First, it is very important to find out if the attorney that are speaking with is the actual attorney that will be handling your case.  Many law firms will refer your case out to another lawyer or they will have inexperienced associates that will do  most of the work and make the court appearances.  You do not want t be signed up by one attorney only to find out that a completely different person that you have never met with will be actually representing you.  Ask the person you are speaking with during the initial meeting if they are the person that will handle the matter and appear in Court with you.
Second, find out how many years the attorney has been practicing law and especially Criminal Defense Law.  Make sure that your attorney is not a “jack of all trades” attorney but focuses extensively on Criminal Defense.  It is essential to find out what types of cases the attorney handles and if they are trial attorneys.  Even if you initially expect to plead guilty, it is essential that you select a criminal defense attorney with trial experience.  Lawyers that are willing and able to take cases to trial often get the best plea bargains for their client’s.  There are many attorneys out there who convince their clients to plead guilty to an offense even when there is a very viable defense.
You need a law firm that is going to fight for your rights and represent you to the fullest.  You need Michael A. Arbeit, P.C. on your side.