Fort Lauderdale Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are reading this, chances are you or someone you know have been charged with or are potentially facing criminal charges.

Penalties for being convicted of a crime can range from a small fine  for a misdemeanor to substantial prison time or even death for serious felonies. Amendment 6 of the U.S. Constitution provides for your rights in a criminal prosecution specifically the right to have legal representation.

“In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.”

The criminal justice system in the United States is very complex with not only a huge body of state criminal statutes but federal criminal statutes as well. Most people do not have an understanding of the vast array of laws and the process involved in a criminal prosecution. As the saying goes, ignorance of the law is no defense when confronting your charges. Having  competent and knowledgeable representation is crucial to a successful defense.

A criminal defense lawyer should be retained under any of the following circumstances:

• Pre-Charges                

Representation by a criminal defense lawyer may even be necessary if you feel that there is a chance of being  investigated for a crime. This is especially true if you are to be questioned by the authorities. A criminal defense lawyer will assist you from divulging any incriminating information.

• After being charged

After your arrest you may be detained in jail. Representation during your bond hearing can be crucial in determining if you are to be released pretrial and the conditions of your release and bond.

It is possible that there is insufficient evidence or a procedural impropriety that has occurred in your case. A criminal defense lawyer can in these instances identify these issues and present an argument to convince the court to drop charges against you.

If you feel that a conviction is the most likely outcome of your trial you may want to enter into a plea bargain. A criminal defense  lawyer will represent you in the negotiation process to achieve a reduction in charges and ultimately a lessor punishment.

If a trial is imminent, a criminal defense lawyer will provide pretrial analysis of the facts in your case and the building of an adequate defense.

• During your trial

A criminal defense lawyer is critical in trial from the process of  jury selection, opening argument, questioning witnesses and closing arguments.

• Post conviction

If your trial did not have the outcome you expected you should be able to appeal the conviction. A criminal defense lawyer will assist in this process to provide you with every opportunity to obtain a successful appeal.