Hiring a criminal defense lawyer is not something most people expect to do. It often happens during a difficult and urgent moment: an arrest has been made, a desk appearance ticket has been issued, a family member is waiting for arraignment, or a court date is already approaching in Brooklyn Criminal Court. When the stakes are your record and your freedom, the choice matters. Here is what to actually evaluate.
1. Local Court Experience Beats General Experience
Brooklyn criminal cases live in two buildings: Brooklyn Criminal Court at 120 Schermerhorn Street and Kings County Supreme Court at 320 Jay Street. A lawyer who practices in those courtrooms every week knows the parts, the judges, the local practices, and how the Kings County District Attorney's office actually handles cases like yours. A lawyer who occasionally visits Brooklyn does not.
2. Prosecutorial Background Changes the Analysis
A former prosecutor has evaluated hundreds of cases from the government's side: what gets charged, what gets reduced, which evidence the office trusts, and where cases break. That perspective shapes every strategic decision in your defense. Ask specifically: which offices, what kinds of cases, and how recently. Our full breakdown of the former prosecutor advantage explains what that experience looks like in practice.
3. Trial Readiness, Even If You Never Go to Trial
Most cases resolve without trial, but the quality of that resolution depends on the prosecution believing your lawyer will actually try the case. Ask about hearing and trial experience: suppression hearings litigated, verdicts, and how the lawyer prepares. A lawyer who never tries cases negotiates from weakness.
4. Direct Communication
Who will actually handle your case, and who answers when you call? At some firms the person you meet at the consultation is not the person who appears in court. Ask directly. You should also expect plain English explanations of the charges, the process, and the realistic outcomes. If the lawyer cannot explain your case clearly at the consultation, that does not improve later.
5. Credentials That Are Verifiable
Peer reviewed recognitions such as Super Lawyers Rising Stars and membership in organizations like the National College for DUI Defense are earned, not bought. So are published results. Review a firm's case results and read their writing. A lawyer's published analysis tells you how they think.
6. Fee Transparency
The fee conversation should be direct: flat or hourly, what the fee covers, what happens if the case goes to hearing or trial, and everything in writing. Our guide to what a criminal defense lawyer costs in Brooklyn covers exactly what to ask.
Questions to Ask at the Consultation
- How many cases like mine have you handled in Brooklyn courts, and how recently?
- Did you serve as a prosecutor? Which office and what cases?
- Who will appear in court on my case?
- What are the realistic outcomes here, best and worst?
- What is the fee, what does it cover, and can I have it in writing?
Honest, specific answers are a good sign. Vague answers are information too.
Talk to Spahija Law
Amel Spahija is a Brooklyn criminal defense lawyer and former Assistant District Attorney in Kings County and Richmond County, recognized by Super Lawyers Rising Stars, America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, and the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40. Consultations are free and confidential, 24/7, at 646-453-4001. Bring your questions. You should leave the call knowing exactly where your case stands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I hire the cheapest lawyer I can find?
Price matters, but a conviction that could have been avoided costs far more than any fee difference. Evaluate local experience, prosecutorial background, and trial readiness first, then compare fees among qualified lawyers.
Does it matter if my lawyer practices in Brooklyn specifically?
Yes. Local knowledge of the Kings County DA's office, the judges, and courtroom practices at 120 Schermerhorn Street and 320 Jay Street directly affects strategy and outcomes.
How fast do I need to decide?
Quickly, but not blindly. Key events like arraignment, grand jury notice, and DMV deadlines happen within days of arrest. Do one or two consultations, ask the hard questions, and retain counsel before the first court date.
What is a red flag when hiring a defense lawyer?
Guaranteed outcomes. No honest lawyer promises a result. Vague answers about who handles the case, fees, or trial experience are also warning signs.
Founder of Spahija Law and a former Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn and Staten Island. Recognized by Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2026. Read Amel's full background or call 646-453-4001.