If you, a family member, or friend, has been arrested or is a suspect, or only a person of interest to the police, you need the best attorney you can find, immediately. Long Beach criminal attorney Matthew Kaestner has over 40 years of criminal law experience. He is a certified specialist in criminal law certified by State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. His practice is now limited to cases in Long Beach Court only.
For immediate access to an expert Long Beach criminal attorney, contact Mr. Kaestner directly at (562) 437-0200. His office adjacent to the Long Beach courthouse. To locate expert criminal defense in Long Beach Mr. Kaestner suggests that you take the following advice during your search for an attorney. As a certified specialist in criminal law, Long Beach criminal lawyer Matthew Kaestner suggests the following when you are looking for a Long Beach criminal attorney:
Number one, when contacting a prospective attorney, don't be afraid to ask questions and take notes. As you interview a prospective criminal attorney, ask direct questions, and demand straight answers. Get concrete information about his or her experience handling criminal cases, years of experience, experience handling the type of case involved, and about fees. Don't accept answers from a secretary or paralegal. Get answers directly from the criminal attorney who will be handling your case.
Number two, find an attorney who is a criminal law specialist. The California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization certifies only those criminal attorneys who can pass an extensive written examination, have extensive experience, and pass a peer review process. A specialist must be re-certified every 5 years. Re-certification requires a peer review process and proof of extensive education and experience in criminal law.
Number three, find a criminal attorney who has experience defending the type of case that he or sehe will be handling for you. Ask the attorney how many cases of the type you have (murder, three strikes, domestic violence, drugs) he or she has handled before, and whether any of those cases went to trial. Even if you want to avoid trial, it is critical that your attorney have extensive trial experience.
Number four, find a criminal attorney who practices in the courthouse where your case will be prosecuted. An attorney who is familiar with the judges, prosecutors and unique procedures of a particular courthouse is in a better position to achieve the best possible result. There may be Judges or prosecutors to be avoided on certain types of cases. Knowledge is power. Simply put, if you need a Long Beach criminal attorney, find a criminal attorney that handles cases regularly in Long Beach.
Number five, find a Long Beach criminal attorney who is willing to personally meet with the you and other decision makers prior to being hired. Only hire an attorney after you are satisfied that he or she has personally answered all the above questions to your satisfaction.
Number six, demand a written, clear, contract regarding fees. The State Bar requires that all fee agreements must be in writing for any fee expected to exceed $1000. The agreement should be clearly understandable. If the agreement is confusing or too complicated, you should consider having an independent attorney review the agreement or go to another attorney. Long and confusing fee agreements rarely benefit the client.
Further information regarding the hiring of a Long Beach criminal attorney can be found online. The State Bar of California's pamphlet entitled: "Finding the Right Lawyer" provides advice on finding a criminal attorney as well as other types of attorneys.
When you find yourself in immediate need of a Long Beach criminal attorney, contact Mr. Matthew Kaestner directly at (562) 437-0200. Mr. Kaestner's profile (read more), recent successes (read more), and practice area information (read more) can be found elsewhere on this site.
