We can't speak for all South Florida criminal defense attorneys, but you can certianly afford to hire an experienced defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Robert David Malove.
Being arrested and charged with a crime in South Florida can be expensive, but you can still afford to hire a South Florida criminal defense lawyer.
While you worry about how to pay a criminal defense attorney, you may also worry about losing your job, your housing, or even your freedom. The costs of a criminal conviction in Florida can be staggering, especially if you serve jail time. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can be your advocate, aggressively defending your rights at every stage. Therefore, while you ask if you can afford to hire an experienced South Florida criminal defense lawyer, the better question may be whether you can afford not to hire a South Florida criminal defense attorney.
Free Consultations and Payment Plans
The reputable criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert David Malove understand that our potential clients are already under tremendous stress. We know that you need reliable information quickly and without worrying about how you will pay for it. Accordingly, we proudly offer the following to our criminal defense clients.
Free Consultations
We offer free initial case consultations so that you have the chance to:
- Discuss your charges and ask questions in confidence
- Learn about possible options, outcomes, and consequences
- Determine if one of our criminal defense lawyers is the right fit for you
- Understand what a strong defense may cost for your unique situation
- Get advice on legal financial assistance options
- Start developing attorney-client rapport before you make potentially costly mistakes by representing yourself
This information empowers you to make the right choice for your situation and future. A free consultation puts you under no obligation to hire us but gives you the information you need to move forward with your defense.
Payment Plans
Once you hire us, there are different ways to pay our legal fees. We offer:
- Payment plans
- Credit card payments
- Periodic billing
We understand that legal fees are not something anyone wants to pay, but your future freedom is worth the temporary sacrifice.
How an Experienced Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You
An experienced lawyer's expertise can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyers can help you in the following ways.
Understand Complex Criminal Laws
Florida and federal criminal laws can be confusing. An experienced lawyer stays up to date on the latest statutes, precedents, and protocols.
Navigate the Legal System
Your lawyer knows how to work with law enforcement, negotiate with prosecutors, and effectively try your case in court if necessary. Their experience saves you time, frustration, and guesswork.
Develop Defenses
There are often good defenses to Florida criminal charges, but it often takes an experienced criminal defense lawyer to identify them. Your attorney will thoroughly examine the evidence to build strong defenses.
Protect Your Legal Rights
Police and prosecutors can sometimes overstep legal bounds while gathering evidence. Your lawyer ensures your rights are not violated.
Avoid Unnecessary Convictions
Many charges can be dismissed, reduced, or avoid trial. An experienced lawyer knows how to achieve the best outcome.
Minimize Sentences
Your lawyer's negotiation and advocacy can help minimize fines, probation terms, and jail time if you are convicted.
Common Criminal Charges in South Florida
Some of the most common criminal charges in South Florida that require experienced defense include:
- Drug crimes for charges like cocaine, marijuana, meth, or prescription drug possession, sales, trafficking, and paraphernalia crimes
- DUI, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Violent crimes, such as battery, assault, robbery, and domestic violence
- Sex crimes for things such as sexual battery, molestation, statutory rape, solicitation, and child pornography
- Theft crimes including petty theft, retail theft, grand theft, identity theft, burglary, auto theft, and more.
- Weapons charges if you are found guilty of illegal possession, concealment, sale, or discharge of firearms or other weapons
In some cases, Florida has mandatory minimum sentencing laws. An experienced defense attorney can make sure that you are treated fairly if you face any state or federal criminal charge.
Why a South Florida Defense Lawyer is Worth the Investment
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The costs of not having an experienced criminal defense lawyer can be exponentially higher than the cost of hiring one. Here are some of the significant ways a conviction could impact your future.
Jail Time
Incarceration means lost income, lost opportunities, and lost time with loved ones. Felony convictions can mean state or federal prisons.
Fines and Court Costs
Significant fines are common if you are convicted of a crime. According to Florida Statute §775.083. fines include:
- $15,000 when the conviction is of a life felony
- $10,000 when the conviction is of a felony of the first or second degree
- $5,000 when the conviction is of a felony of the third degree
- $1,000 when the conviction is of a misdemeanor of the first degree
- $500 when the conviction is of a misdemeanor of the second degree or a noncriminal violation
You may also owe victim restitution costs and various court fees. These costs vary depending on the crime.
- Probation Costs: Probation terms vary but often include drug testing, counseling, community service, or ankle monitors. Violating terms extends probation and the costs associated with probation.
- Lost Job Opportunities: Many employers conduct background checks and will not hire you if you have a criminal record, even if you have already served your sentence.
- Professional License Suspension: Those with professional licenses, such as doctors and lawyers, may lose the credentials needed for their careers.
- Immigration Issues: Convictions can negatively impact visas or green card applications for non-citizens. You may be deported.
- Travel Limitations: Some countries may limit international travel if you've been convicted of a crime in the United States.
- Sex Offender Registration: If you are convicted of certain sex crimes, you must register on the Florida Sex Offender Registry. Inclusion on this registry could negatively impact your employment opportunities.
The costs of not defending your case with experienced counsel can follow you for life. However, you should not face these financial consequences if you are acquitted of a crime. Accordingly, an experienced defense lawyer's fees are an investment in your future.
What Factors Impact Defense Costs?
The cost of an experienced South Florida criminal defense lawyer depends on several factors, including the following.
Attorney Experience, Reputation, and Demand
Lawyers with exceptional experience or specialty certifications may charge more. The reputation they have earned by representing other clients may be worth the premium.
The Types of Charges You Face
More serious felonies like murder or sex crimes take more work and require higher fees. Your lawyer will review the charges against you to let you know what to expect.
When You Hire a South Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer
Early negotiation can cost less than extensive trial preparation and proceedings. Cases that resolve quickly may cost less overall.
Our Costs Are Never a Secret
We understand that cost is a factor when making many important life choices, including which criminal defense lawyer to hire. You deserve to know what your potential costs are so that you can make an informed decision. The Law Offices of Robert David Malove will give you all the information you need to weigh your options and make the right financial decision for you and your family.
Being arrested for a crime in Florida is scary. What happens next largely depends on the quality of legal representation you secure. An experienced Florida criminal defense lawyer can often get charges reduced or dismissed pre-trial, win at trial, or minimize consequences if convicted.
While experienced legal help requires an investment, that investment pales when compared to the lasting costs of a conviction without competent counsel. You deserve the strongest possible defense. Do not leave your future to chance.