Attorneys

What to look for when selecting an ethical Criminal Law Attorney:

Remember, when you hire an attorney you are paying for a service and you should be satisfied with the quality of that service. They should return your phone calls promptly, communicate with you personally and keep you updated on the status of your case. The attorney should also discuss the terms of your contract, including fees, up front. If you believe your attorney's performance is less than stellar, realize that you can replace them at your own discretion.

Interview them to decide which attorney you would like to handle your case. This interview takes place at an initial consultation. Don't expect your case to be solved during this visit. Consultations usually last 30 minutes so be prepared. Here are a few tips to get you ready.

• Write down your story, in your own words before your meeting to organize all of your thoughts;

• Make sure to bring copies of any documents that may affect your case;

• Give your attorney any names or dates that affect your case so the attorney has an idea of who is involved;

• Be prepared to answer all the attorney's questions; the attorney knows which questions to ask to help you;

• Always tell the truth even if you think some details may hurt your case.

• Don't lie or exaggerate the facts;

• Avoid becoming too emotional;

• Make sure you feel comfortable before leaving the attorney office. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Questions to ask an attorney:

1. How long have you been in business?

2. Do I need legal representation for my problem?

3. Have you handled cases like mine in the past?

4. What have results been on my type of case?

5. Will you be handling my case personally? If not, what kind of work will you be doing and who will be doing the rest of the work?

6. How available are you for meetings and phone calls?

7. How do you handle fees? Get a written retainer including:

   • Charges: Do you charge by the hour, a flat rate or contingency?

   • Services that are included

   • Extra fees that will be assessed

   • How you will be billed

8. What are the possible outcomes in cases such as this?

9. How long do you expect this matter to take?

10. What are my alternatives?

11. Do you recommend arbitration or mediation?

Important Consumer information for Criminal Law:

DO NOT TALK TO THE POLICE BEFORE YOU SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY.

DO NOT PERMIT RECORDINGS OF YOUR STATEMENTS.

DO NOT WRITE ANY STATEMENTS.

DO NOT TALK TO PEOPLE, OTHER THAN THE POLICE, BEFORE YOU SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY.

Statement of Practice: The Defense of the Constitution

Including: Criminal Law in State and Federal Courts, Juvenile Law, Narcotics Defense, White Collar Crimes, Driving Under the Influence, Traffic Offenses, Violation of Probation, and Victim Representation.

BAR ADMISSIONS:
1982, Florida;
1985, U.S. Middle District of Florida;
1985, U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit;
1987, U.S. Supreme Court;
1989, Colorado.

PRO HAC VICE ADMISSIONS:

State:
New York
California

Federal:
Central District of Georgia
Southern District of Florida
Northern District of Florida

Education:
University of Florida (B.A., 1979; J.D., 1981). Graduated with High Honors. Phi Beta Kappa.

Past Legal Employment:
Prosecuted as an Assistant State Attorney in Orlando, Florida from 1982 through 1986. While a Defense Attorney, hired as a police legal advisor for the City of Ocoee, from 1991 through 1996.

Volunteer Legal Services:
Criminal Justice Institute-Monthly lecturer on Criminal LawLegal Advisor for Sho-Rei-Shobu-Kan Martial ArtsVice Chairman and Legal Advisor to the District Seven Human Rights Advocacy Commission (Appointed by the Governor of Florida)

Legal Association Membership:
Orange County Bar Association (Chairman, Criminal Law Committee, 1997);
Central Florida Criminal Defense Association ( President, 1996);
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers;
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Board Certifications:
Florida: Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer, Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education, since 1988
National: Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, since 1994

Media:
Ask-A-Lawyer "On-Air" panelist for the Public Broadcast System yearly television show sponsored by the Orange County Bar Association
Martial Arts in America, Volume I

Reported Cases: Lamar v. Wheels Unlimited, Inc., 513 So.2d 135 (Fla. 1987); State v. Henderson, 521 So.2d 1113 (Fla. 1988); Dickinson v. State, 693 So.2d 55 (Fla 5th DCA 1997); Lukas v. State, 627 So.2d 123 (Fla 5th DCA 1993); Singletary v. Evans, 676 So.2d 51 (Fla 5th DCA 1996); State v. Agerton, 523 So.2d 1241 (Fla 5th DCA 1988); State v. Miller, 672 So.2d 855 (Fla 5th DCA 1996).

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisement.  Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

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