How does one go about finding a criminal attorney in a different state?

[pnwmom]

A man has been charged with homicide in another state (CO). His family can afford a top-notch attorney, but has no idea how to find one. The attorney initially hired has been missing court deadlines and has only seen his client (jailed without bond) a few times in seven months. The client is being denied the use of a telephone to call his attorney, but the attorney doesn't seem concerned about this. I think they should find new representation, but when we've asked civil attorneys we happen to know in Colorado, they're not familiar with criminal attorneys there.

So how does a person who is suddenly thrust into this bizarro world find the best person or persons to help him?

P.S. Not that it matters for these purposes, but I'm 99% certain the guy is innocent. I think he's being railroaded by a small-town elected sheriff and prosecutor who have been getting a lot of free publicity for themselves, going after an out-of-stater.

[teddy51]

1. I would say that Google would be a good starting point.

[Evergreen Emerald]

2. The state bar association should help

They have lists of attorneys.

[elleng]

4. Yes, State Bar Association is the place to go.

Also court system itself may have lists.

[pnwmom]

6. I've found lots of lists. The problem is that their supposedly excellent attorney,

according to the lists, is proving to be a dud. So how can the wife find someone better this time?

[elleng]

10. Not sure.

In Denver?
Go to the law school, DU, or CU, ask a top professor in criminal law.

The Bar Association SHOULD refer to GOOD attorneys; its in their interest.

[freshwest]

12. Yes, and they should be able to inform you of public agencies.

[msongs]

3. considering how many attorneys are also criminals, should be fairly easy to find one lol nt

[treestar]

5. Do you know any other Colorado attorneys?

Especially in the town where it will be. Or county. Ask them who is known for good criminal representation. Maybe look in the CO state bar journal and see who writes articles. Or find out who teaching continuing legal ed or gives seminars on the subject. Those things usually go to the people best known in the state in the field.

[pnwmom]

7. I know one but he is a civil attorney and didn't have any ideas.

I'll check out the journals and see if I can find anything. Yeah, and that's a good idea about faculty, too. Maybe they can recommend someone.

[Lex]

8. Martindale Hubble is online and has peer-reviewed lawyer ratings.

You can search by state and area of expertise I think.

[pnwmom]

9. Thank you, Lex. n/t

[BanTheGOP]

11. Definitely hire from OUTSIDE the region

He should definitely hire from outside the region. Probably the best place would be Denver. As you said, if he can afford it, he should go with someone who will not be affected by local politics; in some ways, he can even be MORE effective as defense lawyers who are not beholden to the local politicos love to uncover republican-party-backed small town corruption bozos like your Buford T. Justice (R).

[pnwmom]

13. Good point, BanTheGOP.

He needs a Colorado attorney but not someone tied in to the local election politics.