The indispensable attribute of the exceptional criminal lawyer is that of experienced professional judgment.
The exceptional lawyer is able to evaluate what the evidence against you will most probably prove, and if it will prove your guilt, how to construct a wall against the likelihood of your incarceration. This takes confidence, intelligence and, most importantly, experience prosecuting and defending cases similar to yours.
Prosecuting a criminal case consists of marshalling crime facts in the light most prejudicial to the Defendant: putting together an aggravated case. Defending a case consists of casting doubt upon--or actually disproving--the Defendant's responsibility for either the commission of the crime or its aggravating features: taking apart a case.
For over fifty years collectively, we have prosecuted and defended literally thousands of criminal cases--from the lowest misdemeanors to Capital Murder. That experience has developed the one attribute that can most effectively impact your future: our professional judgment.
In truth, many offenses can be proven by the State (or, in federal cases, by the Government). Therefore, the best criminal lawyers develop extensive expertise in punishment mitigation or "damage control." If investigation establishes that your guilt can clearly be established upon a trial, your lawyer must have the credibility--with your particular judge (or jury)--to create an acceptable alternative to confinement, which often requires an abundance of creativity on the lawyer's part and an equal expenditure of energy on your part.