Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Clearwater

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Clearwater, Florida?

  To reach the Clearwater Police Department, call (727) 562-4242.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Clearwater, Florida?

  To obtain a police report from the Clearwater Police Department, call (727) 562-4242 for more information.

• Can criminal defense attorneys in Clearwater help with a "No Contact" order?

  Yes, they can. There have been instances when a Clearwater court imposed a No Contact order upon parties who wanted to have it removed. This especially affects people involved in domestic disputes who will be left homeless or forced away from their families for the entire duration that the case is still active. Criminal defense attorneys can work to have the order modified if not entirely lifted.

• How much is it going to cost to hire a criminal defense attorney in Clearwater?

  It mostly depends on the type of case they need to work on and their professional experience, but the average cost you can expect is around $2,000 to $3,500 for first-degree misdemeanors. The cost climbs exponentially higher for first and second-degree felonies at $35,000 to $100,000. There are always affordable lawyers in Clearwater, but they come with a caveat that you may get an overworked one who's juggling many different cases.

• How do criminal defense lawyers in Clearwater help juvenile delinquents?

  Criminal defense lawyers in Clearwater help protect minors in juvenile courts from harsh consequences that may further push them into a life of crime and desperation. Instead of being put in stressful environments such as prison cells, the offending minor can be placed in rehabilitative programs, counseling, or therapy to correct errant behavior.

• Do you need a criminal defense attorney in Clearwater even if you're only charged with a misdemeanor?

  Yes. Any criminal case that is not properly handled by a lawyer in Clearwater may end in the defendant suffering a sentence that is too harsh or being followed by their mistake throughout the rest of their lives. Criminal acts, even misdemeanors, stay on an offender's records permanently unless they are able to have it overturned. This means potential employers, partners, loan officers, and the general public will be able to see this.

• Can criminal defense attorneys help with the bond amount in Clearwater?

  Yes, they can, by requesting that the bond be set according to the defendant's financial capabilities. However, the final decision will still depend on the judge who will have to consider many things, such as the likelihood of the defendant fleeing, the severity of the crime they committed, and whether or not they are a danger to themselves and others if allowed back out on the streets.