How to Check if Your Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer is Board Certified
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer is one of the most important decisions you can make if you are facing criminal charges in Florida. Having the right lawyer on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
One way to identify highly qualified criminal defense lawyers in Florida is to look for board certification. The Florida Bar offers board certification in criminal trial law, which provides a way to recognize attorneys who specialize in criminal defense and meet high standards for experience, education, and expertise.
Here is what you need to know about board certification for criminal trial lawyers in Florida and why it matters when choosing a defense attorney:
What is Board Certification for Florida Criminal Trial Lawyers?
Board certification through The Florida Bar is a designation that identifies attorneys who are experts in particular areas of law, like criminal defense.
To become board certified in criminal trial law in Florida, lawyers must meet stringent requirements set by The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education. These include:
- Having at least five years experience practicing law
- Devoting at least 30% of their practice to criminal trial law for the three years prior to certification
- Handling a minimum number of criminal cases and jury trials
- Completing continuing legal education specific to criminal law
- Passing a written exam on criminal trial law
- Undergoing peer review
- Demonstrating substantial involvement in criminal trial law
Board certified criminal trial lawyers must renew their certification every five years and continue to meet Florida Bar requirements.
Only about 7% of the over 100,000 Florida Bar members are board certified in any specialty. Even fewer meet the demands to be board certified in criminal trial law.
So when a Florida criminal defense attorney is board certified in criminal trial law, it indicates they have significant expertise in defending criminal cases.
Why Choose a Board Certified Criminal Defense Lawyer in Florida?
There are a few key reasons why hiring a board certified criminal trial lawyer can benefit you if you are facing criminal charges in Florida:
1. Extensive criminal trial experience
One of the biggest advantages of a board certified criminal defense lawyer is their depth of experience.
To become board certified, lawyers must have handled a minimum number of criminal trials and felony cases. This ensures they have significant courtroom experience and regularly represent clients in serious criminal matters.
Lawyers also must devote a substantial portion of their practice to criminal law to maintain their board certification. This focus and repetition builds superior knowledge of criminal defense strategies.
2. Higher level of knowledge and skills
Board certified criminal lawyers have demonstrated their criminal law expertise and skills through rigorous testing and peer evaluation.
They’ve shown mastery of substantive and procedural criminal law in Florida by passing a comprehensive exam. Their knowledge has also been affirmed by fellow criminal law attorneys.
These high standards give assurance that board certified criminal defense lawyers have the level of understanding and skills needed to effectively defend your rights and freedom.
3. Ongoing criminal law education
To maintain board certification in Florida, criminal trial lawyers must complete 45 hours of continuing legal education in criminal law every three years.
This continuing education keeps them up to date on changes and developments in criminal defense. So board certified lawyers are on top of the latest laws, case law precedents, defense tactics, and trial skills that could impact your case.
4. Trial experience with serious felony charges
One requirement of board certification in criminal trial law is handling a minimum number of jury trials on serious felony charges like murder, sexual battery, robbery and burglary.
This rigorous trial experience with complex felony cases means board certified criminal defense attorneys have the courtroom skills and judgment to mount an aggressive defense against Florida’s toughest criminal allegations.
5. High ethical standards
Good moral character, ethics and professionalism are essential for criminal trial law certification in Florida.
Before receiving board certification, lawyers undergo peer review to ensure they meet high standards of ethical conduct.
This gives confidence that a board certified criminal defense lawyer will represent you with integrity and honesty.
How to Check for Board Certification
Wondering if a criminal defense lawyer is board certified in Florida? Here are some tips for verifying a lawyer’s credentials:
Check with The Florida Bar
The most definitive way to confirm board certification is to contact The Florida Bar. Their website includes a free searchable directory of all board certified Florida lawyers.
Simply go to www.floridabar.org and click on “Find a Lawyer.” Select “Board Certified Lawyers” and choose “Criminal Trial” from the drop-down menu. Then you can search by name or location.
The Florida Bar directory will indicate if an attorney holds current board certification in criminal trial law. You can also call The Florida Bar at 850-561-5600 to verify certification.
Look for the certification logo
Board certified Florida lawyers are authorized to use a logo on their websites and marketing materials. It will say “Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer” on a blue background with The Florida Bar logo.
If you don’t see this specific logo, then the lawyer is not currently board certified in criminal trial law, even if they claim to specialize in criminal defense.
Ask the lawyer directly
Don’t be afraid to ask a criminal defense lawyer directly if they are board certified in criminal trial law in Florida.
If the answer is yes, they should be able to provide proof of current certification from The Florida Bar.
Any lawyer who implies board certification without actually having the credential is being unethical.
Consider length of certification
Make sure to find out how long a lawyer has maintained board certification in criminal trial law.
Newly certified attorneys may still be building their skills and reputation in criminal defense. Those certified for 10 or 20 years have demonstrated an enduring commitment to criminal law.
Benefits of Choosing a Board Certified Lawyer
While board certification should not be the only factor in choosing a defense attorney, it is a significant indicator of superior qualifications when facing criminal allegations.In addition to the credentials, experience and ethics of board certified lawyers, other benefits include:
- In-depth knowledge of Florida criminal statutes, case law, court procedures and criminal justice system
- Strong trial skills including cross-examination, presenting evidence, and arguing before judges and juries
- Familiarity with prosecutors and judges for effective plea negotiations
- Focus on criminal defense cases with less time spent on other legal fields
- Access to resources like investigators, forensic specialists, and criminal law research tools
- Peace of mind knowing your lawyer meets stringent standards of competency and ethics
While every case is different, having an expert criminal trial attorney on your side can profoundly impact the outcome. For the high stakes of defending your freedom, board certification is a key credential signaling criminal law expertise.
Finding the Best Board Certified Criminal Defense Lawyer for Your Case
If you are searching for a board certified criminal defense attorney in Florida, here are some additional tips:
- Look for lawyers certified for 10+ years indicating extensive experience and commitment to criminal law
- Consider the lawyer’s reputation through reviews and recommendations from past clients
- Find someone who is familiar with your charges – whether it’s white collar crime, sex offenses, domestic violence, etc.
- Look for additional credentials like National Board of Trial Advocacy certification
- Understand the lawyer’s fees and payment options – get fee estimates in writing
- Meet with the lawyer before retaining them – make sure you are comfortable with their style and expertise
- Find someone who will be responsive and accessible throughout your case
- Look for a lawyer with resources to take on complex and serious felony cases
The most important factor is finding a board certified criminal defense attorney who you connect with and who understands your goals. The lawyer should make you feel confident they have the skills, experience, and determination to build the strongest case for your best interests.
Don’t Take Chances – Hire a Board Certified Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you or someone you love is facing criminal prosecution in Florida, having the right lawyer is critical.
A board certified criminal trial attorney has the highest credentials to protect your rights and freedom. Their extensive experience, knowledge, resources and trial skills can make the difference between a favorable or unfavorable outcome.
Don’t take chances by hiring an attorney unfamiliar with Florida criminal law. The consequences are too high. Instead, look for the proven expertise and dedication of a Florida Bar board certified criminal trial lawyer.