Last Updated on: 27th July 2023, 04:33 pm

Selecting the Right Lawyer for Charges Under NY § 135.20 Kidnapping 2nd Degree

If you or someone you love has been charged under New York Penal Law § 135.20 for Kidnapping in the Second Degree, having an experienced criminal defense attorney in your corner is imperative. However, locating competent counsel you connect with and trust amid the chaos of an arrest seems daunting.

In the comprehensive guide below, I’ll share insider tips on:

• Where to look to identify qualified local lawyers
• Questions to ask lawyers during initial consultations
• Negotiating legal fees and retention agreements
• Vetting credentials and trial experience
• Trusting your instincts in making a hiring choice

My goal is to equip you with knowledge to evaluate attorneys rigorously and select the right partner to fight these very serious allegations. With an expert NY kidnapping lawyer on your side, it can make all the difference in the outcome. Let’s get started.

Performing Initial Research

When facing Class B felony kidnapping charges, the first step is thoroughly researching accomplished local defense lawyers. Smart places to start include:

State Bar Association Directories – The New York State Bar Association provides a searchable database of all registered lawyers in the state, their focus areas, disciplinary history and more.

Lawyer Rating Sites – Respected legal rating platforms like AVVO rate and review lawyers across various metrics like experience, ethics record, cost, and overall recommendation levels.

Online Listings & Reviews – Attorney websites, LinkedIn, Google Business profiles, and other online sources offer key background on credentials, case results and client feedback.

Referrals from Trusted Advisors – Asking knowledgeable friends, business professionals, or former clients of lawyers for referrals can surface quality attorneys to consider.

Cast a wide initial net using these tools before narrowing down your options. Limiting yourself too early risks missing better candidates.

Questions to Ask During Consultations

Once you’ve identified promising lawyers, it’s critical to interview them so you can ascertain the best fit. Expect an initial consultation to take 45-60 minutes. Key questions to ask:

– How many years have you specifically defended NY kidnapping charges?

– What are your top strategies for fighting these cases?

– What has been your record getting serious felony charges reduced or dismissed pre-trial?

– Are you willing to bring my case to trial if needed?

– How responsive can I expect you to be via phone, email, texts?

– Will you be the lead attorney handling my case?

– Why should I put my future in your hands versus another lawyer?

Probe beyond just credentials into how they actually craft defense strategies in court, negotiate with prosecutors, and handle high-stakes cases. Take detailed notes on responses.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

While researching options, remain vigilant for concerning red flags:

– Little experience specifically defending kidnapping cases

– Prefers quick plea bargains over trial litigation

– Numerous bad reviews and complaints

– Unable to articulate clear defense strategies

– Seems distracted or overburdened with other cases

– Makes absolute guarantees of acquittal or charge dismissal

– Difficult to reach and non-responsive to inquiries

– Mass advertising instead of referrals/reputation

Any of these signal an attorney may lack the focus, time or skillset required for an effective defense. Keep searching.

Vetting Backgrounds & Credentials

A lawyer’s specific qualifications and track record handling kidnapping cases are key indicators of their ability to defend you. Seek out counsel with:

🌟 Decades of experience specifically litigating NY kidnapping and sex crime cases

🌟 Deep knowledge of NY criminal statutes, sentencing guidelines and case law precedents

🌟 A proven record taking serious felony cases to trial

🌟 Many pre-trial motions won dismissing charges or evidence

🌟 Impressive list of past case results achieving charge reductions and acquittals

🌟 Strong relationships and negotiating skills with local prosecutors

🌟 Spotless disciplinary history and sterling reputation

The most seasoned lawyers with niche expertise are best equipped to protect your rights and future.

Lawyer Personality & Communication Style

Look beyond just credentials and consider whether a lawyer’s temperament fits well with you:

💬 Supportive, reassuring, and will protect your reputation

💬 Level-headed, strategic negotiator – yet aggressive litigator

💬 Articulate, precise, and persuasive communicator

💬 Easily reachable and very responsive

💬 Patient and willing to explain complex legal issues in simple terms

The emotional, high-stakes nature of criminal defense requires a lawyer both compassionate and fearless. Make sure your personalities mesh well.

Negotiating Attorney Fees

When considering hiring a lawyer, their fee structure inevitably comes into play. Typical fee models include:

• Hourly – You pay an agreed hourly rate for time expended on the case
• Flat Fee – A fixed upfront sum covers the entire case
• Contingency – Lawyer paid a % of final settlement/damages only if your case succeeds

Factors impacting costs include location, lawyer experience, case complexity, potential trial length.

Aim for the most qualified lawyer you can afford. Discuss fees upfront so no surprises later. Learn the exact payment expectations and timeline. Beware lawyers asking for large retainers before doing any actual work.

Signing an Engagement Agreement

Before officially retaining counsel, they will present an engagement letter/contract detailing:

– Case scope and objectives

– Fee structure and billing details

– Payment timelines and retainer amounts, if any

– Attorney’s specific legal responsibilities

Read carefully before signing to ensure the terms match your discussion. Ask questions on anything unclear and negotiate changes to unsatisfactory provisions.

Know exactly what you are agreeing to and what is expected on both sides before entering any binding contract.

Trusting Your Instincts

After thoroughly vetting multiple lawyers on paper, assessing their skills in consultation and negotiating fees, who should you ultimately hire? At a certain point, you’ll need to listen to your gut instinct.

Consider: Who made you feel most comfortable opening up about deeply personal circumstances? Who seemed most eager to start developing your defense strategy? Who came across as a passionate and trustworthy advocate?

Don’t disregard factors like personality fit and communication style. Combined with credentials, your interpersonal chemistry is critical.

Moving Forward with Confidence

While facing serious NY felony charges is terrifying, know that the right lawyer empowers you to persevere through the challenges ahead. Skilled counsel equipped with every legal tool available can make the difference between conviction and vindication.

Stay calm, be diligent in comparing multiple attorneys, and have faith the right partner will emerge. Avoid snap decisions, ignore pressure tactics, and take time evaluating who’s truly invested in your defense.

If you need any guidance during the process of selecting counsel for NY kidnapping charges, I’m always available as a resource. Call me at 212-300-5196 or contact me online for a free consultation.

Wishing you wisdom and strength as you take these first steps. The path forward seems unclear, but you don’t have to walk it alone.