Florida residents who find themselves on the wrong side of the law are presumed innocent, and the Sixth Amendment provides them with several rights, including the right to legal representation. If you ever find yourself in this position, choosing a criminal defense lawyer to represent you will be one of the most important decisions you will face. To improve your chances of obtaining a positive outcome, you should look for an attorney with relevant experience and the skills necessary to handle your case.
Experience and track record
A lawyer who has successfully defended individuals accused of white-collar crimes like embezzlement or fraud might not be the best choice to fight a drug charge. An attorney who handles family law and personal injury matters, as well as criminal cases, may not have a sufficient depth of knowledge. Ideally, what you want is an advocate who focuses their practice exclusively on defending the accused. This is why it is important to ask criminal defense lawyers about similar cases they have handled in the past and the outcomes they achieved for their clients.
The free consultation
Most criminal defense attorneys offer new clients a free consultation to discuss their cases and possible legal strategies. During this initial meeting, a lawyer’s attitude and demeanor can be just as important as the words they speak. The most successful attorneys inspire confidence because they listen carefully, ask relevant questions and have a genuine concern for the welfare of their clients.
Working as a team
A criminal defense is more likely to be successful when all of the facts are known, and the lawyer and client work together as a team. Both parties have a role to play, and things can go wrong in a hurry if the lines become blurred. The attorney should concentrate on finding flaws in the prosecutor’s case, and the client should resist urges to confront witnesses or talk to the press.
If the police arrest you for a criminal offense, take your time and interview one or more criminal defense attorneys before you hire anyone. You need to control the situation.
