With more than 100,000 practicing attorneys in Florida, searching for a criminal defense attorney can be an overwhelming process. You may come up with at least a dozen attorneys in your area and will have to filter through that list. The most important thing to keep in mind as you are doing that is ‘what is the attorney’s level of experience with representing criminal defendants facing a felony or misdemeanor?’
Any attorney can claim to be committed to his or her clients by fighting hard for them. They may also claim to be a firm believer in a strict interpretation of the law. Ultimately, you have to see if their actions match their words. It is actually easier to determine a criminal defense attorney’s history of successfully representing clients. This article will give you advice on what to look for in a good criminal defense attorney.
Qualified in Criminal Conduct and the Elements
Your criminal defense attorney should also have a law degree and specialize in criminal defense. They should be experts in criminal procedure, writing, and legal research. The attorney should be familiar with criminal hearings to be able to defend your case properly.
You can see how a criminal defense attorney has successfully represented clients in a wide variety of criminal defense cases by looking at their client reviews online and the accolades given to them by their peers. If the majority of the client reviews echo the same sentiment that an attorney fought for the best possible outcome for them and won their felony or misdemeanor, that is a great indication of their proven criminal defense.
Experience in the Field
You should look for an attorney who has experience defending criminal cases. Your defense attorney should be able to answer questions about specific criminal charges. If they cannot answer your questions, you should not hire them to represent your case. These can include questions about: theft, DUI, white collar, assault and battery, and drug related crimes.
Defending Against a Robbery Charge
If you have been accused of robbery, your case will be tried in a jury trial. In a jury trial, the evidence will be presented against you and the defense can rely on their own evidence and affidavits to try to prove your innocence. A criminal defense attorney who has won these types of cases understands the consequences and charges if you are convicted. That is why you’ll need an experienced lawyer to help protect your rights and make sure that your case is heard by a fair tribunal.
Defending Against a DUI Charge
With experience in DUI cases, a criminal defense attorney will be able to provide you with the resources you need to protect your innocence and protect your rights. Florida’s DUI laws differ based on the number of offenses and level of alcohol involved in the crime. You should look for a criminal defense attorney who is educated on these laws and has prior experience handling DUI cases.
Defending Against an Assault and Battery Charge
A criminal defense attorney should understand the complex laws and wording regarding Florida’s assault and battery laws. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you get the best possible outcome in your case as he or she has handled numerous assault and battery cases and can provide guidance on ways to reduce your chances of conviction. The attorney may also help you negotiate a plea bargain that results in reduced charges or no punishment at all.
Experience in Local Courts
You might not have considered experience in local courts to be an important factor when choosing a criminal defense attorney. However, a good attorney will have connections and relationships within local courts. They will know about how specific judges typically rule, which prosecutors tend to plead or negotiate, and which courts have specific rulings set in place. The local advantage is crucial when deciding which criminal defense attorney to hire.
Responsive and Well-Educated
With a criminal defense case, time is crucial. Your criminal defense attorney should value your time and begin working on the case quickly. If you have questions about Florida laws or anything related to your case, they should respond with an educated answer in a timely manner.
Honest About Fees and Charges
Criminal defense attorneys charge their clients differently. It’s important to ask a criminal defense attorney about their billing procedure. The attorney should then be open and honest about the fees and charges they bill the client.
The price of a criminal defense attorney will be based on the level of experience of the attorney, the severity of the crime, and the amount of time the attorney will have to spend on the case. A less expensive lawyer is not always the best option. You should look for an attorney with the experience and qualifications to adequately defend your case.
Enthusiastic About Working with You
Ultimately, you should find an attorney who is enthusiastic about defending your case and finding the best solution for you. You want an attorney who is dedicated to their work and cares about you as an individual. Criminal charges are serious and could impact the rest of your life. Your criminal defense attorney should not take those consequences lightly, and should work hard to defend your rights.
An experienced criminal defense lawyer has the skill, knowledge and resources to successfully defend you and your freedom. If you have been charged or arrested for a crime, the attorneys at Hanlon Law in Clearwater work hard to defend your rights.
Hanlon Law lawyers specialize in criminal defense. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Hanlon Law
600 Cleveland St #1100
Clearwater, FL 33755
(727) 897-5413
https://www.criminalattorneyclearwater.net
