Finding the Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Hardee County, Florida
If you or a loved one have been charged with a crime in Hardee County, Florida, having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side can make all the difference. Criminal charges can carry steep fines, probation requirements, and even jail time, so you’ll want to make sure you have strong legal representation to protect your rights.
There are a few key things to look for when choosing a criminal defense lawyer in Hardee County:
Experience Handling Local Cases
Make sure any lawyer you consider has extensive experience specifically handling criminal cases in Hardee County and surrounding areas. They should be intimately familiar with the local courts, judges, prosecutors and processes. Don’t just go with any lawyer – go with one who regularly practices criminal law locally.
Strong Record of Positive Case Results
Look for lawyers who have a proven track record of getting positive results for their clients facing criminal charges. This includes getting charges reduced or dismissed, avoiding jail time, and minimizing penalties. Read reviews and case results to make sure they have a good success rate.
Resources to Build a Strong Defense
Top criminal lawyers have the skills and resources to thoroughly investigate your case, challenge evidence, and build the strongest possible defense on your behalf. This can include working with private investigators, forensic experts, and others. Make sure your lawyer has these capabilities.
Reasonable Fees
The best criminal defense lawyers don’t necessarily have to be the most expensive. Look for those who offer competitive rates and flexible payment plans. Be wary of lawyers who overcharge for basic services. Get fee estimates upfront so you know what to expect.
With these criteria in mind, here are some of the top-rated criminal defense lawyers serving Hardee County that you may want to consider:
1. The Law Office of Robert G. Whittel
With over 40 years of experience, attorney Robert G. Whittel is widely recognized as one of the top criminal defense lawyers in Hardee County and surrounding areas. He has successfully defended clients against a wide array of state and federal charges including drug crimes, white collar offenses, violent crimes, sex crimes, and more.
Whittel is known for thoroughly analyzing each case, identifying key weaknesses, and building an aggressive defense. He has been able to get charges reduced or dismissed for many clients over the years. His fees are also reasonable compared to many other top criminal lawyers.
2. The Law Office of Jason M. Melton
Attorney Jason M. Melton has over 20 years of criminal defense experience in Hardee County. His firm specializes in defending those accused of serious felonies as well as misdemeanor crimes. He is skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to have charges reduced and avoid the worst penalties.
Melton is also experienced at taking cases to trial when a plea deal cannot be reached. He has successfully defended clients against charges ranging from DUIs to domestic violence to drug trafficking. Melton offers flexible payment plans for his services.
3. Suarez Law Group
With offices in Wauchula, the Suarez Law Group represents clients facing criminal charges across Hardee County. Founding attorney Raul Suarez is a former prosecutor, giving him unique insights into building strong defenses. The firm has successfully defended clients against all types of criminal allegations.
Suarez Law Group investigates cases thoroughly and identifies all possible defenses. Attorneys are also skilled negotiators who can often get charges reduced significantly or dropped where possible. Their rates are affordable compared to other top local criminal defense firms.
4. The Law Office of William Sheslow
William Sheslow is an experienced Hardee County criminal defense lawyer who represents clients in cases ranging from simple misdemeanors to serious felonies. He is known for his meticulous trial preparation and ability to expose flaws in the prosecution’s case.
Over his 20+ year career, Sheslow has successfully defended clients against DUI, theft, assault, domestic violence, weapons charges, and more. He also offers reasonable rates and payment plans for his services.
5. The Law Office of Tracee Ivins
Attorney Tracee Ivins is a respected Hardee County criminal defense lawyer with over 15 years of experience. She provides aggressive representation to clients facing charges for offenses like drugs, theft, juvenile crimes, violent crimes, white collar crimes, and sex offenses.
Ivins is skilled at developing creative legal strategies, negotiating with prosecutors, and taking cases to trial when needed. Her approach has resulted in many positive outcomes for clients over the years. Ivins offers free consultations and flexible payment options.
6. The Law Office of Christopher Klemawesch
With offices in Wauchula, attorney Christopher Klemawesch represents Hardee County clients facing criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. He is experienced at building strong defenses by thoroughly examining the prosecution’s evidence and identifying weaknesses.
Klemawesch has successfully defended clients against DUI, drug possession, theft, domestic violence, and other charges. He also offers reasonable rates and works with clients to make legal costs affordable.
7. O’Brien Hatfield, P.A.
The law firm of O’Brien Hatfield handles criminal defense cases across Hardee County and surrounding areas. Founding attorney Patrick O’Brien has over 35 years of criminal law experience, including 20 years as an assistant state attorney.
O’Brien has successfully defended clients against all types of criminal allegations including white collar crimes, violent crimes, drug offenses, sex crimes, DUIs, domestic violence, and juvenile crimes. The firm is known for thoroughly investigating cases and negotiating strongly with prosecutors.
8. The Law Office of Dorothy Hufnagel
Dorothy Hufnagel is an experienced Hardee County criminal defense attorney representing clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges. She is skilled at getting charges reduced or dismissed through strong negotiation strategies. Hufnagel also has extensive trial experience when cases cannot be resolved through plea agreements.
Over her career, she has successfully defended clients facing drug charges, theft, domestic violence, DUI, weapons offenses, and other allegations. Hufnagel offers reasonable rates and payment plans.
9. The Law Office of Gina Girardot
Gina Girardot is a respected criminal defense lawyer with over 25 years of experience representing Hardee County clients. She has successfully defended individuals facing a wide range of criminal allegations including drug crimes, violent crimes, sex offenses, domestic violence, white collar crimes, and DUI.
Girardot is known for thoroughly analyzing each case to identify the best defense approach. She has been able to get many charges dismissed or significantly reduced through strong negotiation tactics. Her rates are also affordable.
10. Kaylor Law Group
Kaylor Law Group is a Wauchula firm providing aggressive criminal defense representation across Hardee County. Led by attorney Michael Kaylor, the firm handles cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Kaylor has over 10 years of criminal law experience.
The firm has successfully defended clients against drug charges, DUI, theft, domestic violence, weapons charges, and more. Attorneys are experienced at negotiating with prosecutors and taking cases to trial when needed. They offer reasonable rates and flexible payment options.
When facing criminal charges, having the right lawyer makes a major difference. Be sure to choose an attorney who meets your key criteria in terms of experience, case results, resources, and affordability. The Hardee County criminal defense lawyers highlighted above are among the top-rated options to consider for your case.