Houston Criminal Defense Attorney - Why choose a board certified attorney?

Houston Criminal Defense Attorney - Brian Foley - Board Certified in Criminal Law

When facing a criminal case, it is essential to have an attorney who is well-versed in the legal system and can provide you with the best possible defense. One way to ensure that you have a qualified attorney is by choosing one who is Board Certified. In Texas, Board Certification is a mark of excellence and a distinguished accomplishment within the legal community.

Board Certification is a rigorous process that only a small percentage of Texas lawyers go through. Out of 110,000 lawyers that are licensed to practice in Texas, only 7,150 are Board Certified. These lawyers have voluntarily applied for Board Certification, have a minimum of 5 years of practice experience (with at least three years in specific legal areas), completed at least 60 hours of continuing legal education hours and passed a rigorous exam. This process ensures that only the most experienced and knowledgeable lawyers receive this certification.

One of the key benefits of working with a Board Certified lawyer is that they have substantial experience in their area of law. Board Certification is only granted to lawyers who have been practicing in a specific area of law for a minimum of 5 years, with at least 3 years of that time being in that specific area. This means that a Board Certified lawyer in criminal law has at least 3 years of experience specifically handling criminal cases. This level of experience can make a significant difference in your case, as a lawyer with more experience is more likely to have a deep understanding of the law and be able to provide a more effective defense.

Another benefit of working with a Board Certified lawyer is that they have the respect of their peers. Board Certification is only granted to lawyers who have been recommended by their peers. This means that other lawyers in the community recognize the attorney’s knowledge and skill in their area of law. This level of respect from other lawyers can be beneficial in a criminal case as it can help to gain the respect of the judge and prosecution.

Additionally, Board Certified lawyers have proven specialized competence in their select area of law. They have passed a rigorous exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of the law. This ensures that they are well-versed in the legal system and can provide a high level of expertise in their area of law.

Once certified, Board Certified lawyers are also required to continue their education and involvement in their specialty area. They must reapply for Board Certification every 5 years, which ensures that they are up-to-date on the latest developments in their area of law. This level of continuing education can be beneficial in a criminal case as it means that your lawyer is aware of the most current laws and case decisions, which can be helpful in building a defense.

In conclusion, choosing a Board Certified lawyer can be beneficial in a criminal case. Board Certification is a mark of excellence and a distinguished accomplishment within the legal community. Board Certified lawyers have substantial experience, the respect of their peers, and proven specialized competence in their select area of law. Additionally, they are required to continue their education and involvement in their specialty area, which ensures that they are up-to-date on the latest developments in their area of law. All of these factors can be beneficial in a criminal case, and choosing a Board Certified lawyer can give you peace of mind and the best possible defense.