I spent several years in federal prison and then on supervised release.The following is one of my many experiences with attorneys A federal grand jury had been investigating us. One of my soon-to-be- co-defendants and I pooled our money to meet with a local respected criminal defense attorney. My co-defendant handed the cash retainer to the attorney. The three of us spoke together that day. Both of us had later phone conversations with the attorney. Eventually my co-defendant turned on me and wore a wire on me based on advice from this same attorney. My last call with the attorney was when he told me he represented my co-defendant and not me because my co-defendant was the one who handed him the money. So, my advice is hire your own attorney and make sure you have a signed contract with him stating he is representing you.