When you’re facing criminal charges in Florida, choosing the right attorney can be one of the most important decisions you make.
- If you’ve caused an injury due to driving drunk, you’ll need a good lawyer.
- If you’ve been charged with a sex crime, you’ll need a good lawyer.
- If you were found with illegal drugs or guns, you’ll need a good lawyer.
Crimes just like these happen frequently in West Palm Beach or Palm Beach County. The people charged with those crimes deserve to have good lawyers representing them so that they receive fair treatment under the law.
Knowing that, what should you look for in the attorney or law firm that will be representing you?
We’ll explain more in detail below, but very simply, you need someone with the experience, dedication and the right strategy who is going to fight for your rights.
Here’s what to look for in a Florida criminal defense lawyer.
Proven Experience in Criminal Defense in West Palm Beach
Experience is absolutely key when it comes to navigating the complexities of Florida’s criminal justice system.
Not all West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyers are equally equipped to handle criminal cases, and even fewer have extensive experience in the specific type of charges you may be facing.
You’ll want to consider lawyers with years of dedicated focus on criminal defense and who have successfully defended clients against a wide range of charges, including DUIs, drug offenses, theft, assault and other felonies.
Unlike attorneys who dabble in multiple areas of law, you want an attorney who has honed their skills specifically in criminal defense, ensuring that they are always up-to-date on the latest legal developments and strategies needed to protect clients.
A Personalized or Customized Approach
Many large law firms treat clients as just another case number.
You want to look for an attorney that gives each client the personal attention they deserve. The attorney or firm should take the time to fully understand your situation, listen to your concerns and tailor a defense strategy that fits your unique case.
From the moment you begin working together, their priority should be to provide you with clear communication and dedicated service so that you always know what’s happening with your case.
A Track Record of Success
A good criminal defense lawyer should have a history of favorable outcomes for their clients. Whether through case dismissals, reduced charges or not-guilty verdicts, you want to choose a West Palm Beach attorney who will be committed to securing the best possible results for you.
Attorneys should be transparent and willing to share details of past successes in cases similar to yours. You want to feel confident that the attorneys have experience and results that backup their personalized approach.
You want a really successful criminal defense lawyer if you’ve been accused of Federal Crimes, serious felonies, drug crimes or domestic violence.
Experience Within Local Legal System
The legal system in Florida, and specifically Palm Beach County, is unique, with its own set of rules, procedures and quirks. Relationships that the attorney may have with local judges, other attorneys, law enforcement and others is vital.
You need a lawyer who knows how to navigate this effectively. Knowing how to negotiate, when to push back, and understanding the tendencies of local prosecutors can often make all the difference in a criminal case.
Clear and Transparent Communication
Being charged with a crime can be one of the most stressful and overwhelming experiences of your life. That’s why you should place a strong emphasis on communication – both coming from you to the attorney and vice versa.
You’ll want to find a lawyer who will explain your legal options in clear, simple terms, and be available to answer your questions.
Too often, clients feel left in the dark about their case. Find an attorney you can trust to keep you informed at every stage, and who will work to alleviate your concerns by providing honest, straightforward answers.
Aggressive Representation When it Matters
You need an attorney who can fight aggressively on your behalf – when it’s needed. Attorneys should not be afraid to challenge evidence, question the actions of law enforcement, or take a case to trial if it’s in your best interest.
However, a good attorney also understands when it’s more beneficial to negotiate a favorable plea deal. Their approach should always be based on what will achieve the best possible outcome for your specific case.
Fair Legal Fees
What does the attorney cost? That’s often one of the first questions we are asked and it is an important one as legal fees can be a major concern.
A good criminal defense lawyer in West Palm Beach should be able to clearly outline what their fee structure is before they do any work for you. You should understand this upfront so that there are no hidden fees or surprises.
Remember, there are many criminal defense lawyers in West Palm Beach, but not all of them offer the same level of dedication, experience and personalized service.
At Pakett Law, we are committed to providing exceptional legal representation with a focus on achieving results that matter to you. If you’re looking for a lawyer who will treat your case with the attention and urgency it deserves, we are ready to help.
Remember – arrests are common in Florida, the legal consequences are serious, and having a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer is essential to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
If you were charged with a serious crime in West Palm Beach or anywhere in the state of Florida, please schedule a free consultation with The Pakett Law Group. You can call 561-318-0531 or email us here.
The Pakett Law Group, PA is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality representation. With over a decade of legal experience, West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer Brian T. Pakett and his team of West Palm Beach criminal lawyers possess a comprehensive understanding of Florida criminal law – which can benefit you in your time of need.
Our firm is based in West Palm Beach, Florida, however, we work with clients throughout Florida.