If you are searching for a lawyer to represent you on a case for criminal defense in Missouri be sure to check into their background and qualifications. It is all too easy for many people to simply open up the phone book and pick out the firm with the brightest, flashiest picture, but this is often not what will help you win the case. Many times a lot of the smaller firms can be just as good if not better at a fraction of the price. This is because many of the larger offices rely on interns and new attorneys to do many of the smaller cases, and the inexperience can sometimes backfire on you. Remember that word of mouth referrals are also good. If you know of someone who has had to rely on a lawyer for a criminal defense trial in the past and they were pleased with the work, then it is a good bet that attorney really knows his way around the courtroom.
Checking out your Attorney
Once you have decided to hire someone for criminal defense in Missouri then it might be a good idea to check them out before you pay a retainer. To do this simply contact the Missouri Bar Association to make sure that the lawyer you're considering is still a bar member in good standing. This way you know that everything is on the up and up and that your attorney will be able to represent you to the best of their ability.
Ethics Problems
Sometimes lawyers get overzealous or commit acts that are not considered ethical. Some of the problems that can be seen in an attorney who does not obey the Rules of Professional Conduct are: failing to carry out duties, embezzlement of funds set aside in a trust, and not responding to reasonable requests by their clients for information. If you have an attorney for criminal defense in Missouri who you feel have violated an ethical code, you should report him to the Missouri Lawyer Discipline System. This system was set up by the Supreme Court of Missouri in an attempt to better protect citizens from these types of unethical lawyers and to make sure that they receive the best representation possible. If you feel your criminal defense was hindered by unprofessional conduct, contact them immediately.
