Red Flags to Watch for When Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Posted on October 16, 2025
  • Criminal Defense

    • If you’ve been charged with a crime in Indiana, you should hire a criminal defense lawyer to help. However, not all lawyers are equal. When searching for a qualified Indianapolis criminal defense attorney, look for the following red flags:

    red flags to watch out for when hiring a defense lawyer

    1. Inexperience

    Criminal law is a highly complex field, involving unique rules of evidence and criminal procedure. While all attorneys start out with no experience, you don’t want to be having to train your lawyer.

    Look for a lawyer who has ample experience in criminal law, personal experience dealing with the particular type of criminal charges you are facing, and a strong track record of success.

    2. Lack of Focus

    Some attorneys are known as general practice lawyers. They practice a wide range of law, including bankruptcy, family law, business law, criminal law, and personal injury. When you hire a lawyer who spreads their time and attention to different areas of the law, you miss out on the focus that a strictly criminal defense lawyer has.

    Look for a lawyer who only practices criminal law. At The Criminal Defense Team, criminal defense is all we do.

    3. Guarantees

    No attorney can guarantee a particular outcome in a criminal case. Every case is unique, with its own unique set of facts, parties, and circumstances. There are no guarantees when it comes to criminal law.

    While an attorney can explain potential legal strategies they can employ or recite their win statistics, they cannot ethically guarantee a certain outcome, such as a dismissal of charges or an acquittal. Steer clear of any attorney who does.

    4. Lack of Communication

    Lawyers are ethically required to maintain open and regular communication with their clients throughout the case. This is particularly important in criminal cases when clients are nervous about the potential outcomes and the stakes are so high.

    If your lawyer doesn’t keep in contact with you, this is a red flag that they are not giving you the time and attention you and your case deserve.

    If this lack of communication occurs at the beginning of your client relationship, such as if the attorney doesn’t promptly return your call to ask about an initial case assessment, this is a strong indication that they will not prioritize communication if they represent you.

    Why Hire Our Defense Attorneys At The Criminal Defense Team

    The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley PC has four of the five state’s board-certified criminal trial specialists. To become board-certified, an attorney must demonstrate an aptitude and knowledge in a particular area of the law. Our board certification reflects our commitment to criminal defense and our clients. We leave no stone unturned when we take on cases and do everything in our power to achieve a favorable resolution. 

    Our attorneys have over 110 years of criminal law experience and have successfully defended over 1,000 criminal cases. We possess the knowledge, experience, and skill to staunchly defend our clients against even the most severe criminal charges.

    We provide honest, prompt, and thoughtful communication, as well as the highest ethical standards. You can learn more about what we offer and how we can help when you call for a free and confidential consultation at (317) 687-8326.