The right criminal defense lawyer makes a world difference to a case. The right criminal defense lawyer may be able to persuade the prosecutor to offer probation instead of jail or prison.
The right criminal defense lawyer will be able to spot the legal issues and file a motion to suppress on your behalf.
The right criminal defense lawyer is not afraid to take your case to trial if that is your desire and to represent you to the end. The right criminal defense lawyer is the difference between freedom or incarceration.
So here are some things you should keep in mind when hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Broward County, Florida.
Does the lawyer focus solely on criminal defense or does he practice a little bit of everything?
- It is okay if the lawyer you are considering for hire practices one or two other practices areas because the reality of being a lawyer is being able to do more than one thing keeps the lights on and the family feed. However, someone who practices criminal defense along with 10 other practice areas may not be the most skilled at criminal law since they are juggling so many practice areas. You want someone who has the time and skill to constantly refine his criminal defense practice.
Does the lawyer have experience writing and arguing motion in court?
- An often neglected consideration when hiring a lawyer is whether or not the he or she can write a legal motion. A poorly written motion is not persuasive nor does it give the judge the legal precedent to rule in your favor. In addition, a lawyer must be able to argue his motion in front of the judge in close cases a good advocate may be enough to tip the scales in your favor. Lastly, a good lawyer would be able to effectively cross examine the witness to elicit favorable facts.
Is the lawyer a plea lawyer or a trial lawyer?
- There is a difference. Some lawyers will take cases just to plea you out and not have to do much else. For people who do not want to go to trial and just want a good deal this type of lawyer maybe perfect for them. However, issues arise when the prosecutor does not want to give you a fair plea deal and your lawyer is unwilling to go to trial. A trial lawyer on the other hand can plea you out just the same but if the plea offer is unreasonable they are not afraid to go to trial. A trial lawyer has experience and success taking cases to trial.
Is you criminal defense lawyer cheap?
- You get what you pay for . . . I have had the experience of dealing with people who are shopping around for the best deal. I say good luck to them. In fact, I wish to share a story about one prospective client who reached out to me and wanted to hire me but decided that might price was to high for her. She decided to hire someone else and when I walked into court for another matter in front of the same judge she admittedly asked me to take her case because she felt like she was getting a raw deal from the prosecutor (they wanted her to go to prison). Could I have done better? I do not know but what I do know is the moment prosecutors are being unreasonable I gear up for trial and make them earn every day they are seeking.
Hiring a lawyer is an important decision. Do your research. And if you or a loved one are facing criminal charges in Broward County give us a call 954-998-4567 or email me at houson@housonlafrance.com.
Houson R. Lafrance
