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Finding a Long Beach Criminal Lawyer

A close friend or family member is in jail or just bailed out. You need the best lawyer you can find, immediately. Long Beach criminal lawyer Matt Kaestner has 25 years of experience handling criminal cases. Mr. Kaestner is a certified criminal law specialist, certified by the Board of Legal Specialization of the California State Bar. For immediate answers from an expert Long Beach criminal lawyer, Mr. Kaestner can be contacted directly at (562) 437-0200. His office is conveniently located within blocks of the Long Beach courthouse.

When looking to retain a Long Beach criminal lawyer, Mr. Kaestner recommends that you carefully evaluate any attorney you consider hiring as follows: Play video »

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First, when you call a prospective lawyer, don't be timid. Ask the questions you want answered and take notes. When interviewing a prospective criminal lawyer, even telephonically, don't hesitate to ask direct questions, and expect straight forward answers. Don't let the lawyer be unclear about his or her experience handling criminal cases, years practicing criminal law, experience handling the type of case you have, or about costs. Also, an interview with a secretary or paralegal should not be acceptable. Make sure to speak directly to the criminal lawyer who will be going to court on the case.

Second, find a lawyer who specializes in criminal defense. The Board of Legal Specialization of the California State Bar certifies only criminal lawyers who have passed an extensive written test, demonstrate a high level of experience, and pass a peer review process. A re-certification process must be completed every 5 years. Re-certification requires proof of extensive education in criminal law, an up to date peer review, and proof of ongoing criminal law practice.

Third, find a criminal lawyer who regularly defends clients charged with the same type of offense you are concerned with. Ask the lawyer the number of of cases he or she has handled(murder, three strikes, domestic violence, drugs), of the type you need defended, in the past. Ask whether any of those cases were tried to a jury. Even if the desire is to settle the case without a trial, it is critical that the lawyer have extensive trial experience.

Fourth, find a criminal lawyer who regularly handles cases in the court where your case is pending. A lawyer familiar with the Judges, district attorneys, and the informal rules of a particular courthouse will know how to maneuver the case for the best possible outcome. There are some Judges or prosecutors to be avoided on certain types of cases. Knowledge is power when it comes to knowing the personalities and practices of a courthouse. So here the advice is simple, when you need a criminal lawyer for a case in Long Beach, find a criminal lawyer who defends cases regularly in Long Beach.

Fifth, find a Long Beach criminal lawyer who will personally meet with the client and other decision makers prior to being retained to handle the case. Hire the lawyer only after he or she has personally answered all the above questions directly and satisfactorily.

Sixth, require a written, fee contract. The State Bar requires that all retainer agreements be in writing if the fee is expected to exceed $1000. The agreement should be clear, simple, and understandable. If the agreement is confusing or too complicated, consider having another lawyer review the agreement or perhaps consider hiring another lawyer. Lengthy and confusing fee contracts rarely benefit the client. Lawyers who don't offer a written agreement should be avoided.

Additional information on how to obtain a Long Beach criminal lawyer can be found online. The State Bar of California's pamphlet entitled How Can I Find and Hire the Right Lawyer provides advice on locating a criminal lawyer.

If you have an immediate need for an expert Long Beach criminal lawyer, contact Matt Kaestner directly at (562) 437-0200. Mr. Kaestner's profile, practice area information, and recent successes can be found on other pages of this site.

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Finding a Long Beach Criminal Lawyer