Criminal lawyers deal with issues surrounding the arrest of their client for criminal conduct. In the United States, criminal defendants are entitled to be presumed innocent until the prosecutor can prove the crime beyond a shadow of a doubt. Serious crimes, such as felonies, are tried before a jury of 12 people, and the jury verdict must be unanimous.
A Miami criminal lawyer will provide legal representation and defend those who have been arrested and charged with a criminal crime. Criminal crimes include drug crimes, driving under the influence, theft, domestic violence, probation violation and sex crimes. A knowledgeable Miami criminal lawyer will know all the latest laws and how they are applied. They will know what your rights are and work to make sure those rights is not violated.
Choosing a Miami Criminal Lawyer
Before choosing a criminal lawyer, ask family and friends you trust for the name of a good lawyer. Try not to settle for a public defender unless you have an airtight alibi. Otherwise you’ll find out quickly why a public defender is free.
If there is time, interview several attorneys before making a definitive choice. Make sure the Miami criminal lawyer is well versed in the crime you are alleged to have committed. Be sure to get a written contract from the lawyer in question that addresses the cost involved, how the attorney will be paid and if a payment plan will be put in place. The contract should also estimate the time frame involved to litigate the case if all things are in order and what happens if the case drags on and on.
Not all criminal cases go to trial, but even if you are sure a trial will not be involved, hire a Miami criminal lawyer with trial experience in case the unexpected happens. A lawyer with trial experience will be your best line of defense as the prosecutor will be vigilant in sending the alleged criminal to jail. The prosecutor will know if the lawyer has a background in trial proceedings.
Check your lawyers win loss record. Someone with more losses than wins may not be the attorney for you. Be leery of an attorney who boasts knowing the judge or the prosecutor on a personal level. They may be intimating they will get you the best deal because of their relationship, but you must ask yourself where their loyalty lies. Is it to be in your best interest or are they more interested in keeping the relationship with the other side?