Posts Tagged Criminal
FAQ: Tampa Criminal Lawyer
There are some common concerns that people share when deciding who to retain as their Tampa criminal lawyer. Save yourself the time of writing down your questions and take this article to your initial meeting. That way you will not forget to ask any of the questions that can be so vital in the search for a Tampa criminal lawyer. They include:
- What is your specialty? Remember this important fact. Just because a lawyer has been practicing for twenty years does not mean they have enough experience to successfully defend your case. Your best bet is to find a professional who has specific experience winning cases like yours. A person with five years experience, who has focused on a certain niche, is much more valuable to you than the lawyer who takes all types of cases and has no specific specialty.
- How will you be compensated? This is an obvious question. Just because an attorney charges the most does not make them the best. Look at other factors when deciding to select your Tampa criminal lawyer. If the best possible lawyer asks for the most money, it is up to you whether you choose to continue your search.
- Are you the person who will be handling my case? If not, is the litigator, who will act as my Tampa criminal lawyer, as qualified and experienced as you are? Some firms use a few different attorneys, who work on cases collaboratively and share the workload. If this is the case with the firm you choose, make sure you meet each professional and ensure they are qualified to take your case.
- Why do you believe you are a successful criminal lawyer? Again, this comes down to a niche focus. You will want to know the lawyer’s win-loss record in court in cases similar to yours.
- How will you ensure that I receive the best possible treatment under the law? Select a Tampa criminal lawyer who makes you feel comfortable. There is no reason to feel slighted every time you talk with your representation. It is important to know that this person is in your corner. You should be able to proceed with the trial with the peace of mind that comes with having the best possible representation.
Good luck finding a talented lawyer. When it comes to criminal cases, the caliber of litigator can make all the difference.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer for a DUI Charge
Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer for a DUI Charge
Ever been pulled over on a DUI charge? Yes this happens but you can beat the system with the help of a criminal defense lawyer.
Drinking under the influence of DUI requires fast action on your part so that your license will not be suspended. The first thing you have to do of course is hire a lawyer so you can immediately be released from jail.
In some cases, this does not happen because you are released on your own recognizance. However, some will require you to post bail which your lawyer can take care of.
Once released, it is now time to address this issue. In some states, a DUI charge generates 2 separate cases. The first is filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles while the other is a criminal court case. When faced with this problem, you have to face these charges within ten days from the date of the arrest.
Just like any other criminal case, this begins with your arraignment. You will be asked to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Chances are, your criminal defense lawyer will tell you to plead not guilty to these charges. This will give him or her time to review the facts of the case so your defense will be established.
There are many strategies available that your lawyer can use to you get out of a DUI and have proven to be successful.
Your lawyer may for example argue lack of probably cause for the initial stop. This means there was no reason at all to stop you and if that is the case, submit a petition to suppress any evidence that the police obtained when you were pulled over.
It is also possible to argue faulty of unreliable BAC results. The BAC stands for blood alcohol test which is used to test if the person’s alcohol level has reached the maximum limit which makes him or her unsafe to drive a vehicle.
The results could be faulty if your lawyer can prove that the test was not properly administered, the equipment used was not properly maintained or you have a medical condition that may have an impact on the reliability of the test.
Another tactic is to attack the credibility of the arresting officer. If your lawyer is able to question the police officer and prove there are inconsistencies in their testimony compared with the police report they filed, you just might have a chance of getting a not guilty verdict.
But if things are not working in your favor and everything was done by the book, then your criminal defense lawyer may advise you to accept a favorable plea agreement. Doing so may get you reduced charges or sentencing concessions with the district attorney.
If you don’t want to negotiate and decide to gamble in court and lose, then you can try to appeal the court’s decision. If you don’t, there will likely be an increase in your insurance cost, limits on employment options and you will now have a permanent record.
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer is the only way to get out of a DUI charge. After all, there are circumstances which you can argue so that you name will not be included in the criminal database system.