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 30 years of criminal law experience. He is a certified specialist in criminal law certified by State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. For immediate access to an expert Long Beach criminal attorney, contact Mr. Kaestner directly at (562) 437-0200. His office at Long Beach's World Trade Center is across the street from the old and new Long Beach Courthouses.
Whether you hire Mr. Kaestner, or another criminal attorney, Mr. Kaestner suggests that you take the following advice during your search for an attorney. [View video]
Number one, when contacting a prospective attorney, don't be afraid to ask questions and take notes. As you interview a prospective criminal attorney, even over the phone, don't be afraid to get to the point, ask direct questions, and expect straight forward answers. Don't allow the attorney to be vague about his experience handling criminal cases, years of experience, experience handling the type of case involved, or about fees. Don't accept answers from a secretary or paralegal. Get answers directly from the criminal attorney who would be handling the 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 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 may not want a 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 prosecutors and judges and the informal rules of a particular courthouse is in a better position to know how to maneuver the case to achieve the best possible outcome. There may be Judges or prosecutors who should be avoided on certain types of cases. Knowledge is power. This is especially true when it comes to knowing a courthouse. 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 client and other decision makers prior to being hired. Only hire the attorney after you are satisfied that he or she has personally answered all the above questions directly and 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: "How Can I Find and Hire 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.
