Finding yourself facing criminal charges can be an incredibly stressful and frightening experience. As soon as you are arrested or charged with a crime in West Palm Beach, it is critical that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights.The lawyer you choose to represent you can truly make all the difference in the outcome of your case. You need someone in your corner who is aggressive, compassionate, and dedicated to fighting for you.
Why You Need a Criminal Lawyer on Your Side
The criminal justice system is complex. When your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line, you need someone who understands the ins and outs of criminal law and procedure. An experienced West Palm Beach criminal lawyer knows how to analyze the facts of your case, identify defenses, negotiate with prosecutors, and challenge unconstitutional actions by the police.Without proper legal advice, you may inadvertently make statements or decisions that hurt your case down the road. A knowledgeable attorney will guide you through the process and help you avoid critical mistakes. Having an aggressive lawyer who is willing to fight the charges against you can make all the difference.
Finding the Right West Palm Beach Criminal Lawyer for You
There are many criminal defense attorneys in the West Palm Beach area to choose from. It is important to do your research to find someone who is the right fit for you and your case.Look for a lawyer who has extensive experience specifically handling the type of criminal charges you are facing. This could be DUI, domestic violence, sex crimes, drug charges, white collar crimes, or homicide, for example. Ask the attorney detailed questions about their background, track record with similar cases, and strategy for defending you.It is also essential to choose a criminal lawyer you feel comfortable with. You want someone who is not only well-versed in criminal law, but who is a strong communicator and will keep you informed each step of the way.
How an Attorney Can Help Fight Your Charges
A skilled West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer has many tools at their disposal to build the strongest case for you. This starts with thoroughly examining the evidence and analyzing any police reports, witness statements, videos, or other documentation.Your attorney will determine if your rights were violated at any point, such as during arrest, interrogation, or searches. If any procedural rules were broken, an experienced lawyer can file motions to suppress damaging evidence or have charges dismissed.They will also identify any weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case against you. For example, if witness testimony is contradictory or DNA evidence is inconclusive, an attorney can highlight reasonable doubt.In many cases, they can also negotiate with the prosecutor to get charges reduced or dismissed through plea bargains or pretrial diversion programs. An aggressive litigator can take your case to trial for the best chance at an acquittal if necessary.
Common Criminal Charges in West Palm Beach
Some of the most common criminal offenses we see in West Palm Beach include:
- Drug Crimes – This includes charges like possession, distribution, trafficking, and manufacturing illegal drugs. Even marijuana is still illegal in Florida.
- DUI – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is aggressively prosecuted in our state. You can face jail time, license suspension, and heavy fines.
- Domestic Violence – Also called domestic battery, these charges can be disputed if the alleged victim was the primary aggressor.
- Sex Crimes – Allegations of sexual assault, misconduct, child pornography, and statutory rape are very serious. But an experienced lawyer can dispute flawed evidence.
- Theft/Burglary – Stealing property or breaking into homes/businesses brings felony charges. But police make mistakes building these cases.
- Violent Crimes – Homicide, attempted murder, aggravated assault, and robbery charges call for the most aggressive defense.
- White Collar Crime – Fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion, and other business-related crimes call for an attorney experienced in complex litigation.
Why Choose Us?
When you are facing criminal prosecution, you need a lawyer who will be in your corner every step of the way. At our firm, we have successfully defended thousands of clients against all types of criminal allegations. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience handling West Palm Beach cases just like yours.We are known for providing aggressive, individualized representation to each client. We will thoroughly investigate your case, build the strongest defenses on your behalf, negotiate for reduced penalties, and take your case to trial if needed. Clients appreciate our compassionate yet fighter approach.We understand how devastating and stressful it is to have your freedom and future at risk. You can trust that we will work tirelessly to help you move forward while providing honest and realistic assessments of your options. Don’t leave your case to chance – contact our West Palm Beach criminal defense attorneys today for skilled legal representation.
Fighting DUI Charges in West Palm Beach
Being charged with a DUI in West Palm Beach can jeopardize your driving privileges, freedom, and reputation. These allegations are taken very seriously by police and prosecutors in our state. The penalties for a conviction can be severe.However, an experienced DUI defense lawyer can often get charges reduced or dismissed when we aggressively dispute the case against you. Here is how we build a strong defense for clients facing drunk or drugged driving allegations:
Examining the Traffic Stop
The first thing we look at is the reason you were pulled over in the first place. Police need probable cause to initiate a traffic stop, such as swerving, speeding, running a red light, or some other visible traffic infraction. Any hint of an improper stop can be grounds to suppress evidence due to an unconstitutional detention.
Challenging Field Sobriety Tests
These roadside tests are notoriously unreliable, and the officer’s administration of them may be called into question. We look at factors like weather, lighting, obstacles, clothing, and footwear that could influence performance. Simply having a medical condition like a knee injury can cause someone to fail without being impaired.
Questioning the Breath and Blood Tests
The results of a breathalyzer, blood draw, or urine test do not always accurately reflect blood alcohol content. We scrutinize the procedures used to collect samples and maintain and calibrate testing equipment. If protocols were not followed, we can possibly exclude the results from your case.
Identifying Mistakes by Police
Any missteps by the arresting officer during the investigation can be used to build a strong defense. We look for things like lack of probable cause, failure to read Miranda rights, unlawful searches, or insufficient documentation. Violations of your rights can lead to reduced or dismissed charges.
Negotiating with the Prosecutor
In many DUI cases, we can negotiate plea deals or pretrial diversion programs resulting in reduced penalties. Prosecutors may drop or downgrade charges if they have a weak case against you. Thorough case analysis and preparation puts us in the best position to secure a favorable resolution.Do not go through a DUI investigation alone. Call our West Palm Beach DUI defense lawyers today for trusted representation.
Defending Violent Crime Charges
When you are accused of a violent crime like murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, or robbery, the stakes do not get any higher. These cases call for the most aggressive and sophisticated defense possible.As former prosecutors, our West Palm Beach violent crime lawyers have handled countless serious felony cases from both sides. We know how to critique the prosecution’s evidence, raise reasonable doubt, and fight for acquittals at trial for clients facing the most serious allegations.
Investigating the Incident
We do our own thorough investigation, re-interviewing witnesses and examining the crime scene. Police may have missed or overlooked evidence that contradicts their theory. We have resources to dig deeper to understand what really happened.
Analyzing the Evidence
Physical evidence like DNA, fingerprints, ballistics, and trace evidence is not as clear-cut as TV makes it seem. We scrutinize procedures followed in collecting and testing samples to expose flaws. This can undermine the strength of the prosecution’s forensic evidence.
Questioning Witness Credibility
Witness memories and perceptions are faulty, and testimony can change dramatically from initial interviews to the trial. We look for inconsistencies, bias, and influences that call witness accounts into question.
Exploring Affirmative Defenses
In some cases, affirmative defenses like self-defense, defense of others, insanity, or diminished mental capacity may apply. When supported, these can lead to reduced or dismissed charges.
Taking Cases to Trial
Prosecutors know we are not afraid to take cases to trial when it is in the client’s best interest. Our record of trial success gives us leverage in negotiating with prosecutors for charge reductions or dismissals. In trial, we have experience securing not guilty verdicts.Facing violent crime charges is frightening. Trust our team to build the strongest case possible on your behalf. Reach out to our West Palm Beach violent crime defense lawyers today.
Protecting Your Rights in White Collar Cases
Allegations of white collar crimes like fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion, and money laundering can ruin careers and reputations. These complex cases call for sophisticated legal representation to protect your rights. Our West Palm Beach white collar crime lawyers have a proven track record of success in defending professionals, executives, and businesses.
Conducting Internal Investigations
If your company is under investigation, we can perform a privileged internal investigation to get ahead of the government’s case. This allows us to advise you on potential exposure and guide you in taking remedial actions.
Challenging the Paper Trail
We meticulously examine the prosecution’s documents, financial records, statements, and computer files for inaccuracies or misrepresentations. Flaws in how evidence was obtained or analyzed can undermine their case.
Focusing on Intent
These cases hinge on proving you knowingly and intentionally meant to deceive. We look for evidence showing a lack of motive, miscommunications, or simple mistakes to show your innocence.
Disputing Complex Calculations
The prosecution’s loss and damages calculations are often overblown or use faulty assumptions. We work with forensic financial experts to dispute alleged losses.
Leveraging Our Experience
Having defended many complex white collar cases over the years provides us unique insight into the strategies prosecutors use. We know how to respond effectively to build the strongest defense on your behalf.Our attorneys have the skills and experience necessary to take on state and federal prosecutors in financial and corporate crime cases. Let us protect your rights and future. Contact our West Palm Beach white collar defense lawyers today.
Sealing and Expunging a Criminal Record in Florida
If you have struggled to move forward professionally or personally because of a past criminal conviction, record sealing and expungement may help provide a fresh start. Our West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyers frequently help clients clear their backgrounds of old arrests and convictions.
Understanding the Benefits
Sealing or expunging a criminal record essentially hides it from public view. Most employers and landlords will not be able to see the records any longer. Your charges will not appear on most background checks.
Checking Your Eligibility
In Florida, eligibility for record expungement or sealing depends on the type of charge, when it occurred, and whether you have prior convictions. Our attorneys will advise if you meet the requirements.
Preparing Your Petition
We handle the petition process from start to finish, filing the correct forms, collecting documentation, and representing you at any hearings. We work to make the process as smooth as possible.
Clearing Multiple Records
We can pursue expungements or sealings of both misdemeanor and felony records. In certain cases, multiple charges can be cleared from your background through a single petition.
Removing a Record’s Stigma
Our ultimate goal is to help you move forward with your life and career without the black mark of a criminal record holding you back. Restoring your reputation and opportunities is our priority.Don’t let a past mistake continue haunting your future. Our knowledgeable West Palm Beach criminal record expungement lawyers can help you clear your background. Contact us today for a consultation.
Why Clients Trust Us
For over 15 years, our West Palm Beach criminal defense firm has fought aggressively for the rights of accused individuals throughout Palm Beach County. Our track record of success speaks for itself, with countless charges reduced or dismissed. But more importantly, clients appreciate our compassionate yet fighter approach. We know how devastating and stressful it is to face criminal prosecution. You can trust that we will work tirelessly to help you move forward while providing honest assessments and guidance tailored to your unique situation. Don’t leave your case to chance – contact our attorneys today for skilled and dedicated legal representation.