't. You'll know fairly quickly if that lawyer is someone you want. IMHO, it's worth it to have someone on retainer that you already know and feel comfortable with.

Good luck.
 
CoalCrackerAl said:
I belong to US law shield. If i would need them. I hope they send a good one. At least Pa is a stand your ground state.
Click to expand...
Yes, I agree with CoalCrackerAl. I opped for CCWSafe also hoping they will have the expertise that I lack in providing a strong defense should I need it.
An individual trying to find a truly knowledgeable firearms defense lawyer is IMO is pretty difficult especally in time of a crisis.
 

ACLDN

armedcitizensnetwork.org armedcitizensnetwork.org

The ACLDN, if you join, has lists of lawyers by area. At least, someone on this list might know something about gun issues. I would worry if a lawyer didn't have some technical expertise on the guns and gun related issues. I know these folks and respect them.
 
I have a local lawyer on retainer. I am considering joining one of the groups mentioned above. Some are available 24/7. If you have a local attorney, be sure someone you know well has the contact information and will pick up the phone at 2 am on Saturday morning. Your one call from county jail to your lawyer in the middle of the night may go to an answering machine and not be heard until 8 am on Monday.
 
Coyote3855 said:
I have a local lawyer on retainer.
Click to expand...
What kind?

Not every attorney, not every experienced trial attorney, and not even every criminal defense attorney, is qualified fo take a legal defense of self defense to trial and prevail. It's not just a matter of knowing the law. The defense team must understand very intimately how a use of force incident can unfold.

Have you watched the video linked in Post #7?
 
The NRA used to have a source by state for such recommendations. Though they seem to be in need of a different lawyer themselves nowadays.
 
Kleanbore said:
It's not just a matter of knowing the law. The defense team must understand very intimately how a use of force incident can unfold.
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This is absolutely true, which makes me curious. If the defendant is knowledgeable in use of force, trained even, can the defendant aid in their defense, or is the defendant relegated to sitting quietly aside and allowing the defense team (assuming more than 1) to "just do their job"?

As an example, if I were a defendant, could I also, as a former Coast Guard Boarding Officer at a Tactical Law Enforcement Unit (attending boarding team member school-2 weeks, and boarding officer school-6 weeks) and current Security Police Officer (both jobs are trained in the use of force), help in advising the defense lawyer?
 
LocoGringo said:
This is absolutely true, which makes me curious. If the defendant is knowledgeable in use of force, trained even, can the defendant aid in their defense, or is the defendant relegated to sitting quietly aside and allowing the defense team (assuming more than 1) to "just do their job"?

As an example, if I were a defendant, could I also, as a former Coast Guard Boarding Officer at a Tactical Law Enforcement Unit (attending boarding team member school-2 weeks, and boarding officer school-6 weeks) and current Security Police Officer (both jobs are trained in the use of force), help in advising the defense lawyer?
Click to expand...
The defendant's role in assisting in his or her defense should happen well in advance of trial. If I were defending a SD case with a client trained in various uses of force, you'd better believe we'd have several long discussions about that before trial. That way, at trial, the defendant can (hopefully) just sit there and let me do my job.
 
Kleanbore said:
What kind?

Not every attorney, not every experienced trial attorney, and not even every criminal defense attorney, is qualified fo take a legal defense of self defense to trial and prevail. It's not just a matter of knowing the law. The defense team must understand very intimately how a use of force incident can unfold.

Have you watched the video linked in Post #7?
Click to expand...
The best kind. One I selected very carefully based his reputation in firearms related issues, his knowledge of the firearms laws in my state, his personal credentials. That kind. He is no ambulance chaser. You are correct. Not every lawyer is appropriate for self defense criminal or civil litigation. I'm convinced mine is. YMMV. That said, I'm considering one of the self defense insurance programs understanding they are not really "insurance." But they do offer expert witnesses. Do you have a recommendation based on your personal experience? Yes, I watched the video
 
Coyote3855 said:
The best kind. One I selected very carefully based his reputation in firearms related issues, his knowledge of the firearms laws in my state, his personal credentials.
Click to expand...
Do not confuse firearms laws with use of force laws or with laws of self defense.

The latter encompass the justified use of MMA, golf clubs, bats, and crowbars for self defense. The former address the possession and carry of firearms and things like shooting them near structures.

I asked attorneys in my area, got some names, interviewed some candidates, and--found none. I would rely on CCW Safe to find and assign a good team.
 
Spats McGee said:
Yes, there are a metric ton of us out there, and some are definitely better than others. Some outstanding estate planners with personalities about as pleasant as overripe gourds. Others are great appellate lawyers who have no business standing in front of a jury. And some, of course, really are good trial lawyers.

For a speeding ticket, you really just need someone who can keep it off your record. For a SD shooting, you'll need someone well-versed in criminal law and firearms law (on both federal and state levels). So I'll offer some handy hints:

1. Call a lawyer you know and ask for recommendations. That will start to develop the "long list" that you can narrow down later.

2. Go to the courthouse and talk to the bailiffs. Especially the ones in courts that handle a lot of criminal cases. They hear all the rumors and watch a lot of trials. Plus, they're "normal people" (unlike us lawyers), so they can give you a normal person's perspective on how well a particular lawyer has done at trial. They will almost certainly tell you that they "can't give legal advice," and "can't recommend a lawyer," but they know who has impressed them at trial.

3. Once you get the list narrowed down, set and appointment and go get a consult. Some will do it for free. Some will charge a nominal fee. They'll either have some quick answers to questions about SD/guns/CC, or they won't. You'll know fairly quickly if that lawyer is someone you want. IMHO, it's worth it to have someone on retainer that you already know and feel comfortable with.

Good luck.
Click to expand...
+1
 
Spats McGee said:
The defendant's role in assisting in his or her defense should happen well in advance of trial. If I were defending a SD case with a client trained in various uses of force, you'd better believe we'd have several long discussions about that before trial. That way, at trial, the defendant can (hopefully) just sit there and let me do my job.
Click to expand...
And involve your retained expert and investigator whose been running down witness, getting statements, etc. These cases almost always involve witnesses to the escalation and event in question.
 
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