Criminal Defense Lawyers in Pinellas County, FloridaThe United States Constitution grants important rights to any person accused of a crime including due process, the right to a fair and speedy trial, the right to representation by counsel, the right to remain silent and to be free of unreasonable searches and seizures.
When choosing a criminal defense attorney in Pinellas County, Florida, consider the lawyer's training, experience, ratings and reviews. Attorneys that practice within the criminal justice system tend to focus on certain types of cases in either state or federal court.
Most criminal defense attorneys provide a free consultation to discuss the facts of your case and defenses that might apply. Before you decide on which attorney to hire, meet with several different attorneys in their office to discuss the case and the attorney fees required for representation.
Once you decide which attorney to hire, make sure you and the attorney sign a written fee agreement or contract that describes the attorney fees required at each stage of the case including during pre-trial negotiations, motion hearings and a bench or jury trial.
A criminal defense lawyer in Pinellas County, Florida should fight to protect the rights of his or her client in a criminal case against felony or misdemeanor charges... Read more »
Florida Bar Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law - The criminal trial law specialty certification field was established in 1987 in Florida. Under Rule 6-8.2 the term "criminal law" is defined as the practice of law dealing with "the defense and prosecution of misdemeanor and felony crimes in state and federal trial and appellate courts."
Attorneys certified by the Florida Bar in criminal trial law have meet minimum standards provided in Rule 6-8.3, including: at least 5 years of practicing law; substantial involvement in the specialty of criminal trial law (30% or more during the 3 years immediately preceding application); handling at least 25 contested criminal cases (with 20 jury trials, tried to a verdict, 15 which involved a felony, and 10 as lead counsel).
The Florida attorneys certified as specialist in criminal trial law have also submitted to peer review, passed a rigorous written examination and completed a specified number of continuing legal education (CLE) courses in the specialty area of the law.
In the State of Florida, only certified attorneys are allowed to identify themselves as "specialists" or "experts" or to use the letters "B.C.S." to indicate Board Certified Specialist. Depending on the designation earned, the attorney is allowed to use the phrase "Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law" or "Board Certified in Criminal Appellate Law."
NBLSC Certification in Criminal Trial Advocacy - The National Board of Legal Specialty Certification is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) to certify attorneys as specialists in criminal trial advocacy.
Founded in 1958, NACDL is the largest organization for criminal defense lawyers fighting to preserve fairness within America's criminal justice system. The organization has more than 10,000 direct members including criminal defense attorneys in private practice, public defenders in state or federal court, U.S. military defense counsel, law professors and judges.
Founded in 1988, FACDL promotes excellence in the practice of criminal law while protecting the rights of the accused. Many of the top criminal defense attorneys in the State of Florida are active in this trusted organization. FACDL unites and educates attorneys in the criminal justice system in Florida.
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