A criminal conviction in the state of Florida can have a major impact on your life. Not only can criminal records impact your ability to work in some professions, but they can also prevent you from furthering your education and can even impact your ability to drive.
In order to protect your legal rights, it is crucial to hire a defense attorney to help you with your legal case. With so many legal defense attorneys to choose from in Florida, you may feel overwhelmed with the decision to choose one. There are several things you will want to consider when searching for an attorney to represent you in court.
When Should I Speak With An Attorney?
If you have been arrested, or believe you may be a suspect in a crime, you should speak with a criminal defense attorney immediately. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible allows the law firm to better advise you on actions you should take. Consulting with an attorney early on will ensure that they are able to gather information which may be needed to provide a strong legal defense.
It is critical to speak with an attorney who is knowledgeable of the system to contact the prosecuting attorney before having any charges filed. This may maximize your ability to have your charges dropped or reduced. Furthermore, it can help to minimize your criminal exposure.
How Do I Select The Best Attorney To Represent Me?
It is crucial to select a defense attorney who is well-respected in the field. Having a respected reputation among judges and peers is extremely important when it comes to appearing before the judge and negotiating your case with prosecutors.
In addition to reputation, it is crucial for your defense attorney to have experience and to be able to represent your case and negotiate on your behalf. Whether your attorney is negotiating a reduction of charges, trying to have your charges dropped, or fighting the charges with motions or jury trials, it is crucial to have an attorney who has significant experience working on both sides of the courtroom.
The Important Role Of A Defense Attorney
When it comes to finding an adequate and reliable attorney, it is crucial to ask questions. Legal charges can have a significant impact on your life as well as the lives of your loved ones. You should compare reputations among judges, court personnel, and other attorneys to determine who is most qualified and experienced to handle your case.
Select an attorney whom you feel comfortable with. They will be handling something as important as your freedom, so you will need to feel comfortable and trusting with them throughout the legal process.
What Questions Should I Ask A Potential Attorney?
It is crucial to ask various questions of any potential attorneys. Asking questions helps you gauge the level of expertise attorneys have for handling legal matters similar to yours. Some of the most imperative questions to ask include:
- How many years have you been practicing this area of law?
- How many types of cases have you handled? How many jury trials have you done as a defense attorney and as a prosecutor?
- What types of cases have you tried and handled? In what courts have you represented clients? What was the level of experience of the opposing counsel?
- Are you familiar with the prosecutors and the procedures and policies for which they follow?
- Are you respected in the area by fellow defense attorneys, judges, prosecutors, and court personnel? Have any of these parties hired you or gone to you for legal advice or assistance?
- Are you board certified in criminal trial law in Florida?
- Have you held decision making positions within the prosecutor’s office? Are you familiar with the decision making criteria or what goes into a decision?
Always remember that there are many good experienced criminal defense attorneys to choose from. Sometimes, it can be difficult to distinguish one from another. Asking these questions will help you better determine if the attorney you are considering is the best fit for the important role of representing you in court.
A Criminal Defense Attorney Will Help You Every Step Of The Way
A good criminal defense attorney will help explain the legal process to you and what will happen after you are arrested. Once an individual is arrested, they are normally taken to jail or provided a notice to appear. If you have not done so already, it is imperative to select a criminal defense attorney who is well-respected in the field among judges and their peers.
In Florida, there are various degrees of crimes. Most crimes are generally classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. Felonies are of varying degrees, each with different consequences upon conviction. Felony charges have minimum sentences and ranges, which judges are obligated to follow. Reputable attorneys need to be familiar with the sentencing code so they can explain to offenders how it can impact their case.
If an individual is facing drug charges, they may be able to go to drug court. These courts provide options for court diversion programs and other alternatives. Certain cases may allow offenders to qualify for entry into drug court, which focuses more on recovery and treatment instead of punishment. Working with an experienced attorney will ensure you are aware of your legal rights before proceeding with your case.
It is crucial to contact a knowledgeable Florida criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to schedule a free case evaluation to explore which legal options are available to you.
Musca Law Can Help You
Our team of experienced and reputable attorneys have over 150 years of combined criminal defense experience representing individuals throughout Florida. We focus on each client individually in order to obtain the best possible outcome for each case. Our team approach to handling criminal defense cases has earned us an excellent reputation among judges, prosecutors, and our peers. If you are facing criminal charges in Florida, it is in your best interest to contact Musca Law at (888) 484-5057 to schedule a free case evaluation at any time.