St. Petersburg Criminal Lawyers – Your Guide to Finding the Best Attorney
Getting arrested in St. Petersburg can be scary. The legal system is complicated, and the penalties for a conviction can be severe. That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. But how do you choose the right attorney for your specific case?
This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when hiring a St. Petersburg criminal lawyer. We’ll also spotlight some of the top-rated local attorneys to help you find the perfect fit.
What to Look for in a St. Petersburg Criminal Attorney
When researching criminal lawyers in the St. Petersburg area, there are several important credentials and qualifications to look for:
- Education – You want an attorney who graduated from a top law school and has a strong background in criminal law. Many have advanced law degrees in criminal justice or trial advocacy.
- Experience – Look for 10+ years specifically handling criminal cases in St. Petersburg. An experienced lawyer will know the judges, prosecutors, and procedures very well.
- Specialization – Search for lawyers who focus exclusively on criminal defense as their practice area. Avoid those who dabble in many types of law.
- Track Record – Look for proven results like dismissed charges, not guilty verdicts, reduced sentences, etc. This demonstrates their ability to win cases.
- Resources – Choose a lawyer with access to experts and investigators who can strengthen your case.
- Communication – Select an attorney who is responsive, patient, and explains the legal process in simple terms.
Criminal Charges a St. Petersburg Lawyer Can Defend
From minor misdemeanors to serious felony offenses, an experienced criminal lawyer can defend you against a wide range of criminal charges in St. Petersburg, including:
- DUI/DWI
- Drug crimes like possession, distribution, trafficking
- Theft, larceny, burglary
- Assault, battery, domestic violence
- Weapons charges – possession of firearm, concealed carry
- Sex crimes – rape, child abuse, solicitation
- White collar crimes – fraud, embezzlement, identity theft
- Violent crimes – robbery, homicide, kidnapping
No matter how serious the charge, don’t assume you have to plead guilty. An aggressive criminal defense lawyer can often get charges reduced or even dismissed.
How a St. Petersburg Criminal Attorney Can Defend You
An experienced local criminal lawyer has many strategies to build the strongest possible defense for your charges, such as:
- Thoroughly examining police reports and evidence to identify violations of your rights or other weaknesses.
- Investigating the scene and interviewing witnesses to gather exculpatory evidence.
- Consulting with forensic and technical experts to re-evaluate evidence or challenge prosecution theories.
- Negotiating with prosecutors aggressively to get charges reduced or dropped completely.
- Filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence so it can’t be used against you.
- Mounting an affirmative defense to defeat the charges, such as self-defense or entrapment.
- Taking your case to trial for a not guilty verdict if a plea deal can’t be reached.
An attorney who is ready and willing to take your case to trial if necessary is key. Many lawyers simply push clients to take plea deals. You want an attorney who will fight the charges at trial for an acquittal if needed.
How Much Does a St. Petersburg Criminal Lawyer Cost?
The cost of a private criminal defense attorney can vary substantially based on factors like:
- Attorney experience and reputation
- Complexity of your legal matter
- Amount of time/resources required
- Whether your case goes to trial
On average, for a misdemeanor you may pay anywhere from $1,500 – $5,000+ in legal fees. Felonies often range from $5,000 to $25,000+ depending on the charges. Serious, complex felonies involving extensive litigation can exceed $100,000+ in fees over the full course of representation.
However, many attorneys offer flexible payment plans to make the costs more manageable. Your freedom and criminal record are invaluable, so the investment in an excellent lawyer is critical.
Finding the Best St. Petersburg Criminal Attorney for Your Case
Every case is unique, so it’s important to choose the right criminal lawyer in St. Petersburg to match your specific situation. Here are some of the top-rated local attorneys to consider:
Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A.
Serving St. Petersburg for over 50 years, this firm handles everything from misdemeanors to serious violent felonies. Their team includes former prosecutors who know how to fight aggressively against the state. They’ve secured many dismissals and acquittals for clients.
Law Office of Chris Montoya
Attorney Chris Montoya is a former prosecutor who now exclusively does criminal defense. He has 25+ years experience and has taken over 80 cases to trial. Attorney Montoya is known for his relentless pursuit of the best possible outcome for clients.
The Kilfin Law Firm
Led by Donald Kilfin, this firm focuses on DUI and criminal defense cases in St. Petersburg and surrounding areas. Attorney Kilfin is a former state prosecutor who now zealously defends clients against serious charges. He has successfully defended everything from DUIs to capital murder cases.
Law Office of Bart Stoddard
Attorney Bart Stoddard dedicates his practice solely to criminal defense for both juveniles and adults. He is a former state prosecutor who handles cases across Pinellas County. Attorney Stoddard has secured many pretrial diversions for clients facing charges.
Musca Law
John Musca founded his St. Petersburg criminal defense firm in 2013. He represents clients facing all types of criminal charges and has successfully defended everything from DUIs to federal drug trafficking cases. He is known for his compassionate, personalized approach.
What to Expect When Working with a St. Petersburg Criminal Lawyer
Once you’ve chosen the right criminal attorney, here is an overview of what to expect as they build your legal defense:
- Consultation – Your initial meeting is crucial for your attorney to understand your side of the story and start forming a defense strategy. Be honest about all case details.
- Investigation – Your lawyer will thoroughly examine evidence, interview witnesses, visit the crime scene, and more to strengthen your case.
- Court Appearances – Your attorney will represent you at all hearings, file motions, negotiate with the prosecution, and appear at trial if necessary.
- Communication – A good lawyer will keep you updated on your case progress and quickly respond to all your calls and questions.
- Legal Advice – Lean on your lawyer’s expertise to understand the process, possible penalties, viable defenses, plea bargain options, and your rights.
- Defense Strategy – Based on the charges and evidence, your lawyer will craft and execute the optimal legal strategy to defeat the case against you.
With an experienced criminal lawyer guiding you through the complex justice system, you can feel confident your rights are protected and your case outcome optimized.
Finding the Right Fit
Defending your freedom is paramount. Take time to research criminal attorneys thoroughly and find the one whose skills, experience, and style best fit your needs. Meet with a few top lawyers before deciding. Go with the one you trust most to secure the best resolution. With an excellent St. Petersburg criminal lawyer on your side, you can face the charges with confidence.