What to look for in an attorney?

[TxBrandy]

If I, as a provider, wish to retain the services of an attorney "just in case", what would I look for? A criminal attorney? An attorney experienced in sex crimes? An adult business type attorney? What all could I tell them? The whole story? Would I need to pay some type of retainer "in case" so that he is available to me if the shit hits the fan?

[Guest030911]

A criminal attorney would be good in the context of "the game". There are many who used to be with the district attorney's office before they went to the defense side of things. These guys know the system and the people. That is not a bad qualification to have, especially if you need a good plea bargain deal.

I heard this once and saw it action once. "A good lawyer knows the law, a great lawyer knows the judge."

You do not generally have to pay for an initial interview while shopping for an attorney. The initial consultation should be free. You may not need a retainer, but you do need his name and number and a stash of cash in case it rains.

Hope that helps.

[ShysterJon]

I agree with cpi that a criminal defense attorney would be the appropriate choice for you. What you would need to pay to hire one will largely depend on their experience. I wouldn't trust my freedom to a lawyer unless they'd been practicing criminal law for at least 5 years. Anyone who has almost certainly will have some experience with sex crimes. Experience in Hobby World could be useful, but it's not necessary. It should go without saying -- never trade services with a lawyer who hobbies. That's a bad idea all around.

No legitimate criminal defense attorney will charge for an initial consulation. If you're prudent, pick the attorney most suitable for you, then gather the amount of retainer for (presumably) a first-offense prostitution case, plus the typical amount of bail for that offense. Then give the money to someone you trust. (I have clients I've represented in multiple matters over years who give me their ATM card and their pin to pay my fee.) I don't see any advantage to prepaying an attorney if you can do what I'm describing, and I can see a downside: What if you always escape the clutches of Barney Fife? You will have paid for services never rendered (although you will have bought some peace of mind).

TxBrandy asked what she should tell the attorney. The simple answer is, anything that's relevant. Bear in mind that an attorney-client privilege is formed even if you don't hire the lawyer. That means whatever you tell the lawyer stays secret between you two.

I agree with cpi that experience in a DA's office could be a good quality in an attorney, especially in more rural counties. But those that work as ADAs tend generally to be a dull, imaginative group. And none of the greatest defense lawyers -- e.g., Richard "Racehorse" Haynes (my first employer), Percy Foreman, Melvin Belli, and Clarence Darrow -- would have ever considered working as a DA. Life's too short for such boredom.

[TxBrandy]

Thank you so much. I feel better informed now...

[atlcomedy]

Everyone* ought to have a name and number of a criminal attorney in case they get jammed up in something - related to this world or not. You don't necessarily need to interview them. A referral from a friend or colleague should suffice. But you don't want to be in the position of picking out of the Yellow Pages when the shit hits the fan.

*particularly if you have teenage kids...for even the best of kids, trouble seems to find them

[ShysterJon]

...and the number of a reliable bail bondsman.

[sky_wire]

Board certified in criminal law is one factor to look at. Keep in mind, however, many top notch criminal defense attornys are not board certified. It's just one factor to consider.

[thx]

How money is need to bail yourself out?

[SxxyZoi]

Anyone know a good laywer in Shreveport??

[bjameson33]

I agree with the comments above from CPI and Shyster. I practice exclusively criminal law in Texas (Tarrant County, mostly) and military courts-martial all over the place. I also do not charge for initial consultations. Feel free to PM me for more info.

The only thing I would add is do NOT make any statement to the police, or to anyone other than a lawyer. Other than your true name, true residence address, and date of birth, you have NOTHING to say. Call a lawyer immediately.

[sky_wire]

In Texas, bond for a first prostitution arrest is typically $500.

[yardape]

A smart, experienced, hard-working, professionally-respected, sober, scrupulously honest Mom & Apple Pie type man or woman who can pick a jury and try a case if that's where it leads. It helps if he/she returns your calls, too, as long as you're respecting your lawyer's time. You'll never see 95% of the work a good lawyer does to handle a case to the best outcome it'll allow.

[fd150]

U right...always have a bailsbond ready no matter what or u will sit there for days..
go to one and explain your case and prove you have good reason u wont run once u get out...like a bank account, major credit card, property like a house or land and a co signer helps....trust me...