Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Boca Raton, FL

FAQs

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

  561-368-6201 is the non-emergency contact number of the Boca Raton Police Services Department.

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

  To request public records directly, please contact the Custodian of Public Records Records Division Manager at the Boca Raton Police Services Department located at 100 N.W. Boca Raton Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33432, or call (561) 338-1234. Alternatively, you may visit the city website at www.myboca.us to submit your request.

• What property of yours can an officer search in Boca Raton?

  An officer can legally search your property, home, or vehicle in Boca Raton if they have obtained a search warrant from a judge. The warrant must be based on probable cause, which means the officer must have a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed and that evidence of that crime may be found in the location to be searched.

• What happens after you are arrested in Boca Raton?

  When you are in police custody, they may interrogate you about the situation that led to your arrest and request you to provide a written statement. Bear in mind that any information obtained during this process can and will be utilized against you in court. Therefore, it is imperative to consult a Boca Raton criminal defense attorney immediately.

• How is murder penalized in Boca Raton?

  Florida, which covers Boca Raton, has strict penalties for murder. First-degree murder, considered a capital felony, carries a punishment of either life imprisonment or the death penalty. Second-degree murder is punishable with up to 30 years of imprisonment, while third-degree murder can result in up to 15 years of imprisonment.

• What should you do if you are accused of murder in Boca Raton?

  If you face a murder charge in Boca Raton, it's crucial to consult an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible. A proficient lawyer can assist you in comprehending the allegations leveled against you, collecting evidence, and constructing a robust defense to safeguard your legal entitlements and secure the optimal result for your lawsuit.

• How long will it take for a criminal case to be resolved in Boca Raton?

  The resolution of a criminal case in Boca Raton is subject to various factors. While some cases are dismissed within a short period, typically a week or two, others can take longer, ranging from six months to over a year, depending on the intricacy of the case and whether a plea, dismissal, or jury trial is pursued.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.