Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need a lawyer if I am charged with a criminal offense?
A. Absolutely.
Q. Why does the State Bar of California Certify Legal Specialists?
A. To help the public identify attorneys who have gained proficiency in specialized fields of law and to encourage the improvement of attorney competence in specialized fields.
Q. What does it mean that an attorney is Certified by the State Bar?
A. A Criminal Law Specialist must have:
* taken and passed a written examination in Criminal Law
* demonstrated a high level of experience and knowledge in Criminal Law
* fulfilled ongoing educational requirements in Criminal Law
* been favorably evaluated by judges and attorneys familiar with his/her work.
Q. Why should I hire a Certified Criminal Law Specialist?
A. Certified Specialists have committed themselves through certification to keeping up their proficiency through continual practice, education and evaluation. They are able to fully advise, vigorously defend and help to effectively protect your rights from start to finish. If your car was broken you would want the best mechanic. If your health was bad, you would want a doctor who specialized in what ailed you. Being charged with a crime is a serious matter and you should want a lawyer who takes his specialty seriously and is committed to certification.
Q. Why don’t other lawyers become Certified Specialists?
A.Many do not have the required experience or knowledge. Others have said that it holds them to a higher standard for their mistakes. I have heard many lawyers worry about taking and passing the exam while others simply do not wish the scrutiny of their work by the legal community. In short, this is no good reason.
Q. What is a Super Lawyer?
A. San Francisco magazine and Law & Politics magazine publish the names of Northern California Super Lawyers yearly. Less than 5 % of lawyers achieve the designation. For more information visit www.superlawyers.com for a complete list. Mr. Dudek has been named a Superlawyer in Northern California for all of the three years that the publication has existed.
Q. Why do some lawyers charge more than others? Does it cost more to hire a Certified Specialist and Superlawyer?A. Do all cars cost the same? Some are worth more than others. This office’s fees are based upon my experience , the demand for my services, and the results I have delivered for my clients. It is not necessarily so that a Certified Specialist will charge more. These designations are set so that the public can be assured that they are hiring an experienced, well-respected attorney best suited to help them. This office does not believe in presenting a “cheap” defense, but believes in presenting the BEST defense. Your life and freedom is at stake so take care to protect it.
Q. Is it best to hire a local firm or one of the so-called “national” law firms?
A. Many of the so called national firms merely contract out their cases to local attorneys at a reduced fee to the local attorney. With those firms there is a question about whether the client is really getting the amount of service that they have paid for. If you are considering hiring one of these mega firms, you should ask about the specific qualifications of the attorney that will be assigned your case and what support, if any, that attorney gets from the home or national office. I am located across from the main courthouse in Sacramento and practice all of the nearby counties. This office believes in earning its money and being honest with clients.
Q. Are you a former prosecutor?
A. No. I have never been the type of person who could have ever been a prosecutor. I have never put anyone in jail or prison and I certainly would never do that. Many former prosecutors that have become defense lawyers still lack empathy for those accused and are simply in this business for the money.
Q. Should I see what the Public Defender can do for me before I hire a lawyer?
A. No. If you are going to hire private counsel, you should do so immediately. Your “offer” may well be based simply on which lawyer you have hired. It is my experience that defendants who hire attorneys receive better “plea bargains”.
Q. Can my bail be reduced?
A. Bail is usually set according to a schedule based upon the seriousness of the charges, and whether the person is on probation. In order to vary from the bail schedule, other factors need to be shown to the court. This applies both to increase and to decrease bail. Be careful what you ask for.
For additional information or a consultation feel fee to contact the office using the contact page or call (916) 444-7595.
Richard T. Dudek
Certified Criminal Law Specialist
State Bar of Calif. Board of Legal Specialization
901 H Street, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95814
tel. (916) 444-7595
