Last week, a new client hired me to take over her defense from another criminal defense lawyer. The case is complicated, has a lot of moving parts, and will require a lot of work. The client’s main complaint about the previous attorney was that she didn’t do anything to help the case and, instead, kept “kicking the can down the road” and finally told the client to just accept a plea bargain.
I was genuinely curious about why the client hired the previous attorney, so I just asked outright. The response was a bit baffling. Apparently, the previous attorney said “I’m a badass. And they know I am. When they see me walk in the courtroom they get nervous and drop the case.” Oh, I see.
First off, let’s get something straight. Something that applies in the world of criminal defense, sales, medicine, real estate, or just about any other profession you can think of. A real badass doesn’t need to tell you they are one. They let their work speak for itself.
Am I a badass you wonder? I don’t know. I let my track record and recent results speak for themselves. Look at my Google reviews. See what past clients say about my work. Google me. See what I have done for clients in high profile and not so high profile cases.
But what bothers me the most about the self-professed badass is that the fact that she took advantage of a client who was emotional and vulnerable. When people come to see me about defending them in a complex felony matter – such as conspiracy, white collar offenses, or a sex crime – they are often in a state of panic and desperation. So much so that you could sell them a space heater during the summer in Phoenix.
I wouldn’t want my family treated that way so I won’t treat my clients like that. In fact, it’s pretty common for me to tell clients to come back and think about the decision of hiring me as their attorney before they sign the fee agreement. I don’t ever want to be accused of taking advantage of someone. To me, that’s the real badass way of doing things; as a criminal defense attorney and as a human being.
So if you are really looking for a badass criminal defense attorney, do your homework. For those still living in the dark ages, let me assure you that the internet is quite the useful tool for research. If after looking around you think I’m a badass, call me at (602) 663-9100 to set up a consultation so that we can sit down and discuss if I’m the right attorney to represent you. I promise not to dislocate my shoulder patting myself on the back. You are free to do so, though, but only after you get the successful outcome you deserve.