After defending yourself part two

**mardo** · December 16th, 2007, 10:02 AM

After defending yourself you aren't supposed to talk to anyone but your lawyer. I would think that would be a bad time to go lawyer shopping. Does anyone keep a lawyer on retention for such an occasion? How did you choose said lawyer? What are your retention fees? I know lawyers specialize in all aspects of law, but I have never seen ads for this.

**TonyF** · December 16th, 2007, 10:28 AM

Choosing a lawyer is not that difficult. Finding one that has some knowledge of the PA UFC might be.

Here's a good tip. Once you retain one, provide his number to two or more of your immediate relatives. If you happen to be arrested or charged, it may be late at night, it may be the weekend or your attorney may be out of town on business.

Call the family member and let them track down and contact your attorney.

**TRB** · December 16th, 2007, 12:12 PM

Originally Posted by TonyF

Choosing a lawyer is not that difficult. Finding one that has some knowledge of the PA UFC might be.

Here's a good tip. Once you retain one, provide his number to two or more of your immediate relatives. If you happen to be arrested or charged, it may be late at night, it may be the weekend or your attorney may be out of town on business.

Call the family member and let them track down and contact your attorney.

Excellent advice.

When interviewing attorneys, what are some of the questions they should answer?

Here are a few:

Do you shoot?
Are you familiar with the UFA?
Have you ever successfully defended someone in a defensive shooting case?
Are you a member of the NRA, G0A, or other pro Second Amendment organization?
Do you have an emergency number so that you can be reached at 3:00 in the morning?
Who covers for you when you are out of town?
Do they have the specific knowledge needed to defend someone in the early aftermath?

Of course it is prudent to ask about their fees including retainer.

It is good idea to pay for an hour of their time and discuss the do's and don'ts of what to do when interfacing with law enforcement and while you are in custody. Other topics for that hour might include what you might be facing in the months leading up to the trial if you are charged, the grand jury process, who/what/where/when/how to shoot with respect to the laws in your state, or anything else that you have a question about.

It also a good idea to give them an informal resume documenting your training, any certifications you have earned, the classes and teachers you have trained with, copies of their printed material, and any notes you have taken in their classes. This will go along way in helping them to prepare for your defense.