Different Kinds of Lawyers: Trial Lawyer vs. the Poser Who Seldom Goes to Trial

Different Kinds of Lawyers: Trial Lawyer (Warrior)
and the "Poser" Who Seldom Goes to Trial by Glen R. Graham, Tulsa Criminal Defense Lawyer (918) 583-4621
Email: glengraham@icu.net

What is the difference between a lawyer who goes to trial on cases and a lawyer who pleads everyone out based on a plea bargain without a trial?

Over the 21 years that I have been practicing law, I have observed different kinds of criminal lawyers, some are the "real deal" - a genuine criminal trial lawyer --- warrior --- capable of going to trial on a case and winning it. Some are lawyers who seldom go to trial on the case. Some are just businessmen --- out to make a fast buck by pleading the defendant "guilty" and almost never going to trial on the case.

There are some lawyers who just withdraw from the case when they find out the client will not accept some kind of plea bargain in the case. Then the client is forced to scramble at the last minute to look for the "real" deal --- a genuine trial lawyer.

Why did the "poser" lawyer who seldom goes to trial on the case even accept the client's money to begin with if they never intend to fight the case?

Sometimes, it boils down to the plea bargain lawyer's idea deep within his heart --- something like he thinks everyone is guilty and should plea bargain, and he does not respect the jury system.

Why do some lawyers fail to advise the client from the very beginning of the case --- hey --- this is a case that may go to trial and you will have to borrow the money to pay a lawyer sufficient money to go to trial on the case or the lawyer will withdraw?

What is the lawyer afraid of? Are there some lawyers that just don't know how to do an effective job at a jury trial? Are there some lawyers who never go to trial on a case?

A defendant has an absolute right to a jury trial. A defendant should have an absolute right to competent --- effective assistance of counsel.

Ultimately, it is a buyer beware world. You might want to check your lawyer out before you hire him. Ask him how he feels about doing a jury trial in your case and look him in the eye and shake his hand. You can learn a lot by asking a few more questions of the lawyer.