Criminal Defense law is one of our primary areas of focus in CA. We have extensive experience in fighting for and ensuring our clients' freedom from wrongful conviction, incarceration and harmful public perceptions in and around Rancho, Cucamonga, CA. In order to make an informed decision about your criminal defense team, you need to know what to look for.

Looking to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney? What You Need to Know:

ONLY hire a Criminal Defense Attorney who's there for you

Think back to the first time you called or otherwise contacted a lawyer to discuss your case. How easy was that process? Did you have to leave a message after message? Or, did your questions get answered fairly quickly? This is a good indicator of the level of communication you can expect in the future. If your initial contact with either a lawyer or legal assistant went well, you can expect reasonably good outcomes.

If it went poorly, contact another law office. You should also find out whether you'll be able to communicate with your attorney by e-mail. An efficient criminal defense law firm will provide you with e-mail addresses and phone numbers for each lawyer working on your case. You should also be told who to contact after business hours and over the weekend should an emergency arise.

ONLY hire a Criminal Defense Attorney who's curious, informed and realistic

The best criminal defense attorneys, like those at The Law Firm of James D. Madden, are curious and well informed. They are interested in hearing what you have to say about the events which led to your case, your background and witnesses who support your position. They will ask you to state your case in your own words, fill them in on your social history and tell them who's willing to speak up on your behalf.

In criminal defense, knowing the detailed facts of your case and background helps an attorney properly present that information to the court and before the prosecution. DO NOT hire a lawyer who keeps you from become actively involved in your own defense or minimize your need to provide this information. Similarly, you should never hire a law firm that makes guarantees or voices unrealistic expectations about the outcome of your criminal case.

In fact, the California State Bar Association FORBIDS lawyers from guaranteeing results in any case. You have every right to be frightened or upset by the prospect of going to jail, losing your job or facing other serious consequences, but reputable defense lawyers are sensitive to those issues. They help you understand what you're up against without making outrageous claims or giving you false hope related to jail time, dismissal of your case, etc.

ONLY hire a Criminal Defense Attorney who's willing to discuss fees upfront

It is critical that you receive, review and sign a written contract before entering into a professional relationship with a criminal defense attorney or law firm in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. It's important to note that the California State Bar Association REQUIRES lawyers to provide clients with written retainer agreements which clearly outline the terms of your contractual relationship. DO NOT sign an agreement with a criminal defense lawyer who would be unwilling to provide you with a copy of that agreement once it's signed by both you and them.