Finding a criminal defense lawyer in Tampa, Florida can be a cumbersome process. If you’ve never hired an attorney before, there might be a number of important aspects that you haven’t thought about. At Candela Law Firm, we want to help you make the best decision in hiring a lawyer to fight your case. Keep reading for several items that you should look for in your defense lawyer.

Specializes in criminal law

This is something that seems like it goes without saying, but it’s true. When it comes to criminal defense, a lawyer who specializes in family or copyright law likely won’t be able to put together as strong of a defense as a criminal defense attorney. A lawyer who specializes in criminal law has a deep understanding of the laws surrounding your unique situation as well as previous cases that might provide insight into a potential ruling. This makes them better qualified to offer advice and aid you in the decisions that you make going forward.

Local experience

Not all judges or courthouses are the same. A defense attorney who has experience with the local courthouses are familiar with the judges who work in them. This means that they’ll know how to approach each judge, present an argument, and even know the best way to get you in and out of the courthouse. These can go a long way to helping you successfully fight your case.

Responsiveness and good communication

While a trial can be a long and drawn-out process, the dissemination of information is important. A lawyer should be responsive to your questions and any information you might have. Keep in mind that your defense lawyer works for you, not the other way around. You deserve to have an attorney who is responsive to your inquiries and keeps you informed about what’s going on with your case. If you don’t feel that this is the case from the beginning, it’s not likely to get any better as your trial goes on.

Passion for law

You can usually tell if someone is passionate about what they do within the first few minutes of meeting them. A lawyer who isn’t passionate about practicing law or defending criminal cases isn’t going to give all their effort. Find a lawyer who you feel is passionate about their practice and serving you.

Confidence

Part of practicing law is presenting a convincing argument about your innocence, and a big part of persuasion is confidence. A lawyer can be knowledgeable in their field but not confident in their ability to present an argument or even communicate. However, don’t confuse confidence with arrogance. An attorney who is arrogant can go into a trial overconfident and underprepared then lose to a well-prepared prosecution. Understand the difference between the two.

Additionally, a lawyer who is confident in your case will put in a greater effort to prove your innocence. If there is a hint of a lack of confidence in their ability to fight your case, a lawyer might try to take a plea bargain rather than take your case to court. If you feel that this isn’t the best court of action for you, find a lawyer who is confident in trying your case.

Positive reviews

Client reviews can say a lot about how a lawyer works with clients. This can give you insight into how they work directly with clients as well as how they treat the case. Reading reviews of a defense lawyer allows you to use your personal judgment of character before even making the first call.

Bonus: board certified

Finding a lawyer who’s board-certified isn’t a necessity but it’s definitely a nice-to-have. Fewer than one percent of attorneys are board-certified, which means that you’re getting an attorney who is an expert in the criminal justice field.

Schedule an appointment

If you’re in search of a criminal defense lawyer in Tampa, Florida, don’t hesitate and contact Candela Law Firm today. Our team is ready to serve as your attorney and fight your criminal case. Fill out our online contact form and we’ll be sure to promptly reach out to schedule a meeting.