Florida has thousands of criminal defense lawyers. But when you’re facing serious charges—DUI, domestic violence, theft, assault—you don’t need just any lawyer. You need the right criminal attorney in Florida who knows how to protect your future.
Here’s how to evaluate who to hire, what really matters (and what doesn’t), and how to avoid common mistakes.
🔹 1. Local Experience with Your Type of Case Add Your Heading Text Here
Florida law varies county to county—not in statute, but in practice.
✅ A good criminal attorney should:
Know the judges and prosecutors in your area
Have handled cases just like yours (not just civil or family law)
Be able to name prior results—not just generic claims
📌 Related: Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney: Local Insights That Matter
🔹 2. Focused on Defense—Not a General Practice
You wouldn’t hire a foot doctor to do heart surgery. Don’t hire a generalist for criminal defense.
⚖️ Ask:
Do you handle criminal cases every week?
Have you gone to trial on felony cases?
Do you handle suppression motions or Stand Your Ground hearings?
🎯 You want someone who builds defenses—not just takes pleas.
🔹 3. Reputation in Florida Courts
Search the lawyer’s name with the court docket or on the Florida Bar website.
💡 Look for:
✔️ Client reviews on Avvo, Google, or Justia
🧾 Past trial appearances or news coverage
❌ Avoid “too good to be true” promises (e.g., “Guaranteed Dismissal”)
🔹 4. Availability and Communication
Great lawyers don’t disappear after the consultation. Ask:
How quickly do you return calls?
Will I be speaking to you or a case manager?
Can I text you updates or questions?
📞 Your Florida criminal attorney should be responsive—especially during stressful moments like arrest or court dates.
🔹 5. Realistic About Outcomes
No lawyer should promise to “beat your case.” The best attorneys:
Explain your best-case, worst-case, and likely outcome
Give honest feedback about the strength of the case
Build strategy from discovery—not assumptions
📌 Related: What to Expect from a Broward County Criminal Defense Lawyer
✅ What Sets Us Apart at Michael White, P.A.
We’ve handled thousands of cases in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties. As a former prosecutor, Michael White understands how the State builds its cases—and how to tear them apart.
We don’t just offer advice—we offer results, relationships, and relentless defense.
📞 Need a Criminal Attorney in Florida? Start with a Real Consultation.
📞 Call now for a free strategy session. We’ll tell you exactly where you stand—and how to fight back.
🙋♂️ What People Ask When Hiring a Florida Criminal Attorney
Q1: How do I know if a criminal attorney is legit?
✅ Check their Florida Bar status, read reviews, and ask about recent cases they’ve handled—especially in your county.
Q2: Should I hire someone local to my county?
📍 Yes. A lawyer familiar with your court’s judges and prosecutors has a strategic edge from day one.
Q3: What if the lawyer promises they’ll win?
⚠️ Be cautious. No lawyer can guarantee a win. Look for confidence, not overpromising.
Q4: Is it okay to ask how many cases they’ve taken to trial?
🧠 Absolutely. Trial experience matters—even if your goal is to resolve the case quickly.
Q5: How much does a criminal attorney in Florida typically cost?
💵 It depends on the charge, but first consultations are usually free—and a good lawyer can often save you far more than their fee.