How to Find the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in Florida

When facing any type of criminal charge, it’s critical that you understand your rights and what to expect out of the legal process that is to follow. Your specific legal options are going to depend on the nature of your charges. Since criminal law encompasses a wide range of offenses, you may be wondering how to find the best criminal defense lawyer in Florida. The good news is that you can learn how to find a criminal defense lawyer who can help in your case.

When you hire a criminal defense lawyer, you can lean on their knowledge of Florida’s criminal defense laws and past experiences navigating them to get you through your case. A good attorney can make all the difference in your case.

A Quick Look at Crime in Florida

Before you can dive into researching Florida criminal defense attorneys, it’s helpful to understand the landscape of crime in Florida. Criminal law covers countless offenses that are typically categorized as property crimes, violent crimes, or white-collar crimes.

Florida ranked 31st for high violent crime rates and 35th for high property crime rates in the United States. Sarasota County specifically is considered to be a relatively safe area, ranking in the 99th percentile for overall safety. That said, in February 2024 alone, there were a total of 565 crimes reported to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department, including 466 property crimes and 99 violent crimes.

There have been controversial updates to Florida’s criminal laws in recent years that have made criminal defense cases more challenging to navigate than ever. It’s critical to have a Florida criminal defense attorney on your side that you can count on.

How to Find the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer in Florida in Three Easy Steps

When you begin your search to hire a criminal defense lawyer, one thing is quickly going to become clear: there are a lot of criminal defense attorneys in Florida. While this is good news, it’s also probably overwhelming news. Fortunately, you can narrow down your search significantly and streamline your research process through the following:

• Research their service areas: Criminal defense is a large area of law that covers crimes of all natures. Many Florida criminal defense attorneys offer a wide range of services to cover these various offenses, but you may also discover some that focus specifically on the area of law in which you need help.
• Check out their reviews: Law firms can talk themselves up all day, but what their clients think about them is going to go much further. When doing your research, check out what people are saying about them. These organic opinions can help guide your decision. Some attorneys may also publish their past case results, allowing you to see the types of cases they’ve worked on in the past.
• Take advantage of consultations: Your own feelings about hiring a criminal defense lawyer are arguably the most important part of this equation. You must trust your attorney with every aspect of your case, and it is critical that you feel like it’s a good fit. Plus, you can usually get more information about them during this process, including pricing, which is essential for making an educated decision.

In addition to these, you will also want to discuss with a potential lawyer information about their experience with cases like yours, their cost structures, and whether you will be working directly with them or with someone else.

FAQs About the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in Florida

Do I Have to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer to Represent Me in a Case in Florida?

You’re not required to work with a Florida criminal defense attorney if you’re facing criminal charges. That said, it’s highly advised that you do seek legal counsel regardless of the nature of your charges. Florida prosecutes crime harshly, and it can be not easy to navigate your case without solid representation. The prosecution has access to key resources to build a case against you. You should have the same opportunity with legal representation on your side.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Florida?

The cost of working with a Florida criminal defense attorney can vary from firm to firm. You can typically expect to pay a flat fee or an hourly rate when you hire a criminal defense lawyer in Florida, depending on their pricing structure. A good attorney won’t be able to give you a truly accurate estimate without knowing more about your case because the scope of services you need is also going to impact how much they charge.

What Is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in Florida?

Committing a crime in Florida can result in either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the offense, which differ from one another in a handful of ways. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses that carry less severe penalties, including fines and time in county jail. Felonies are more serious and can result in heftier fines and time in prison. They are also more likely to carry life-long restrictions.

What Is the Hardest Crime to Defend Against in Florida?

Every criminal defense case comes with a unique set of challenges, but some are typically more challenging to defend against than others. For example, most felonies are prosecuted more harshly than misdemeanors, regardless of the nature of the charge. That said, three of the hardest charges to build a defense against include crimes against minors, first-degree murder, and white-collar crimes. This, in large part, is because these cases often get escalated to the federal level.

Contact a Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer

No matter the nature of the charges against someone, they deserve fair treatment under Florida’s criminal defense laws. Our team at Ruhl Law, P.A., brings decades of experience to the table to ensure our clients have access to fair and just legal defense.

Our team of skilled attorneys has handled thousands of complex misdemeanor and felony cases over the years, making us familiar with how these legal matters go. We’re confident we can come up with a personalized strategy for yours. If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, contact our team to set up a consultation today.