How to Select a Florida Criminal Lawyer Who is Right for You
The best phone book
ad doesn’t guarantee the best Florida criminal lawyer. For example, a lawyer may have a
big, flashy ad that says “DUI Only!” yet that lawyer may not be a
specialist. In fact, there is no specialty in DUI recognized by the Florida Bar Association or
the Florida Supreme Court!
From Pensacola to Miami, the only two criminal law specialties in
Florida are criminal trial law and
criminal appellate law.
Most lawyers in the
criminal defense field provide free initial consultations. The free
initial consultation has two purposes: 1) explain what a lawyer can do
for you, and; 2) what the fee would be if you and the lawyer agree to
representation.
Ask questions before you go to the lawyer’s office. Desperate lawyers
will offer low money down payment plans, cheap fees and cheap service.
The best lawyers will expect their fee up front, they will charge more,
and they will have the time to provide the best service. Most
importantly, the best Florida criminal lawyers can answer the questions on the checklist with a
‘yes,’ not an excuse.
Checklist for Hiring A Criminal Defense Lawyer
in Florida
q
Are you certified by the
Florida Bar Association and the Florida Supreme Court as a specialist in
criminal law? This is the real
q
Does your law firm focus
on criminal law exclusively?
q
Have you handled at least
a thousand or more criminal cases?
q
Are you a member of the
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers?
q
Are you a member of the
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers?
q
Are you a member of your
local Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers?
q
Do other lawyers call you
when they have questions about criminal law?
q
Are you a “Lone Ranger” or
do you have a defense team?
q
Have you ever led a
defense team?
q
Have you handled cases
like mine in the past?
q
Have you had trials in
cases like mine in the past?
q
Have you practiced law for
more than ten years?
q
Have you won any cases
that have been reported in the Southern Second Edition Case Reporter?
q
Are you qualified to
handle capital death penalty cases?
q
Have you ever won a
capital case?
q
Have you ever won any
motions to dismiss?
q
Have you ever won any
motions to suppress?
q
Have you ever won any
judge trials?
q
Have you ever won any jury
trials?
<= Look for the real rating of a Florida criminal
lawyer, look for the Board Certification Logo to the left. Only lawyers
certified as experts by the Florida Bar may display it
Call Now (850) 244-1625
(Okaloosa and Walton Counties)
(850) 477-6166 in Escambia (Pensacola area) and Santa
Rosa Counties
(866) 651-6565 toll free, statewide
