Tips for Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney in Florida
When it comes to finding the right lawyer for your needs, know that not every attorney is suited for every case. You may have worked with a civil lawyer when purchasing a home, managing a divorce, or settling personal injury damages. Some civil lawyers even specialize in very specific types of cases, such as worker’s compensation, contracts, or intellectual property.
If you have been charged with a crime in the state of Florida, however, you’ll need to find the best criminal defense attorney to help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and give you the best chance of achieving a positive verdict. This post will examine some of the most important qualities to look for in your criminal defense lawyer in Florida.
Find An Attorney Experienced With The Charge
Perhaps the most important quality to look for in your Florida criminal defense attorney is experience that is relevant to your case. If you’ve been charged with a DUI, for example, you don’t want to hire a criminal lawyer whose primary case history involves shoplifting. Even if the attorney has an incredible success rate, you need someone who knows the ins and outs of your specific charge.
Ask your potential lawyers, “How many cases like mine have you handled in the past year?”. Those with the most experience with your charge are going to be more up to date on case law pertaining to your situation, and they’ll have better chances of negotiating a deal or building a case to get you a desirable verdict.
Find An Attorney With Local Experience
Judges, verdicts, laws, and plea bargains can be incredibly localized. After you’ve sorted out potential criminal defense attorneys based on experience with the crime that you’ve been charged with, choose someone who has been practicing in Florida—and specifically your jurisdiction—over a lawyer whose experience is mostly in another state or even a few counties over.
The more local your attorney, the better their understanding of how courts tend to rule in cases like yours. A local Florida lawyer is also more likely to have experience working with the prosecutors and judge assigned to your case, which gives you an advantage both in the court and in negotiations.
Find An Attorney You Are Comfortable Working With
Experience aside, one of the final considerations you need to make when it comes to choosing a lawyer from your short list is compatibility. You want a criminal defense attorney who will speak for you and help you navigate the legal system in a way that you are comfortable with.
Just like a doctor can have an overbearing bedside manner that leaves you with more questions than answers, there are lawyers who will try to isolate you from the decision making process. In your interviews with potential Florida attorneys for your criminal defense, find someone that meshes with your personality and can be trusted to be your partner every step of the way.
Remember, in a criminal case there is a lot on the line. Your reputation, your assets, and even your freedom can all be taken from you in the blink of an eye if you don’t have the best criminal defense attorney fighting for you.
If you’ve been charged with a criminal offense in the state of Florida, don’t take the process of hiring a lawyer lightly. Take your time, do your research, and find someone who will get the job done right.