Isn't it a shame there isn't a client based Legal Review board like TER. We do have defense attorney boards that are incredibly useful. Client oriented boards would be harvested by the government (no atty-client privilege). Bottom line, it would be grand if consumers could get on line and expose ROA's (ripp-off attorneys) or rate their performance. I don't see it happening in the immediate future.
If anyone from this board solicits you for legal business, burn your computer and run to the woods!
You can always inquire of the attorney if he's been sued for malpractice and then the various state bar groups will tell you if the lawyer has ever been disciplined for some reason.
I agree that the subject matter is more serious but the selection of counsel is like the choosing of anyone else to provide you with a service. Use your head, ask some questions and make changes if unhappy.
1) go to www.martindale.com -they list most lawyers, and if you check ratings, av is the best rated, then bv, then unrated (but often that means they have not practiced in that particular jurisdiction long enough to be rated - only attorneys who have practiced 6-10 years in an area get rated.
Also: www.bestlawyers.com
lastly, for criminal of the type you might need as a result of this hobby, check the cocket of cases for the relevant court - see who handles alot of those type cases - they probably have experience (but you can see the results they get and judge)
who doesn't want to pay them. You could check the CA state bar online and find I'm a certified specialist with >20 years clean record, but you won't find me in M-H.
pick one with an AV rating, its usually an assurance of competence..not the only way to find one granted, but one I have found very useful in business.