West Palm Beach
Civil & Criminal Trial Lawyers
As one of the best law firms in West Palm Beach, Hutchinson & Huffman, P.A. is proud to defend the rights of the criminally accused as well as litigate and resolve civil cases with the highest degree of professionalism!
Clients turn to our award-winning law firm for honest advice and aggressive legal representation in both criminal and civil matters.
What our Clients Say about Us
Superior Ligatation at it's best! Our family used Mr. Hutchinson based upon a recommendation for a family member involved in a serious criminal matter. We had never been involved in anything like this. Mr. Hutchinson upon our first meeting was apathetic, knowledgable and concerned. Immediately we knew it was not a matter of just a job for him, but he genuinely was concerned on getting the facts and helping our family member. Promptly, he took action investigating, contacting those involved following steps to keep our family member safe and treated fairly. The situation continued for 9 months. During that time we were in contact with him often and he called us night and day. If we contacted him, he returned our calls immeditely. His professionalism and knowledge of the laws and systems is brilliant! We went to court and felt at ease with not only the preparation he had given our family member but his presentation in court. He had the facts of the case, documents to verify them, relentless in his pursuit of justice for our family member. To this day, we can still call Mr. Hutchinson and ask him a question and he is more then happy to talk to us and take the time for us. We are grateful for his service. Our family member would not be where he is today had Mr. Hutchinson not represented us!!! - Michael
We (property developer) Use Kent with all our legal affairs. Mr. Huffman goes far beyond his duties as a lawyer, always knows the right move and I believe he can see the future. We have found him to be professional , knowledgable and honest .We always refer him to friends in need of legal assistance and they have all had nothing but praise for him . We highly recommend him -Derek
There are lawyers, and there's Rick... Over 11 years ago I first met Rick when I was about to be charged with two 30-year counts. Because of his intellect, connections and careful planning, I went from spending the rest of my life in prison to non-adjudicated probation to having my charge sealed. If I were asked beforehand what I thought the greatest possible outcome was, I wouldn't have even believed that this would be the possible! During my eight year probation I had therapy with hundreds of others who had the same issues I went through, and NOT ONE had the same outcome I got from Rick. There's no way to overstate this, if you want an outcome that will exceed your expectations, you NEED RICK ON YOUR CASE. I owe my life and my freedom to Rick. -Anonymous
Rick Hutchinson goes above and beyond the call of duty. Rick cares about each and every client he serves. Rick is not one of those lawyers just out to make a buck. Rick constantly keeps you informed on your case. I am so glad that I had Rick representing me. I always felt confident in Rick, because you can tell he cares about you as a client, and a person. Thanks for your help Rick. - Tom
I am the CEO of a Medical Device company and Kent Huffman has been our attorney since approximately 1984. Kent has provided sound legal counsel to our company through mergers, lawsuits, and other complex legal activities involving some of the largest corporations in the country. I have never felt out gunned by the Wall Street attorneys on the other side of the table with Kent sitting on our side. Additionally, he has always been a pleasure to work with on the typical day to day legal affairs of running a corporation, and God bless him, I think he has kept us out of more lawsuits and dust ups than I can recall. Unlike most attorneys, Kent has wisely and unselfishly talked me out litigation several times when it would up run up huge legal bills for him but in the end prove to be unnecessary for us. That is the kind of honest legal counsel that is hard to find. Kent is looking out for our interests first and taking the long view for him, instead of just running up the tab, which drive me nuts with other attorneys. I let him take care of all of my personal legal affairs also and he does a great job on our Trusts, real estate transactions, wills, contracts, etc. I have known him a long time and I enjoy his company and feel fortunate to be able to turn to him for advice. I cannot say enough good things about him and I am glad I learned about this website so I can share my thoughts and experiences dealing with Kent through these many years. -Robert
The best criminal attorney in south florida. Rick is an outstanding defense attorney. A friend recommended him but i checked out several other highly rated lawyers first. There was no comparison. It was obvious from the beginning that he knows exactly what he is doing and he is not afraid to to aggressively defend his client. My case was pretty serious - it didn't look good for me at all. I am a free man today with no criminal record only because i chose him as my attorney. I would highly recommend him to anyone. -Mathew
Rick handled my case with the utmost respect, compassion, and diligence. Rick was able to secure a favorable outcome with my case and enable me to begin a new chapter of my life worry free. He always kept me informed and advised me of all possible outcomes of my case. I would recommend Rick to anyone seeking a highly competent and respectful criminal defense attorney. Thanks!! -Brendan
Great Lawyer! I have hired Rick on several occasions from 2001 to 2014. His knowledge and competence on every case has been comforting and reassuring. His work ethic far surpasses that of any other Lawyer in years past. His knowledge of the field of addiction and DUI cases are extensive, making him a great choice for me. For other people considering hiring him, remember one thing. There is NO such thing as a great, cheap Lawyer. Rick is worth every penny I have spent in the past! Respectfully, Paul M.
Thank you Kent for your Great Service, Your Support, and Your Patience. Kent was recommended to me by a Board Certified Real Estate Attorney and a friend. Kent defended me during a Residential Foreclosure Action against me. During the entire legal process Kent kept me well informed of the status of my case. He was always patient and understanding. He would take the time to explain the intricacies of my lawsuit and always promptly answered my emails and/or phone calls. I really felt that he treated me as a friend during the entire process. He listened to me. A great job indeed. I would HIGHLY recommend Kent to anyone looking for a "Professional", "Knowledgeable" and "Caring" Attorney. -Dan
Excellent Lawyer. Kent has handled many issues for me over the years and has not only been outstanding in the results he has achieved but also in the way he communicated and explained everything. He actually cares. -Charles
Civil & Criminal Lawyers With Over 70 Years of Defense Experience and Proven Results
Criminal Defense
Facing the criminal justice system can be a frightening and life-changing experience, whether it’s your first time in trouble with the law or a subsequent arrest. At The Law Offices of Hutchinson and Huffman, our civil & criminal defense lawyers believe that each and every client deserves a strong defense, coordinated by an experienced legal team.
A conviction in the criminal courts can lead to lifelong consequences that may interfere with your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, enroll in university classes and live a fulfilling, happy life. Our West Palm Beach lawyers represent clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges. Our goal is to help you find justice, while minimizing any penalties that you may face, including fines, probation and jail time.
Civil Litigation
In South Florida, no matter how skillfully a company is managed or how carefully one lives one’s life, litigation is sometimes unavoidable. When litigation is the only viable option, we represent clients in both the State of Florida and Federal Courts.
We handle cases for individuals and small businesses in general civil litigation; including property disputes, collections, contract enforcement, employment agreement enforcement, shareholder rights, and the court-supervised dismantling of business organizations.
DUI
A DUI arrest can happen to virtually anyone. One moment you’re enjoying dinner with friends and the next, you’re in handcuffs, being booked for and accused of drunk driving. What’s more, you don’t need to drink to get arrested for driving under the influence. A driving under influence may also involve illicit drugs and even prescription medications, taken just as the doctor ordered. Seniors are often targeted for this type of arrest, causing extreme distress to an honest, law abiding citizen.
A DUI conviction can result in the loss of your driving privileges, making it impossible to earn an income and care for your family. You could also face steep fines and even jail time, particularly if someone was seriously injured or killed in a traffic accident. And this says nothing of the embarrassment you may experience. But there is help. Trust an experienced DUI defense lawyer who will offer sound legal advice, while fighting for your interests and protecting your rights.
Small Business
We advise in the creation and operation of small businesses, assisting clients in implementing best structures and practices to maximize responsible productivity, while avoiding unnecessary complications.
We are regularly engaged in drafting and litigating business “buy-sell” agreements, protecting intellectual property, enforcing and defending non-compete agreements, and guiding clients through the intricacies of e-commerce. We represent non-profit organizations, including formation, qualification, and operation.
Personal Injury Law
In the realm of personal injury law, navigating the aftermath of an accident or injury can be overwhelming. Whether you’ve suffered from a slip and fall, a car accident, or workplace injury, the road to recovery is often fraught with medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Our firm is dedicated to guiding you through this challenging time with expertise and compassion. We work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, holding responsible parties accountable and advocating for your rights every step of the way. With a keen understanding of the complexities of personal injury claims, we are committed to securing a favorable outcome and helping you move forward with your life.
Theft Crimes
A theft crime arrest can lead to intense embarrassment and shame. A conviction can result in probation or jail time. You could also face challenges when renting a home, enrolling in a university or even applying for a job, especially one that places you in a position of trust. A theft conviction can haunt you for decades to come.
A diverse array of people are arrested for theft crimes. Many have never been involved with the law before, making the situation even more distressing. A top West Palm Beach defense attorney will defend your case in a strategic, aggressive manner, working to bring about the best possible outcome.
Family Law
We counsel clients involved in divorce proceedings, and child-support and child custody disputes. We have particular focus on drafting and evaluating marital settlement agreements and pre-nuptial agreements. We also work with clients on guardianships for minor children and adults with disabilities. We have extensive experience in dealing with clients whose family members with substance abuse problems.
Drug Crimes
The State of Florida has some of the strictest drug laws in the United States, making a narcotic arrest all the more frightening. Good, hardworking people can struggle with the perils of addiction, while others may nd themselves involved in a bad situation that rapidly spirals out of control.
Regardless of what circumstances led to your arrest, our experienced West Palm Beach drug lawyers are committed to defending your case and offering world-class representation as we strive to defend those accused of drug offenses, while working to minimize any adverse effects. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can handle both misdemeanor criminal cases and felony narcotic crimes, from simple possession, to possession with intent to distribute, traffcking and beyond.
Real Estate
We have broad experience in residential and commercial real estate acquisition and development foreclosure defense, landlord-tenant disputes, real estate broker commission disputes, real estate contract disputes, title insurance claims, and claims based on sellers’ non-disclosure of know defects.
Sex Crimes
Few things can be more harmful to one’s reputation and stigmatizing than an unlawful intercourse offense arrest and conviction. Sexual misconduct spans a broad spectrum from sexual battery and rape, to lewd and lascivious conduct or unlawful sex with a minor. A sexual misconduct conviction can result in serious challenges when trying to get a job, rent a home and living a fulfilling, productive life. And in addition to a very troublesome black mark on your record, you could find yourself required to register as a sex offender.
A sex crime conviction can have extreme consequences, particularly for offenses that are also considered a violent crime. This only highlights the importance of trusting your defense to an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can devise a strategic approach to defend your case and fight for your freedom.
White Collar Crimes
White collar crimes are non-violent crimes, typically with a financial motivation. White collar crimes often involve individuals in a position of power or authority, including business professionals and government offcials, amongst others. There are even cases where a business or political opponent may conspire to make another person appear guilty of a crime.
A conviction on a white collar crime can destroy your career and your reputation within the community, causing tremendous embarrassment. And that says nothing of the criminal penalties, which can include fines, restitution, probation and even jail time. One thing is certain: you need an experienced defense lawyer who can work hard to protect your interests. That’s precisely what we provide here at The Law Offices of Hutchinson and Huffman.
Domestic Violence
A domestic violence arrest involving family members can be a very trying experience for all involved. Many domestic violence cases lack an objective, third party witness, resulting in a he said-she said situation. Many who are arrested for an act of household brutality have never been in trouble with the law before, so it’s not uncommon for our clients to be not only embarrassed, but also frightened and uncertain of what to expect.
Domestic Violence cases tend to carry harsher penalties than a comparable assault and battery incident involving a stranger. This underscores the importance of hiring an experienced assault and battery lawyer who is familiar with the challenges that this type of case can involve. That’s precisely why clients turn to the experienced legal team at The Law Offices of Hutchinson and Huffman.
Marchman Act
Watching a family member spiral in addiction elicits a yearning to help; to reach, grasp their hand and pull them out to safety. Oftentimes attempts are thwarted by the complexities of the disease, and hope of ever reaching them fades. When family intervention, pleading, and bargaining fail to convince a loved one to accept professional help, the Florida Marchman Act permits relatives to admit addicts into recovery through Florida’s justice system.
Marchman Act attorneys Rick Hutchinson and Kent Huffman know what it takes to help your loved one reach sobriety. Every second looms closer to the devastating outcomes of this disease, so Reach Out Today.
Estate Planning
We work extensively in estate planning, including drafting Wills and Trusts. We are regularly involved in probate and guardianship proceedings, both simple and complex.
We are sensitive to “blended-family” issues and the unique challenges faced by older clients seeking appropriate mechanisms for preserving and transferring their assets to their children and grandchildren in an orderly, practical and e cient manner.
