1. Jury trial experience – One of the most important things in deciding on a criminal defense lawyer is whether they have jury trial experience. Jury trial experience is the single most important factor for determining a criminal defense lawyer’s competence. Let’s say that you are looking for the best plea bargain and do not want to try your case before a jury. A good lawyer who isn’t afraid to take on the system will also be the best negotiator to obtain a great deal. The reason is that the prosecutor knows that his opponent is capable and willing to conduct a jury trial if plea negotiations fall through. Criminal Defense Lawyers who regularly conduct jury trials are more respected opponents for prosecutors. Accordingly, they tend to receive better offers during the plea bargain process. Prosecutors know that if a lawyer isn’t willing to try a case, he is stuck with a deal they will offer. Therefore, it is important to ask a criminal defense lawyer when they conducted their last jury trial.

2. Experience – It is important for your criminal defense lawyer to have experience in number of years and in the county in which you are charged. You should always ask the number of years a lawyer has practiced in a particular county. It is not important that they have an office in that particular county. A lot of criminal defense lawyers practice in various surrounding counties near their office. Therefore, you should always ask the length of time that they have been practicing criminal defense as well as their respective case load in the relevant county.

3. Personality and Demeanor – It is also important that your San Francisco criminal lawyer has the appropriate personality to defend your case. Your criminal defense attorney should understand you and your defense so that he or she can be your voice in a courtroom. In a courtroom, where you are the accused defendant you will have limited opportunity to speak yourself. Therefore, if your defense attorney doesn’t understand your position or doesn’t connect with you she cannot represent you in the most effective manner. There are many additional factors that may be helpful to you when choosing a criminal defense lawyer. For example: It may be beneficial for a male defendant to have a female criminal defense attorney if the alleged victim in a case is a female or a child. The reason being that a female criminal defense attorney may be able to better conduct cross examination of the alleged victim without alienating the jury. In sum, you need to find a defense attorney who understands your defense and suits your personal style so that she may convey your message in the most effective way. Additionally, your defense attorney should have the appropriate demeanor and personality that she can work with prosecutors, judges and court staff.

The Walia Law Firm has won numerous motions, dismissals and acquittals for its clients in charges involving Domestic Violence, DUI/DWI Drunk Driving, Hit & Run, Narcotics and Weapons cases.

Do you need a Criminal Defense Attorney log on to Harjot "Ginny" Walia’s site WaliaLawFirm, also find best advice on San Francisco Criminal lawyer for you.