Whether you are facing a theft charge or white collar crime charges in West Palm Beach or Lake Worth, it is crucial to have the right criminal defense lawyer. While legal knowledge is key, practical experience is also vital.
A top-rated criminal attorney understands the court system and prosecutors at a very intimate level. They will know their temperaments, tendencies and patterns.
Know Your Rights
A criminal case can be a terrifying experience. Most people don’t understand the legal process, especially if they are arrested for a crime. A criminal defense attorney plays an important role in the justice system by protecting your rights during every step of your case.
Property crimes like robbery and burglary are common charges that may lead to harsh consequences if convicted. An experienced West Palm Beach felony defense attorney can help minimize the penalties.
DUI charges are another area where an experienced criminal defense attorney can be helpful. A qualified attorney can help you avoid jail time and fines by arguing that breathalyzer tests are unreliable.
Many people don’t know that they have the right to effective assistance of counsel. This means that they have the right to a lawyer who knows what he or she is doing and can provide a strong defense for their client. A West Palm Beach criminal defense attorney who is familiar with local courts will be better able to defend your rights.
Don’t Sign a Plea Agreement
A criminal defense attorney’s job is to represent the interests of his or her client. This means that an attorney should fight to make sure the defendant has all of their legal rights, including the right to have a jury trial. A good criminal defense lawyer will also be familiar with the local court system and how it works. He or she will regularly visit the Palm Beach County courts, and has likely defended cases in front of the same judges and prosecutors that are now handling your case.
Criminal charges such as assault and battery carry harsh repercussions, and are best handled by an experienced West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer. A good criminal defense lawyer will be able to get your charges reduced or even dismissed, if possible. In addition, an attorney will understand the intricacies of the law and how to use it to your advantage. For example, a lawyer will know that small procedural errors could have a dramatic impact on your case.
Hire an Attorney Who Understands the Court System
A DUI conviction is a major obstacle for many people, impacting their lives in several ways. It can keep them from finding employment, impede their education and cause high insurance rates. It will also stay on their record forever and cannot be expunged.
A skilled criminal defense lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights throughout the process. They will understand the importance of preventing any mistakes that could negatively affect your case down the road.
In addition to legal knowledge, an attorney should also have practical experience. This is especially important when handling a local case such as the one you are currently facing. A criminal defense lawyer who regularly attends court in Palm Beach County will already know the judges, prosecutors and other regular participants in the system. This familiarity will allow them to better understand the temperament and tendencies of each individual and how it may affect the outcome of your case.
Don’t Give Up
Having a good criminal attorney on your side is the most important thing you can do to help your case. Prosecutors are only interested in getting convictions, so they will do whatever they can to make it seem like you have no chance of beating the charges against you.
A West Palm Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer can challenge the evidence presented against you. Whether it’s questioning a witness’ credibility, analyzing DNA evidence, or reviewing police procedure, a criminal defense attorney will thoroughly investigate all aspects of your case to create the strongest legal defense possible.
Often times, the reason someone misses their court date is because of an unforeseen circumstance. But if this is the case, it’s important to contact an experienced lawyer immediately so that they can advise you of what steps may be taken to avoid further penalties. This is especially true when it comes to criminal traffic offenses such as hit and run.