Finding an Attorney

[thatguyoverthere]

One of the new guys here again with a question. As before, not sure if this is the right place for this question, but I'll start here. And let me say that I'm sure this has been covered before, and, yes, I did try to search the forum. Do you have any idea how many times the words "lawyer" and "attorney" are used here in this forum? Bunches!!

Anyway, if I'm going to have a CHL and carry a gun for self defense, I also believe it's a good idea to have access to an attorney who is familiar with those types of issues, and especially establish a relationship with that attorney before you might have to one day make "that call."

Some people have on-going relationships with attorneys for their business or whatever. However, a lot of folks (like me) may go their whole lives and never need an attorney's services, so we just don't know anyone in that field.

I know we can't get into naming names here, so I'd like to get some ideas and recommendations on how you go about finding an attorney. Especially one with some specialized knowledge and experience in armed self defense issues. Just open the Yellow Pages and start there? Are there any on-line resources (other than the attorney's own web site) that might have information? I'm just not sure where to start in my search, especially since I would be looking for one with some specific knowledge and experience.

Thanks again for your help. I can already see from my one previous post that this forum has some very helpful and knowledgeable folks.

[Grit]

This is the best resource. Read all about it: http://armedcitizensnetwork.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[RPBrown]

A lot of people use [Pre-paid legal service] or one of the other firms that advertise such services.

[joe817]

The way I found mine was through googling "criminal defense attorneys" for my county. I then went through each and every one of them, and if their website made reference to "gun infractions, gun charges, gun related arrests, etc"(you get the picture) I saved them to a temp favs folder. Then I read each website in detail, and eliminated those that didn't go into the detail I thought they should have. Then I called those that remained, asked some pointed questions, and narrowed the list to 3.

Right, wrong or indifferent, that's the way I found mine. YMMV

[cb1000rider]

I'd ask Chas for a reference. Not only do you want a criminal attorney, but you want someone who is familiar with firearm issues and associated legislation. I'm sure that he can give you better references than anyone.

[rickg]

I use [Pre-paid legal service]. For less than $200/year I have immediate access to an attorney that is familiar with TX gun laws, as well as bond and expert witnesses if necessary. I'm in my first year and have never had to call (which is a good thing)... basically it gives me piece of mind.

[jmra]

I use [Pre-paid legal service]. For less than $200/year I have immediate access to an attorney that is familiar with TX gun laws, as well as bond and expert witnesses if necessary. I'm in my first year and have never had to call (which is a good thing)... basically it gives me piece of mind.

You might want to do a search of the forum for [Pre-paid legal service]. Ask them for a list of cases/clients they have successfully defended and what the out of pocket expenses were for those clients. If you are able to obtain any of that information you would be the first person to successfully do so.

[Pawpaw]

I use [Pre-paid legal service]. For less than $200/year I have immediate access to an attorney that is familiar with TX gun laws, as well as bond and expert witnesses if necessary. I'm in my first year and have never had to call (which is a good thing)... basically it gives me piece of mind.

You might want to do a search of the forum for [Pre-paid legal service]. Ask them for a list of cases/clients they have successfully defended and what the out of pocket expenses were for those clients. If you are able to obtain any of that information you would be the first person to successfully do so.

And if they did disclose anything, I would drop them like a hot potato.

No reputable attorney will do that. If you had been a client, you wouldn't want your attorney to make it public either.

[jmra]

I use [Pre-paid legal service]. For less than $200/year I have immediate access to an attorney that is familiar with TX gun laws, as well as bond and expert witnesses if necessary. I'm in my first year and have never had to call (which is a good thing)... basically it gives me piece of mind.

You might want to do a search of the forum for [Pre-paid legal service]. Ask them for a list of cases/clients they have successfully defended and what the out of pocket expenses were for those clients. If you are able to obtain any of that information you would be the first person to successfully do so.

And if they did disclose anything, I would drop them like a hot potato.

No reputable attorney will do that. If you had been a client, you wouldn't want your attorney to make it public either.

Any case that goes to trial is public record. I'm not even suggesting they release names. If a lawyer is not willing to disclose his success (or lack there of) in the courtroom then he's not the lawyer you want. Of course with [pre-paid legal] you're not even likely to know who your lawyer will be until you need one. This has public defender type representation written all over it (if that). There's an old saying, "You get what you pay for". But it's your future...
So, back on topic - before obtaining the services of a lawyer interview them and learn everything you can about them including their experience and success. It amazes me that people spend more time and effort finding a plumber than they do a doctor or lawyer.

[Pawpaw]

How many attorneys have you requested this information from. How many have provided it?

You challenge, so you go first.

[jmra]

How many attorneys have you requested this information from. How many have provided it?

You challenge, so you go first.

I've known my lawyer for many years. He has shared his courtroom success as part of our original interview process. He has also been a very valuable resource in helping find the right expertise if a matter falls outside his field. So, I guess I've already gone first.
In order to keep the thread from being locked this will be my last comment on [pre-paid legal].

[RPBrown]

I am fortunate to have a business relationship with my attorney. Hus firm also has criminal attorneys that I can use and he reccomends. He is not only my attorney but also a friend so I do trust his judgment.

[AlaskanInTexas]

I use [Pre-paid legal service]. For less than $200/year I have immediate access to an attorney that is familiar with TX gun laws, as well as bond and expert witnesses if necessary. I'm in my first year and have never had to call (which is a good thing)... basically it gives me piece of mind.

My opinion - that money would be better spent on ammunition. Just find a lawyer you trust and can call in a pinch and leave it at that is my advice.

[Jason K]

This is the best resource. Read all about it: http://armedcitizensnetwork.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'm considering joining them, too....they're more forthcoming about their type of representation, and they handle more than just gun-involved self-defense issues. Plus you get training materials monthly from them.

[cb1000rider]

Same question. Ask them what cases they've defended and what the outcomes were. Again - cases are matters of public record. There is ZERO reason not to disclose. Ask why they are citing privacy on matters of public record.

Do you really think that they're going to provide a best-in-class defense for $200 in the event that you're arrested for a firearms related offense and your actual bill is going to be $0.00? That's basically what they're selling. If that's what they're selling - they should have records to prove it.

Ask yourself - why would they not have clients of record if cases are public? Does that pass your smell test?

The law firms that they keep on retainer: Do you know how they are paid? Does that payment model make logical sense if they have to provide a true $0.00 criminal defense - IE, can they actually make money or stay in business that way?

I have a similar option with attorneys for things that are aviation related. I know exactly who've they've defended, who the attorneys are, and what the outcomes of the cases are. I also know that I'm probably going to get billed more than $0.00 for the incidentals necessary with defending a criminal case.

Look, I'm happy to sell you a service based on my word alone. It'll cost you a fraction of what actual costs are (in the unlikely event that you need the service. No, I can't provide any reference customers. No, I won't give you the list of contractors that will provide the service. No, you can't vet those contractors as specialists for the type of service that they provide. DEAL?!

If [pre-paid legal] would resolve these issues, I'll stop asking the questions and maybe be a customer. Until then, proceed with caution.