Board Certified
Why Should I Only Hire a Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney?
Imagine you are diagnosed with a brain tumor that needs to be removed. Would you seek treatment from a cardiologist? Of course not. Just as every medical doctor has an M.D. at the end of their name, every lawyer has a J.D. While there are generalist lawyers, just as there are generalist doctors, many lawyers specialize in a particular area of law. Among criminal lawyers, those who are Board Certified in Criminal Law are considered experts in the field.
If you are facing criminal charges, your life is on the line. Even seemingly minor offenses, such as marijuana possession, can have long-term consequences. You need an expert to guide you through the legal process, explain your situation and the potential consequences, provide expert advice on the best course of action, and fight aggressively on your behalf. Don’t take any chances with your future – hire a Board Certified Criminal Law expert to represent you.
What Does it Mean to Be Board Certified in Criminal Law?
Less than .008% of Texas attorneys are Board Certified in Criminal Law, making it a rare and highly coveted distinction. While you may come across many badges of honor on attorney websites, such as “Top” or “Super,” the only credential you can trust as a mark of expertise is Board Certification. This credential is granted by the State Bar and signifies that other experts have reviewed the attorney’s experience, investigated their reputation among judges and their peers, and tested their knowledge through a full-day exam that is even more difficult than the bar exam.
Other credentials may be purchased for a fee, but Board Certification can only be earned through hard work, experience, and the respect of others in the field. When you choose a Board Certified Criminal Law attorney, you can be confident that you are getting an expert who has proven their knowledge and skills in the field.
How Does a Lawyer Become Board Certified?
It is a difficult and highly selective process to become Board Certified in Criminal Law. In fact, only .008% of lawyers have passed the Board Certification Exam. However, it is completely voluntary, and only those attorneys who are truly dedicated to their practice even attempt it. To apply, the attorney must first meet the minimum requirements set by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, which is a significant amount of work in and of itself. Do not be fooled by the word “minimum” – achieving Board Certification requires a significant investment of time and effort.
To become Board Certified in Criminal Law, an attorney must meet the following requirements:
- Be licensed to practice law for at least five years (Brad Thornton has over a decade of experience)
- Devote a significant portion of their practice to criminal law in the past three years (Brad Thornton has devoted 100% of his practice to criminal law)
- Have experience handling a variety of criminal law matters, including jury trials, motions, and appeals
- Attend criminal law continuing education seminars regularly to stay up to date on legal training
- Be evaluated by at least ten lawyers and judges who practice criminal law and can speak to their experience and expertise
- Pass a day-long written examination covering state and federal criminal law.
Wanna know more? Visit the Board’s Website: www.tbls.org
