How to find the best affordable defense lawyer?

A lot of criminal defense attorneys will accept a down payment and offer monthly payment plans.  You will need to call around.  The better the attorney the higher the overall fee and the higher down payment.  If you are wanting a Jury Trial, it will cost you more than if you want the attorney to work out a plea agreement.  If you are wanting a Jury Trial, ask how many Jury Trials the attorney has actually 1st chaired to a verdict with a jury.  Experience matters.  Prosecutors know which attorneys are experienced before a Jury and which ones are not.  I get better plea agreements for my clients because the prosecutors know that I am a trial attorney.