When charged with any violation of criminal law, including theft, DUI, hit and run, reckless driving, shoplifting, assault and battery, domestic violence, robbery, burglary, vehicular manslaughter, a drug offense, a sex offense or a weapon offense, it is crucial to discuss with prospective defense attorneys the extent of his/her criminal jury trial experience.

This information is important even if the client does not intend to proceed to trial in that an attorney can only analyze the strengths and/or weaknesses of a particular case effectively if he/she has tried cases in front of a jury and knows the likely chances of success with various defenses. 

All experienced criminal defense attorneys have seen young, inexperienced lawyers improperly negotiating cases with prosecutors.  Prosecutors, particularly those assigned to felonies, are generally experienced trial attorneys so, when an inexperienced attorney attempts to put forward a defense that is extremely vulnerable, and the prosecutors knows it through experience, little can be gained for the client.    

An attorney cannot effectively advise a criminal defendant without having the proper experience at every phase of the criminal justice system, including the trial stage.  Again, experienced attorneys often see inexperienced lawyers instruct clients to plead guilty when a good defense exists or talk clients into trial on an unwinnable case. 

There is no substitute for experience.