If you or someone you love has been arrested for a crime in Florida, it is highly recommended that you consider the option of hiring private legal counsel – no matter how "minor" the crime may seem. While you may be entitled to seek representation from a court-appointed public defender, it is important to remember that your future rests in their hands. Hiring an experienced criminal attorney could mean the difference between dropped charges and time spent in prison, so you shouldn’t take this decision lightly.
The Benefits of Hiring a Private Criminal Defense Lawyer
The public defender system exists in order to provide legal services to those who cannot afford to hire their own lawyer. Hiring a public defender may be better than not having legal counsel at all, but that does not mean that all attorneys are equal. With the number of people being arrested in Florida every day, the public defender system has become grossly over-extended. This means that your lawyer could be juggling a hefty case load.
Hiring a private defense attorney offers the following benefits:
- They have more time to devote to your case
- They can limit the number of cases they take on
- They can intervene at the beginning of your case
- You can choose the lawyer that fits your needs
- They can attend court hearings on your behalf
Using “Free” Legal Counsel Could Cost You in the Long Run
Although public defender programs are a good option for defendants who have no means of paying for a private criminal defense attorney, the reason that you hire a public defender shouldn’t be because it is “free.” It may seem like the best option at the time, but the court costs and fees associated with a criminal conviction could turn out to be more costly than investing in the proper legal defense. For this reason, we ask you to discuss your options with Rudenberg and Glasser, P.A. today to learn more.
What Qualities to Look for in a Private Defense Attorney
If you have made the decision to hire a private defense lawyer, there are several factors that you should take into consideration when comparing qualifications. First, you may want to work with an attorney who has experience in the courthouse where your case is pending. Although the same laws are enforced statewide, certain procedures can vary.
For example, the District Attorney in one county may have a strict “no plea bargaining” policy, while the DA in a neighboring county may be more lenient. Lawyers who are familiar with the inner workings of a particular courthouse may also be familiar with how certain prosecutors operate – which could be a significant advantage at your criminal trial.
Next, you should look for an attorney who has experience. The Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyers at Rudenberg and Glasser, P.A. have handled thousands of criminal cases in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Our firm is also available to speak with clients 24/7, which means that we will be there for you when you need our help most.
Contact Our Firm 24/7 for a Free Case Evaluation
If you need help weighing your options, please do not hesitate to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of the Fort Lauderdale criminal attorneys at Rudenberg and Glasser, P.A. We are backed by a long list of satisfied clients, so you can count on us to provide the honest advice and skilled legal counsel that you need at this difficult time.
Call our firm today or fill out a free case evaluation form online.