You have the right to choose your own lawyer if you’re facing a criminal charge. Be sure you hire an attorney who focuses on criminal cases instead of civil matters. Most criminal lawyers work independently or in small firms and work with people in a limited geographic area. For example, the law firm of Mastro, Barnes, & Stazzone P.C. works with residents in and around Denver. Some private criminal lawyers started as public defenders or prosecutors. One of your main priorities should be to find a lawyer who has represented defendants facing charges similar to yours. Ask your attorney about their experience before you choose to hire them. The best time to have this conversation is at your free initial consultation. You should feel confident with an attorney who is familiar with the substantive laws governing your case as well as the procedures in the court where your case is going to be heard. Familiarity with the local court system can help your lawyer know what to expect from a plea offer or provide a sense of how willing certain prosecutors are to reach deals. Local attorneys can also have insights into the credibility of individual police officers. Be sure you are fully satisfied with the attorney you choose because your future is at stake.