The Constitution guarantees every person accused of a crime the right to “effective assistance of counsel.” A competent criminal lawyer West Palm Beach will ensure that your rights are respected.
A criminal case can have devastating consequences on your life and careerChoosing an attorney early on is essential to ensuring the best possible outcome.
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Experience
A criminal case can be extremely stressfulA good criminal attorney can help ease the stress of the processThe criminal defense attorneys at Gabriel & Gabriel have years of experience handling all types of criminal cases in the West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens and Delray Beach courthouses.
They handle misdemeanor and felony cases including robbery, rape, burglary, fraud, forgery and other property crimesThey also defend clients against white collar crimes such as embezzlement, healthcare fraud, tax evasion and more.
A good criminal lawyer understands the judges and prosecutors in the local courtsWhile they are all bound by the same laws and rules of ethics, they all have different personalities and tendencies that can affect how they view a particular caseA good West Palm Beach criminal lawyer will know the judges and prosecutors through frequent interaction so they can anticipate how they will approach a case and prepare accordinglyThis can be beneficial in negotiating with a prosecutor and getting the charges against you dropped or reduced.
Knowledge
A good criminal lawyer must have a deep knowledge of Florida laws and the local court systemWhile all lawyers are bound by strict ethical standards, each has his or her own unique personality and approach to the practice of law.
For example, if the crime that you are charged with occurs in Palm Beach County, then your attorney should be familiar with local intersections, street names and landmarksThis practical knowledge allows your attorney to ask more detailed questions of witnesses and analyze their statements in-depth.
If you are facing a DUI charge, then your attorney should understand the science behind breath and blood alcohol testsThese types of tests are prone to many errors, and a knowledgeable DUI lawyer can use this information to your advantage.
Your criminal defense attorney should also be able to explain the charges that you are facing and how a conviction could impact your lifeFor example, a criminal record for DUI will stay with you forever and can cause problems when applying for jobs, obtaining housing and even finding insurance.
Communication
A lawyer’s ability to communicate with you and the prosecutor can make or break your caseYour lawyer should be able to listen to your concerns and explain the law to you in terms you can understandHe or she should also be able to present the evidence in your case in a way that is clear and compelling.
Your West Palm Beach criminal defense attorney should have good working relationships with the other participants in our nation’s court system, including judges and prosecutorsHe or she should be familiar with their temperaments, tendencies and patterns through frequent interaction at local courthouses in West Palm Beach, Delray Beach and Palm Beach Gardens.
A skilled homicide attorney can scrutinize all the evidence the prosecution has gathered against you and find gaps and inconsistencies that could help you get your charges reduced or dismissedHe or she can also prepare a strong closing argument to sway the jury in your favor and rebut any allegations against you by the prosecution.
Personality
In addition to experience and knowledge, an excellent criminal attorney will have the personality traits necessary to be successfulThis includes the ability to listen to clients, respond quickly to emails or phone calls, and understand the personalities of local judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers.
Criminal attorneys must be tenacious and persuasive to ensure that the best possible outcome is achieved for their clientsThey should also be willing to go to trial if the situation requires itLastly, they must be compassionate and respectful to their clients.
A highly qualified criminal lawyer West Palm Beach is experienced in a wide range of crimes, including DUI, drug charges, sex offenses, theft, and white collar crimesHe or she will have a strong track record of successful jury trials and the skills to fight for your rightsHe or she will also be familiar with state and federal court systemsHe or she should also be a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, an organization that proudly describes itself as “Liberty’s Last Champion.” He or she should also be committed to community service.