Imagine this unsettling scenario: You have been charged with a crime that could send you to prison for years if a jury returns a guilty verdict. With so much at stake, it makes sense to give yourself the best fighting chance. That means hiring a criminal defense attorney with trial experience.

Most defendants mistakenly believe that whatever attorney they select will be able to conduct a trial if the matter reaches that stage. The truth is that many criminal defense lawyers have limited jury trial experience, and if an attorney is not seasoned in this area, you could be putting yourself at a serious disadvantage.

Ask any prospective attorney for a list of cases they have taken to jury trial in New York state, as well as the results of those trials. The information they give you should include the case name, the crime or crimes charged, the county, and the verdict. In addition, you should make sure that your attorney has handled the type of crime that you have been charged with.  Also, check to see if the attorney you are considering is registered with any recognized legal organization, such as a County or State Bar Association.  

A New York criminal defense attorney who is well-versed in trial procedures and practice will be your best ally when facing serious criminal charges. They have experience in mounting the strongest possible defense, they know when to object to prejudicial insinuations that could hurt your case, and they know the art of cross-examination.

Depending on the severity of the charge and / or the complexity of the case, criminal trials in New York can last anywhere from one week to months. During this time, your criminal defense attorney has to constantly strive to convince the jury that you were either charged with a crime you did not commit, or that there is some mitigation for your alleged acts..

A well-planned and strategic defense can carry the day even if the defendant has already been convicted in the court of public opinion. Casey Anthony and OJ Simpson are two prime examples of unpopular defendants freed by juries after their attorneys made genuinely convincing arguments for their innocence. Although these are admittedly extreme cases, it’s doubtful that a defense attorney who was inexperienced or uncomfortable in a courtroom setting could have brought about such successful outcomes.

In conclusion, do your research before hiring an attorney to defend you on criminal charges, especially serious ones. Confirm that they have trial experience and appear to be in their element while facing a jury. Your future could depend on the choice you finally make. Julie Rendelman has over 20 years of experience as a lawyer. In addition to working as a criminal defense lawyer, she has tried many high-profile cases as an Assistant District Attorney for Kings County (Brooklyn, NY). Contact Ms. Rendelman at 212-951-1232 for a free consultation. Visit www.RendelmanLaw.com to learn more about the types of cases Ms. Rendelman handles.