Have you been charged with a criminal offense? Are you looking for the best Palm Beach Gardens criminal defense attorney to represent you in court? Well, Steinberg Law is here to help. We have worked on numerous criminal cases over the years and are ready and willing to start working on your case immediately. Let our criminal defense attorney in Palm Beach Gardens help you receive the best outcome from your case regardless of the facts.
Call us today at 877-783-4611 for a FREE consultation.
What Are Your Rights As A Criminal Defendant In Florida?
If you live in Florida, you have a set of rights as a criminal defendant, thanks to the United States Constitution and Florida laws and regulations. The U.S criminal justice system relies on 2 fundamental doctrines as follows.
- A presumption that you are innocent until found guilty
- The burden is on the prosecution to prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
As a criminal defendant, you have rights according to the constitution as follows.
The 4th Amendment
In the 4th Amendment, you are protected against unreasonable searches and seizures. You have the right to feel secure in your person and house.
The 5th Amendment
In the 5th amendment, you will not be compelled in a criminal case to be a witness against yourself. Additionally, you will not be deprived of your life, liberty, or property without the due process of law. Any arresting officer is supposed to recite the Miranda Warning during the arrest.
The 6th Amendment
In the 6th Amendment, you are allowed to enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial in front of an impartial jury. Additionally, you need to be informed of the cause and nature of your charges and be confronted with the witnesses against you. Also, you are allowed to bring witnesses in your favor and have the assistance of counsel for your criminal defense.
The 8th Amendment
Under the 8th Amendment, you should not be imposed excessive bail amounts, and fines nor have unusual and cruel punishments inflicted on you.
At Steinberg Law, we understand the U.S Constitution and the Florida laws against all criminal defendants. Therefore, we are here to make sure that you receive the best outcome after presenting your case to a judge and jury.
What Is A Misdemeanor Vs A Felony In Florida?
Any criminal offense committed in the State of Florida will be categorized as a misdemeanor or a felony.
- A misdemeanor refers to a crime that is punishable with a maximum of a year in jail.
- A felony refers to a crime that is punishable with at least one year in state prison.
Note that, in Florida, felonies and misdemeanors are further categorized into different levels depending on the severity of the maximum punishment as allowed by the law. In some plea agreements, felonies can be downgraded into misdemeanors and vice versa. Having worked with numerous prosecutors over the years, we understand plea agreements. Let us work on your case today to guarantee the best outcome without severe penalties.
Should I Consult A Lawyer Before Speaking To The Police?
If you have been charged with a criminal offense, you need to talk to a lawyer immediately before speaking to the police. On the other hand, if you are a witness and not a subject of a criminal investigation, make sure you consult an attorney before presenting the police with any information. This is because you may risk incriminating yourself depending on how close you may be to the crime.
We are here to help you through the process. We are ready to guide you on what to say and what to avoid when speaking to the police to give your case more merit. Having worked with several law enforcement professionals over the years we have been in business, we understand their tactics. Don’t incriminate yourself when our criminal defense lawyers can help you through the whole process.
What is the Habitual Offender Law In Florida?
In Florida, a habitual offender refers to someone who commits a combination of any two or more felonies in the state. Depending on the underlying charge, you may be sentenced to 10 years, 30 years, or life in prison.
How Can A Criminal Defense Lawyer Help Me?
At Steinberg Law, our criminal defense lawyers are equipped to help you in any of the following ways.
- Case Preparation – Once you contact us, we are ready to start working on your case. First, we will take the time to understand the facts of your case. Next, we will do the necessary investigations such as looking for witnesses and collecting evidence to make your case foolproof.
- Plea Bargains – We have worked with numerous law enforcement personnel and prosecutors over the years. Therefore, we are prepared to make a plea bargain on your behalf to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
- Ability To Gauge Case Outcomes – With our experience and expertise it is easy to gauge how the judge and jury will decide. Therefore, we will prepare you beforehand for whatever sentence you will receive so you are not caught by surprise.
- Knowledge Of The Law And Court Rules – Every court in Florida plays by its own rules. Therefore, we have a proper understanding of the law and court rules that will come in handy in your case.
- Trial Experience – If your case ends up in court, we have expert litigators ready to present the facts of your case to a judge and jury to ensure the best outcome.
Call us now and let us start working on your criminal case. We are here to help.
What Is The Cost Of Legal Representation In Florida?
A typical criminal offense lawyer in Florida charges between $199 to $420 per hour. However, different lawyers may charge different rates. Therefore, look for a lawyer that works within your budget. Additionally, you can always work with a court-appointed attorney, if you are not able to afford the legal fees. Call our office at 877-783-4611 for our current rates and a FREE 1-hour initial consultation.
Is There A Benefit To Having A Private Attorney Vs A Court Appointed Attorney?
Yes, it’s always a good idea to work with a private attorney instead of a public defender for some of the following reasons.
- Private attorneys have more resources to make a compelling case such as access to expert witnesses and private laboratories.
- Public defenders are often overworked and underpaid. As such they may not give your case the attention it deserves.
- Public defenders may have too many cases on their plate and may not have enough time to present a strong defense for your case
Look for the money to hire a private attorney at Steinberg Law and enjoy all the benefits we can offer you.
Can You Represent Yourself In Court?
Yes, you have the right to represent yourself in court in a criminal case. However, if you choose to do this, the court will treat you as a normal lawyer so you need to be prepared.
Should I Accept A Plea Bargain?
At Steinberg Law, we will only advise you to accept a plea bargain if it is truly in your best interest. If the prosecutor doesn’t offer a plea bargain at first, we can negotiate to have your charges reduced for the best outcome.
Appealing A Conviction In Florida
Have you been convicted in a criminal court in Florida? Are you planning to appeal your conviction? Well, you have 30 days after the conviction to file a notice of appeal within the court system. The appeal will be heard by the Florida District Court Of Appeals with jurisdiction over the trial court.
Contact A Criminal Defense Attorney In Palm Beach Gardens Today!
A criminal offense can seriously have a negative effect on your life. That’s why it’s a good idea to work with the best attorneys to make sure you get the best possible outcome. At Steinberg Law, we are dedicated to making sure that you get a reduced charge or a plea bargain that makes your case easier. Call us immediately after being charged with a criminal offense so we can help you out immediately. With our experience and expertise, you can rest assured your case is in the best hands.
