Dania Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer

Dania Beach Criminal Defense Attorney

An experienced criminal defense attorney at Demmery Law, PLLC can help throughout the entire process if you or a loved one are facing criminal charges in Florida. The criminal justice process can feel complicated. It’s crucial to speak with a local criminal defense attorney before you consider taking any further steps. A Dania Beach criminal defense lawyer can help explain what to expect and answer any questions you might have.

What Steps Are Typically Part of the Florida Criminal Process?

In Florida, a criminal case typically includes the following procedural steps:

• Arrest – in Florida, a police officer may arrest someone if they’ve observed a crime being committed, have an enforceable arrest warrant, or have sufficient probable cause.
• Initial appearance – the accused typically appears after an arrest for the judge to discuss the charges and whether there was sufficient probable cause for the underlying arrest.
• Arraignment – at this time, the accused’s rights are presented, and they’re able to enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
• A preliminary hearing, or probable cause hearing – both the accused and the prosecutor can call witnesses and then cross-examine them regarding the criminal circumstances.
• Plea bargaining – after the preliminary hearing, an accused, usually through their criminal defense attorney, can negotiate to attempt to reduce the criminal charges or ask them to be dismissed outright.
• Discovery – the fact-finding part of the case, where each side tries to obtain relevant evidence, and the prosecutor must disclose any evidence demonstrating the accused’s innocence.
• Trial – in Florida, the prosecutor uses evidence and testimony to try to prove the defendant committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt; thereafter, the accused, usually through their defense attorney, works to establish their innocence.
• Sentencing – if convicted, thereafter, a judge typically hears recommendations for punishment from the prosecution and any mitigating factors presented by the defense,

Of note, an experienced attorney can help explain the legal options and potential consequences at each stage of the criminal process. An attorney can be invaluable for a criminal defense right from the start of a case. They can establish the possibility of reasonable doubt for your case.

What Questions Should I Ask a Dania Beach, Florida Defense Attorney?

When consulting a Florida criminal defense attorney, you should ask questions to make sure they are the right attorney for your case, such as:

• What are all of the formal charges I’m facing?
• What are the potential consequences of the criminal charges?
• What are the prosecutor’s case strengths and weaknesses?
• Are there any potential defenses we can raise for my specific case?
• Are there any mitigating factors to reduce my charges?
• What’s your experience level handling cases just like mine?
• What’s your track record like for clients who faced similar charges?
• Do you think a plea bargain could be successful in my case?
• What are all the potential outcomes if we take my case to trial?
• How do you like to communicate with your clients?
• Who can I communicate with at your office for my case?
• How often can I get case updates?
• What time frame can I expect for my criminal charges?
• What is my next step moving forward?

When considering a specific attorney, it’s important to make sure you feel comfortable with their communication style and overall approach to your case. You can compare many attorneys before making a final decision. Make sure you agree with their suggested defense strategy and understand their fee structure. The right Florida criminal defense attorney can provide confidential, comfortable legal representation throughout your case.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Hardest Cases to Defend in Dania Beach, Florida?

A: The cases that are typically the hardest to defend in Dania Beach, Florida, are those involving homicide, cases against minors or involving minor victims, white-collar crimes, fleeing charges, sexual assault, or repeat DUI offenses.

In general, criminal defense cases can be complicated to defend because they’re legally complex, there’s extensive evidence involved, and the penalties for conviction can be severe. Generally, a seasoned attorney is ready to help assist any client with their criminal defense.

Q: What Actions Are Unethical for an Attorney?

A: There are some actions that are considered unethical for an attorney, including:

• Witness intimidation
• Knowingly using false evidence
• Not disclosing exculpatory evidence, which is evidence proving someone’s innocence
• Making decisions based on their own interests
• Telling a client to commit perjury
• Ignoring client communications
• Disclosing confidential client information or violating attorney-client privilege

Although attorneys, especially those defending clients accused of a crime, are supposed to zealously advocate on their client’s behalf, they can’t justify unethical attorney behavior.

Q: What Evidence Does a Defense Attorney Need to Prove a Case?

A: While a defense attorney doesn’t need to prove their case as a government prosecutor does, they need to present sufficient evidence to establish a reasonable doubt their client is guilty. They can oppose the prosecutor’s theory of the case by presenting witness testimony, physical evidence, alibi information, etc., to ensure the jury doesn’t think their client is guilty. They can demonstrate any inconsistencies in the prosecutor’s case.

A trusted defense attorney can further discuss all your evidence concerns.

Q: What Questions Should I Ask a Florida Criminal Defense Attorney About Attorney Fees at an Initial Consultation?

A: When consulting a Florida criminal defense attorney during an initial consultation, it can be helpful to ask:

• What types of fee structure do you use?
• Are there other costs I should consider?
• Do you charge a retainer fee?
• What happens to your fees if my case takes more time than originally anticipated?
• Can you work within my budget?

It’s important to discuss fee agreements with multiple attorneys and to review all written retention agreements carefully before signing legal documents.

Get Help With Your Criminal Defense Case From a Trusted Dania Beach Attorney

If you or a loved one are dealing with an arrest or formal criminal charges, it’s important to consult a knowledgeable attorney to start building a strong legal defense. At Demmery Law, PLLC, we’re ready to help right away.

Contact us today to set up an initial consultation with our experienced Dania Beach legal team. We can help you throughout your entire experience with the Florida criminal justice system, and we are ready to answer any questions you might have.