Why Criminal Law?

I get asked this question alot, mostly by my mother.  Why did I go into a field of practice where I would be dealing with the lowest form of humanity and some of the most dangerous people you could ever dream of?  Well, the simple answer is that it’s not boring!  I was never the kind of law student who loved to sit in class and take notes in civil procedure and quiz myself on tort law.  I was the kind of student who wanted to be up in front of the class, up in front of the jury, putting on the show.  That’s what trials are all about.  Don’t let anyone tell you anything different.  By the time a case has gotten to trial, the facts are pretty clear, and all that is left to decide is who puts on the best show.  Now, there are some exceptions to this rule, but it’s a pretty accurate assesment.  Criminal law is about the facts, there is no money in it, and there’s little glory.  Even after a trial where the defendant is found guilty and sentenced to life in prison, there is always another one right behind him.  It’s a little depressing.  But I would rather be doing this than stuck in some big firm’s back office writing briefs for some stuffy senior partner who makes 10 times my salary and has not seen a courtroom in 20 years.  No thanks, I’ll take my chances with the murderers and rapists.  At least they know they committed a crime!

How do you Sleep at Night?

Mostly on my side, but sometimes my wife will wake me up if I am snoring!  OK, I hear this question way too much.  And it always seems to come from someone who has never had a loved one arrested for DUI or driving without a license or some other petty crime.  I sleep very well knowing that there is a constitution out there that protects each and everyone of us, from the most innocent to the most guilty.  We all have rights, and if the guilty are proven guilty, then they deserve the punishment they get.  But in a system that has overzealous police officers and lazy prosecutors, sometimes the innocent get trampled on, and that’s why I stay with it.  You meet some very nice people in my line of work, and for the most part, not the “criminal” type.  There are plenty of those too, but most people who get caught up in the justice system are not career criminals and should not be treated as such.  Going back to my comment about overzealous police and lazy prosecutors, I want to make it clear that as a former prosecutor myself, I know many good and decent law enforcement officers and dedicated prosecutors, and I have the utmost resepct for them.

Should I hire an Attorney or just go with the Public Defender?

As an attorney in private practice, I get this one alot too.  The simple answer is this:  There are many dedicated and competent attorneys who work for the Public Defender’s Office.  You don’t get to choose who is assigned to your case.  You may get a Johnny Cochran, and you may get the guy from My Cousin Vinny who stutters and can’t complete a sentence.  If you hire your own attorney, you get to pick and choose the one whose personality fits the best with yours.  Also remember, PD’s have alot of cases.  You only have one, and guess who your case is the most important to?  That’s right, to you!  Just like the PD’s other 200 clients.  They are simply overwhelmed and cannot give you the attention that a private attorney can provide.  Be a consumer, but don’t complain if a court-appointed attorney does not give you the kind of service you think you deserve.  If you really don’t like the job they are doing, go recycle some cans and bottles, sell some blood or other bodily fluids, and hire a private attorney.  Believe me, your court-appointed attorney will not take it personally!