Being criminally charged for your actions is a stressful experience. The result of the case can have lifelong ramifications, and your freedom can be threatened depending on the severity of the allegations levied against you. That’s why it’s so essential to hire the best legal representation you can to argue the case on your behalf. Here in the Tampa area, that means hiring a Florida board-certified trial attorney. It’s the highest-level expertise you can get, and hiring one brings with it numerous benefits.

What does it mean for a Florida attorney to be board-certified?

Board-certification in Florida is a special designation that demonstrates the proficiency an individual has in practicing law. Earning the title of board-certified is not an easy endeavor, which is why so few attorneys have it. In fact, according to the Florida Bar, only six percent of their members are board-certified Florida trial attorneys. In order to become one, an individual must meet a rigorous set of standards that includes all of the following:

• The lawyer has practiced law for at least 5 years.
• The lawyer has tried at least 15 contested civil cases, with some of them before a jury as the lead counsel.
• The lawyer has been reviewed by peers.
• The lawyer has been significantly involved in the civil trial law specialty, meaning 50 percent or more involved in the 3 years before applying.
• The lawyer must have completed at least 50 hours of approved and required continuing legal education.
• The lawyer must pass a rigorous written exam.

Only once all of these qualifications have been met can a lawyer receive their board-certification. This is to ensure that their legal representation is of the highest order so they can provide the utmost defense for their clients, which is precisely what you want when you’re facing legal charges.

Benefits of hiring a board-certified trial attorney in Florida.

Receive the best representation possible.

Criminal cases are rarely black and white, and there are often caveats and strategies that can reduce the charges, minimize the punishment, or have a criminal case dismissed entirely. So hiring the right attorney will make all the difference in the ultimate outcome of your case. When you hire one who is board-certified, you can have confidence knowing they have continued to study the law even while practicing, so they will know the best way to represent you in court.

Have confidence in their litigation abilities.

Understanding the law is one thing, but arguing on behalf of a client in a jury trial is entirely different. Some lawyers can have excellent knowledge about their field, but they aren’t able to perform in front of a judge and jury, and that can be detrimental to a case. Board-certified attorneys must prove their abilities in multiple trial cases before receiving this prestigious designation, so they have the skills and experience needed to successfully argue a case.

Take advantage of their industry connections.

Since part of the board-certification process is obtaining positive peer reviews, when you hire this type of trial attorney, you know you’re getting one who is well connected. This is crucial, because it means that they have developed friendly relationships with the other lawyers and judges involved in your case. Oftentimes, this allows them to make otherwise unobtainable deals on your behalf and get you a more favorable outcome.

Are you facing criminal charges?

Then contact the team of board-certified trial attorneys at Florida’s Candela Law Firm, P.A. Our experienced litigation experts specialize in legal services for the Tampa area, and we’ve successfully argued cases ranging from simple traffic offenses to serious felony charges. We’re confident that we have the skills and experience needed to represent you in court and get you the best result possible. You can learn more about our practice areas, or send us a message online to schedule your initial consultation and learn how we can help.