Frequently Asked Questions
If you are facing state criminal charges for a misdemeanor or felony in Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, Niceville, Destin, Navarre, Okaloosa or Santa Rosa County, Florida, it is important to seek professional legal service from a skilled and highly-qualified Fort Walton Beach criminal defense attorney. Below are some of the frequently asked questions about criminal offenses. For specific answers to the particulars of your situation, it is best to speak directly with a Fort Walton Beach criminal defense lawyer in a free, initial consultation.
Do I really need a lawyer for a criminal charge?
Any time you face the possibility of going to jail or having a permanent criminal record, you should let an experienced criminal defense attorney review your case and advise you of your legal rights and options. The mere fact of a criminal record alone can have an adverse effect on your future.
Why not let the Public Defender take care of my case?
The public defender performs a very valuable service for those who truly cannot afford private counsel. Having a public defender is certainly better than representing yourself. However, there are 2 serious problems with settling on a public defender: You do not get to choose who your lawyer will be. You are randomly assigned one by the State. Your future and your freedom are too precious to take that kind of risk. Public Defenders have a HUGE caseload; as many as 200 clients at any one time. With so many cases, crucial details can be missed. You don’t want your case to be one that falls through the cracks.
Wouldn’t you be more confident with a lawyer YOU have chosen rather than one assigned to you by the State? As your Fort Walton Beach criminal defense attorney, I will provide thorough and effective representation while keeping you informed consistently at every stage of the legal process.
Will I need to appear in court on a criminal charge?
If you have a public defender or no attorney at all, you must appear at all of your court dates. If you have hired an attorney, you generally will not have to appear in court for the arraignment. In many cases, especially misdemeanors, we can handle your case from start to finish without you ever having to appear in court unless your case goes to trial.
How do I know whether my criminal case will go to trial?
99 percent of all criminal cases are resolved without a trial through dismissal, through a motion filed by the defense attorney, or through a plea bargain. When an agreement is negotiated on your behalf by a criminal defense attorney who knows the system and has credibility with the prosecutor and the judge, the terms of that agreement will be far less serious. At our firm, your Fort Walton Beach criminal defense lawyer prepares every case as if it were going to trial, questioning and challenging the evidence against you, and putting your case in a much stronger negotiating position with the prosecutor. Because of his highly-respected reputation with local prosecutors and judges, he is able to negotiate better agreements for our clients when a trial is not done.
How is your firm any different than other firms out there?
At our firm, we take your case very seriously. You are not just another file to us but an individual who expects and deserves responsive communication and attention. Our priority is customer service along with outstanding legal representation. Your phone calls will be returned quickly. You will be kept informed about the status of your case. You will be treated with dignity, warmth, and compassion. We understand the stress you and your family may be under and will make effort to ensure that you and your case are handled with thoroughness and care.
