Choosing An Orange County Domestic Violence Attorney

Choosing the right Orange County domestic violence attorney may seem like a difficult task. But when you break it down, you really want to ask three important questions: 1) Does this lawyer practice in the Orange County courts? 2) Is this lawyer well trained? and 3) Does this Orange County domestic violence attorney have enough experience to handle my case?



1. Does This Lawyer Practice In The Orange County courts ?



Every judge in every courtroom has their own way of doing things. For example, some judges will allow a case to be resolved with home confinement and others will not. And, just like all of us, judges have their own "pet peeves". That is why it is extremely important to find an Orange County domestic violence attorney that practices regularly in front of the judge in YOUR case. Knowing the tendencies and personalities of the judges and DAs who are prosecuting you can make a huge difference. So when searching for an Orange County domestic violence attorney to represent you, ask them how often they appear before the judge in YOUR case.



2. Is This Orange County Domestic Violence Attorney Well Trained?



Lawyers receive the bulk of their training in law school. An inferior law student becomes an inferior lawyer. Don't be afraid to ask a prospective Orange County domestic violence attorney about their legal training. Ask them what their class rank was. Ask them about any awards for academic achievement. Ask them their GPA. This is basic information that you absolutely should ask for. Your freedom may turn on your Orange County criminal defense attorney's training. Don't wait until a malpractice lawsuit to find out that the lawyer you counted on to protect you barely made it through law school. The burden is on you to ask these questions up front. And any lawyer that is uncomfortable answering these questions is NOT the lawyer for you.



3. Is This Orange County Domestic Violence Attorney Experienced?



Ask any prospective Orange County criminal defense attorney how many years they have been practicing domestic violence defense. Many lawyers have been practicing law for years but have never handled a domestic violence case. Ask specifically how many domestic violence cases they have personally handled in their career. And, of course, find out how many of those cases were in the Orange County courts.



Domestic violence defense can be a tricky area--there are special enhancements that may apply as well as specific terms of probation that must be considered carefully when crafting a defense strategy or structuring a plea deal. A lawyer unaware of these requirements may lead their client right into a minefield.



If you would like to speak with an experienced Orange County domestic violence attorney about your case, call The Law Offices of EJ Stopyro at (949) 559-5500 today. We offer a free and confidential telephonic consultation.