Criminal Defense FAQ
Clearwater Criminal Defense Attorney FAQ
Answering All Your Questions About Criminal Defense
Have you or someone close to you been arrested for a crime in Florida? Or do you believe you might be under suspicion for committing a felony or misdemeanor? You need a skilled, competent, and compassionate attorney on your side. At Idrizi Law Group, our Clearwater criminal defense lawyers have extensive experience defending Floridians accused of crimes. If you are considering retaining our legal services and would like to learn more, read on to see the answers to some frequently asked questions about criminal defense or reach out to our firm directly.
To speak with one of our criminal defense lawyers, contact us here. Our legal team is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does it cost to hire a criminal defense lawyer?Legal fees associated with working with an attorney vary on a case by case basis. Factors that may affect how much you will ultimately owe your lawyer may include how long it takes to resolve your claim, the effort it takes to build your case, and the severity of your charge. More experienced attorneys tend to charge more as well. At Idrizi Law Group, we are always upfront with our clients concerning how much their case should cost during the initial consultation. We also work with our clients to determine a budget that works for them. Please reach out to us for more specific information.
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Do I need to hire an attorney if I plan on pleading guilty?Hiring an attorney is never a requirement, but it is always recommended regardless of what you plan on pleading to best protect your rights. The prosecution always seeks to secure the harshest penalties for defendants in criminal cases; if you represent yourself, they are more likely to get away with doing so. A lawyer from Idrizi Law Group can help you obtain a lighter sentence even if you are found guilty.
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What should I expect from a criminal defense lawyer?You should expect your criminal defense attorney to possess extensive knowledge of criminal defense law as well as first-hand experience defending the type of charges you are facing in the local courts. You should also expect your lawyer to treat you with dignity and respect and to handle your case earnestly and professionally. Do research into the background of anyone you are considering hiring to make sure they don’t have a history of ethical violations and pursue their website’s case results page. If you consult with a criminal defense attorney who makes you feel uncomfortable or seems inexperienced, continue shopping around until you find the right fit if possible.
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When I am arrested, what should I do?Do not speak with anyone in law enforcement prior to hiring an attorney. You are not required to give a statement or confession to a police officer no matter what they say. In addition to your right to remain silent, you have a legal right to an attorney—let the arresting officers know you would like to speak to a lawyer then don’t say anything else until you do. Also, ensure you cooperate with the police otherwise and don’t resist arrest—otherwise, you might face additional charges down the road.
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What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor charge?Crimes classified as misdemeanors crimes are generally considered less serious than felonies according to the criminal justice system. Felony charges can land you in prison for over a year whereas a misdemeanor charge typically puts someone behind bars for a year or less. However, we strongly recommend hiring a lawyer in either situation.
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Will my case go to trial?Not all criminal cases go to trial—again, the answer to this question varies on a case by case basis. When charges are filed against you and a verdict cannot be reached outside of the courtroom, your case will go to trial. We will attempt to get your case dismissed before it comes to this; however, we are prepared to defend you in court if necessary and always prepare for trial just in case.
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What type of criminal defense cases does your firm handle?We primarily handle the following types of criminal offenses: • Drug crimes • Driving under the influence (DUI) • Violent crimes However, our criminal defense legal team has extensive experience handling all manner of criminal cases in Florida, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you’ve been convicted for another kind of felony or misdemeanor. If we can’t take your case, we are happy to refer you to a reputable local lawyer who can.
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Are a criminal defense attorney’s results guaranteed?No. A lawyer can never guarantee specific results because every case involves several different factors and variables unique to each. Ultimately, it is often up to a judge or jury to decide the outcome of a case—not your attorney. Beware of any attorney who promises you specific results upfront.
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Contact an Experienced Clearwater Criminal Defense Lawyer to Learn MoreWe understand that if you are facing criminal charges you likely have a million more questions on your mind and are eager to discuss the specifics of your situation. Idrizi Law Group offers confidential, no-obligation legal consultations, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for further assistance. Our team is available 24/7.