Facing criminal charges can be an overwhelming experience. It is crucial to have a skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyer. However, it can be challenging to know which one is the right fit for your case. Here is what you need to know about hiring a criminal defense lawyer.

Experience and Expertise

The first and most important factor to consider is expertise in criminal defense. Look for a lawyer who has a proven track record of successfully defending clients in cases similar to yours. The most skilled have the letters “BCS” instead of “Esquire” or “Esq.” BCS is the Florida Bar’s designation that a lawyer is a “Board Certified Specialist”.

Okaloosa defense lawyers must have a deep understanding of the Florida criminal justice system. This includes legal procedure and the laws related to your case. Additionally, it is essential to choose a lawyer who specializes in criminal defense rather than a general practitioner.

The Best Criminal Defense: Reputation and Reviews?

Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer, it is crucial to research their reputation and reviews.

However, reviews from past clients are useless. Yet you have been programmed mentally by Big Tech to look for client reviews instead of actual skill.

Why would Big Tech mislead people frantically searching for the best criminal defense lawyer? Money. As a consumer, this is a problem when you are looking for an Okaloosa County criminal defense lawyer. This is also true for finding any goods or services.

• Fake reviews – from partial refunds to remove bad reviews, law firms are trained by marketing specialists how to rig Google and FaceBook. Big Tech wants you to click ads and make your legal fee more expensive, not help you really find the best criminal defense lawyer.
• Fake credentials – criminal defense lawyers are targeted by Pay to Play fake credential gimmicks every single day.
• Big Tech algorithms – they prioritize profits, not criminal defense. Big Tech algorithms give no weight to actual expertise.
• Real credentials such as Board Certification are ignored. According to the Florida Bar, Board Certified Specialists are the best lawyers in over twenty-five (25) areas. This includes criminal trial and criminal appeals.
• Former clients usually want an expungement of their criminal record and digital evidence of the arrest. Big Tech reviews can completely defeat the entire purpose of expunction and cleaning up the Internet.

Location: Crestview and Fort Walton Beach Court

A lawyer who is familiar with the local court system in both Fort Walton Beach and Crestview can make a big difference.

Felony or Misdemeanor court in Crestview is different from the same type of proceeding in Fort Walton Beach. Look for defense lawyers who are familiar with all of the local courts and their local procedural rules. The Crestview courthouse is for cases north of the Shoal River bridge.  The Fort Walton Beach courthouse is for all south county cases including Destin, Florida.

Communication and Availability

Effective communication is crucial in any legal case. Some are great at communicating with judges, lawyers and clients. Others are great in court yet do a poor job of explaining the legal process to their clients.

During your initial consultation, pay attention to how well the lawyer  explains the legal process to you. One process that our firm requires is a client completed Fact Pattern Report about the legal matter.

Fees and Payment Plans

Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer, it is crucial to discuss their fees and payment plans. The most common type of fee is a flat fee which neither goes up or down. This fee is usually broken into two parts, pre-trial and trial. Most of the best criminal defense lawyers often require a full fee up front.

It is essential to have a clear understanding of the fees and any additional costs that may arise during your case. Additionally, ask about payment plans.

Personal Connection

Choose a criminal defense lawyer with whom you feel comfortable and have a good personal connection. Facing criminal charges is stressful and emotional.

By considering these key factors, you can choose the right criminal defense legal team. You deserve the best possible representation as you navigate the criminal justice system. Remember to do your research and trust your instincts when making this important decision.

If you’re facing criminal charges in Okaloosa County, FL, trust the expert criminal defense attorneys at Cobb Law Firm to fight for your rights. Contact us online or give us a call at (850) 738-6153 today to schedule a consultation.

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