How to Choose the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in Brooklyn

How to Choose the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in Brooklyn

Finding the right criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. With so many options to choose from, selecting the best attorney in Brooklyn for your specific legal needs can feel overwhelming. This guide covers key factors to consider when researching and interviewing potential candidates so you can make an informed decision.

Determine Your Legal Needs

The first step is identifying the specifics of your criminal charges and your objectives for legal representation. Important considerations include:

• The severity of the alleged crime (felony, misdemeanor, etc.)
• The complexity of your case
• Your budget for legal fees and costs
• Whether your goal is to fight the charges at trial or seek a plea deal

Having clarity around these details will help you find criminal lawyers with suitable expertise and fee structures.

Research Brooklyn Criminal Defense Firms

Once you understand your legal priorities, start researching criminal law practices in Brooklyn. Good places to look include:

• Brooklyn subreddit – Read reviews and recommendations from locals
• Quora posts – Check out answers from real people about top local firms
• Avvo – Browse profiles and ratings for Brooklyn criminal lawyers
• Google searches – Look for law firm websites detailing experience with your type of criminal case

As you research, make a list of a few potential lawyers or law firms to inquire with further.

Verify Licenses and Disciplinary History

Before proceeding too far with any criminal attorney, take time to verify their legal qualifications. Two important checks are:

1. Confirming they have an active license to practice law in New York through the NY State Unified Court System
2. Checking if they have any disciplinary history with the Attorney Grievance Committee

This due diligence ensures you avoid unqualified or unethical attorneys.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Compare Experience Levels

Next, take a closer look at the background of your shortlist of lawyers. Key indicators of strong expertise with Brooklyn criminal defense include:

• 10+ years handling similar cases
• Experience as a former Brooklyn prosecutor
• High rate of charges dismissed or favorable plea bargains for past clients
• Membership in Brooklyn or NY criminal defense lawyer associations

Less experienced attorneys can still provide capable representation in many cases. However, complex felonies generally demand the depth of knowledge of a seasoned Brooklyn criminal lawyer.

Understand Fees and Payment Options

The cost structure of attorneys varies widely, so be sure to understand your options. Common fee arrangements include:

• Hourly – You pay an agreed hourly rate for time the lawyer works on your case
• Flat fee – The lawyer charges a fixed total fee to handle specific aspects of your defense
• Contingency – Attorney is paid a percentage of any settlement you win
• Pro bono – In rare cases, lawyers provide services for free to clients in need

Many attorneys require an upfront retainer fee from which they bill work against as your case proceeds. Be clear on the lawyer’s payment terms so you can budget accordingly.

Interview Prospective Attorneys

Before committing, schedule introductory calls or meetings with lawyers still under consideration to address outstanding questions such as:

• How much of your case would the attorney handle directly vs. assign to associates or paralegals?
• What is their assessment of the prosecution’s case and probability of conviction?
• What specific experience do they have with similar cases and the judge/prosecutor assigned?
• What defense strategies do they generally employ for charges like yours?

Gauge whether you establish an open rapport and trust their approach to defending you. The right criminal lawyer for you may become apparent through this process.

Check References

Before formally retaining any Brooklyn criminal defense attorney, request 2-3 references to past clients with comparable charges to yours. When speaking to references, key questions to ask include:

• Were you satisfied with the representation and expertise of the lawyer and their team?
• How responsive were they throughout the duration of your case?
• What was the outcome of your case compared to initial expectations set by the lawyer?

Candid feedback from former clients can reveal strengths and weaknesses difficult to gauge otherwise. If an attorney hesitates to provide references, reconsider whether they are truly the best fit for you.

Trust Your Gut

With research complete, reflect on which lawyer made you feel most assured they would fight relentlessly for your best interests. While no attorney can guarantee a particular outcome, you deserve responsive counsel from an experienced Brooklyn criminal lawyer you trust. If your gut tells you an attorney is not the right match, keep looking until you find one who is.

Finding the best criminal defense lawyer in Brooklyn demands time and diligent research. But the stakes could not be higher for your freedom, finances, and future. Evaluating candidates thoroughly better positions you for the best possible result in your case.

Resources

For more information, check out the following additional resources:

• Wikipedia article on legal aid in New York
• Video on choosing a criminal lawyer
• Podcast episode on understanding your legal rights