The California State Bar has strict ethical rules that prohibit lawyers from claiming to be a Criminal Law Specialist unless the State Bar itself has certified them as a Specialist. To obtain a designation as a Certified Criminal Law Specialist, lawyers must meet a rigorous set of criteria. They must have extensive experience in handling criminal cases. They must demonstrate exceptional knowledge in criminal law; in fact, they must pass a separate bar examination that tests their knowledge of criminal law. And they must receive favorable reviews from judges and other lawyers who are familiar with their work. Only then will the State Bar allow a lawyer to claim to be a Certified Criminal Law Specialist.