Criminal Defense Attorney in West Palm Beach
Have you or a loved one been accused of a crime? Whether it’s a misdemeanor or a more serious felony, there are few things more frightening than finding yourself on the wrong side of the booking desk. You stand to lose not only your freedom, but also your reputation, your job, and much more.
Whether you’re a first-time offender or have been involved with the legal system in the past, getting arrested by law enforcement officers and/or charged criminally with some serious offenses can be a very stressful experience. You need a qualified and experienced criminal defense lawyer who will protect and fight for you, your interests and your freedom.
At the Law Offices of Hutchinson & Huffman, our legal team serves clients throughout Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach County, Martin County and beyond. The firm’s founders have over a half century of combined experience, so the clients we represent will enjoy a significant advantage in the courtroom and beyond.
Our defense lawyers handle many different types of cases, including those involving allegations of:
- violent crimes;
- drug charges, including possession and trafficking;
- driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- sexual assault;
- weapons charges;
- white collar crimes;
- burglary, larceny or theft;
- domestic violence;
- kidnapping and false imprisonment;
- murder and attempted murder;
- fraud;
- and beyond.
Our attorneys are not afraid to challenge state and federal prosecutors, as we strive to defend our clients from a vast range of criminal charges. We leave no stone unturned and as your legal advocates, our law firm will work to develop a solid defense strategy; one that will maximize your chances of seeing the best possible outcome for your case, whether you find yourself in the courts with your case going before a jury or are able to resolve your case prior to trial.
If you’ve been accused of a crime or are facing an investigation, don’t take on the criminal justice system yourself! A criminal record can have a significant impact on your life, so it’s vital that you make efforts to retain the services of an experienced legal professional. Turn to the Florida criminal defense lawyers with the Law Offices of Hutchinson & Huffman. We invite you to arrange a private, no-cost consultation session by calling (561) 838-9793.
Common Concerns Following an Arrest on Criminal Charges
Following an arrest, you may have lots of different questions and concerns. Our legal team has compiled an overview of some of the most common issues that we address with our clients.
What Should I Do If I’ve Been Arrested?
Getting arrested can be a very scary experience, even for someone who has been involved with the law before. The events that occur during your arrest and booking can have a major impact on your case, so it’s important to proceed in a very strategic manner.
We typically recommend complying with the authorities as they take you into custody and perform the booking process. Resistance can result in additional criminal charges, such as resisting arrest or giving a false name to a police officer. Being cooperative can work in your favor.
It’s also usually best to provide only the essential information, such as your name, date of birth and address. Do not discuss your case with the authorities until your defense lawyer has arrived to assist. This includes remarks made outside of a formal interview setting. Any and all statements may be used against you.
Many clients feel compelled to talk with the police without a lawyer present. They often want to talk because they believe that they can improve the situation by providing an explanation. But this approach can backfire and complicate your case.
Therefore, we recommend that you leverage your right to remain silent and request your criminal defense lawyer before making any statements to police.
How Will You Defend My Case?
Crafting a defense strategy is a fairly involved process. There is no one-size-fits-all defense; each defense strategy is developed based upon the unique facts and evidence in your case.
Some cases may rely upon key evidence and witness testimony as core components of their defense. Other cases may be defended on the basis of a procedural error or other technicality. Many cases are defended using a multi-faceted approach.
Our team of criminal defense lawyers will meet with the client to discuss the case. We will examine the evidence and depose witnesses. We will consider all of these factors as we devise an effective defense strategy.
In cases where a “not guilty” verdict is highly unlikely or impossible (i.e. due to a confession), our defense attorneys can build a case that will maximize your chances of seeing a lenient sentence, such as probation in place of incarceration. In fact, we have successfully helped many clients to avoid serving jail time and prison time.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
A fairly simple and straightforward case that’s resolved out of court may require just a few hours of the attorney’s time to resolve, whereas a complex case that ultimately goes to trial can be far costlier.
Every case is unique, so the cost of hiring a criminal defense attorney does vary quite significantly. For this reason, we recommend contacting our law firm to discuss your case in a confidential initial consultation session. Once we’re familiar with your case, our attorneys can provide you with a more accurate idea of cost.
Why are defense attorneys in West Palm Beach important and what do they do?
The criminal law is complicated, a defense lawyer will help you navigate through the procedures and the rule of law. Your defense lawyer will protect your rights and ensure your voice is heard. He/She will help form and execute a defense against the charges you face.
When should I hire a West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer?
Immediately, once you are arrested the process starts. The sooner you get a lawyer, the better, your rights need to be protected at every stage. If you aren’t arrested but have been informed you are being investigated for a crime, contact a lawyer immediately to have your rights protected. Law enforcement will not help you or do you any favors.
How can I find the best criminal defense attorney in West Palm Beach for me?
We are usually found by referrals, check on-line as well. Meet and talk with one or two attorneys. You must feel comfortable with your attorney; a good working attorney-client relationship is the foundation you will need to be successful.
When can a defense attorney ask for an acquittal in West Palm Beach?
Acquittals are only obtained at the end of a trial. You will have to go to trial to get an acquittal. However, a case can be dismissed before trial or at trial for various reasons.
What do criminal defense attorneys in West Palm Beach charge?
It depends on the case; most lawyers charge more for a felony than a misdemeanor. The seriousness and complexity of the case will always cost more and whether the case is a state prosecution vs. a federal prosecution.
Do criminal defense attorneys typically offer payment plans?
Yes, many do. However, most attorneys want at least half if not two-thirds of the fee. Unlike a civil case, once a criminal defense lawyer enters an appearance it is difficult to get off the case. In federal cases, most lawyers will need to take the full fee upfront.
How to choose a criminal defense attorney in West Palm Beach?
Find out what the lawyer specializes in, some lawyers will not take specific types of cases or have no experience with the charges you are facing, see if the lawyer has trial and court experience and what reputation he/she has for defending those charged with crimes.
What particular questions should I ask a criminal defense attorney before hiring?
Are you familiar with the type of case I have? Have you been successful in handling them, if so, how? Is it likely that I will have to go to trial or will we be able to plea it? How long does a case like this take? Do you know if the judge is fair, what about the prosecutor?
Trust Your Criminal Defense to a Top Palm Beach Law Firm
Choosing a defense lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as your criminal case begins to unfold. Your choice in attorney can have a major impact on your case and with so much at stake — including your freedom — you need a lawyer who has the experience required to bring results. That’s precisely what you’ll get (and so much more) when you turn to the elite team at The Law Offices of Hutchinson & Huffman.
At the Law Offices of Hutchinson & Huffman, our attorneys work with clients across Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach County, Martin County and beyond. First-time offenders or repeat offenders, misdemeanors or felonies, there’s no case that’s too challenging for our defense lawyers. Our practice areas include violent crimes and domestic violence, white collar crimes, theft crimes, DUI and traffic offenses, drug crimes and beyond.
We’re committed to helping you get through this difficult experience, bringing about the best possible outcome so that you can move on to the next chapter in your life.
If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, trust your case to the Palm Beach defense lawyers of the Law Offices of Hutchinson & Huffman. Contact us to arrange a confidential, no-cost consultation by calling (561) 838-9793.
