How to Check Credentials of a St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you or a loved one have been charged with a crime in St. Petersburg, Florida, hiring a qualified criminal defense lawyer is crucial for protecting your rights and fighting the charges. But with so many attorneys to choose from, how can you tell if a lawyer is truly competent to handle your case? Here are some tips on researching and vetting potential criminal defense attorneys in St. Petersburg.

1. Look for Relevant Experience

One of the first things to look for is a lawyer with significant experience handling criminal cases similar to yours. For example, if you are facing federal fraud charges, you’ll want to find an attorney with extensive experience defending complex white collar crimes in federal court. If you are charged with a DUI, look for a lawyer who specializes in DUI defense and regularly represents clients in DUI cases. Focus your search on attorneys who devote at least 50% of their practice to criminal defense.

Pay attention to the number of years the lawyer has been practicing criminal law. You generally want someone with at least 5-10 years of criminal defense experience under their belt. Also look for former prosecutors on your defense team – their perspective from “the other side” can be invaluable.

2. Verify Licenses and Certifications

Any attorney practicing law in Florida must be licensed by the Florida Bar Association. You can verify a lawyer’s license status on the Florida Bar website. Make sure their license is active with no history of disciplinary issues.

Some criminal defense attorneys pursue additional certifications that can demonstrate their knowledge and skills in criminal law. Look for credentials like:

• Board certified criminal trial lawyer – Issued by the Florida Bar after passing a rigorous exam and showing substantial trial experience.
• Board certified criminal appellate lawyer – Shows expertise handling criminal appeals.
• National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) certification – Indicates significant trial experience and continuing education.

Don’t stop at verifying licenses – research any disciplinary records, malpractice claims, or other complaints against the attorney. Ethical lawyers will be upfront about any past issues.

3. Research Their Background and Education

A strong educational background can prepare a lawyer to adeptly handle your criminal case. Look for attorneys who graduated from reputable law schools and earned high class ranks. Top grades in relevant subjects like criminal law, trial advocacy and evidence demonstrate a lawyer’s comprehension of key legal concepts.

Pay attention to any awards, honors and law journal participation. For example, serving as editor of a law review requires strong research, analysis and writing skills. Lawyers who held judicial clerkships often gain valuable experience researching and writing about complex legal issues.

Also research where the lawyer worked prior to starting their own criminal defense practice. Prosecutorial and public defender experience provides inside knowledge of how the system works.

4. Evaluate Their Case Results

One of the best indicators of an attorney’s skills is their track record of case results. Of course, past results don’t guarantee future outcomes – but a string of successful verdicts and settlements is a good sign.

Look for lawyers who have won full acquittals, gotten charges reduced or dismissed, and negotiated favorable plea bargains for past clients facing serious crimes. Be wary of vague claims of “success” – ask for specific examples of positive case outcomes the attorney has achieved.

Ideally, you want a lawyer who regularly handles cases similar to yours in the local courts. An attorney who mainly handles state crimes may lack the experience you need for federal charges, for example. Look for lawyers familiar with the prosecutors, judges and procedures in the court where your case is pending.

5. Verify Peer Recognition and Ratings

One of the best ways to identify respected criminal defense attorneys is to see how they are regarded by peers and clients. Look for lawyers who have received honors like:

• AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell – Shows high ethical standards and legal abilities.
• 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo – Based on experience, industry recognition and professional conduct.
• Selection to Super Lawyers lists – Reserved for the top lawyers in each state.
• Client testimonials and positive online reviews

High ratings from clients and fellow attorneys indicate an attorney’s strong reputation for legal skills, ethics and professionalism.

6. Meet and Interview Potential Attorneys

Once you’ve narrowed down your list, set up consultations to meet with a few of your top choices in person. This is your opportunity to directly ask questions and gauge how well you communicate. Come prepared with questions like:

• How much of your practice is devoted to criminal defense?
• What is your specific experience with cases like mine?
• What defense strategies do you think may apply in my case?
• Will you be the lead attorney handling my case? If not, who?
• How quickly do you respond to client calls and emails?

Pay attention to how clearly the lawyer communicates complex legal issues. Do they listen attentively and answer your questions in an easy-to-understand way? Do you feel comfortable talking openly with them?

Choose an attorney you feel you can trust to fight aggressively on your behalf. Don’t hesitate to bring a friend or family member along to help evaluate lawyers.

7. Understand Fees and Billing

The financial aspect is another key consideration when choosing a criminal defense lawyer. The fee structure can vary significantly between attorneys. Key questions to ask:

• Do you charge hourly, flat fee, or retainer? What is the range?
• What expenses might I incur in addition to your fees?
• How much of my fee is refundable if my case is dismissed early on?
• Are payment plans or options like credit cards available?

Get fee estimates and agreements in writing upfront. Read contracts carefully to determine what is and isn’t included in the quoted fees.

8. Ask About Their Support Staff

Don’t overlook the importance of non-lawyer staff when vetting an attorney. For day-to-day needs like scheduling and routine questions, you’ll likely interact more with paralegals and legal assistants versus the lead attorney.

Ask questions like:

• How large is your legal staff? What are their credentials?
• Will I have a main point of contact for my case?
• How responsive is your legal team to client needs and requests?

Look for lawyers with experienced support staff who can capably handle many case responsibilities. This enables the lead attorney to focus their time on high value legal work.

9. Research Online Resources

The internet provides a wealth of resources to help verify credentials and make an informed choice. Valuable online research includes:

• Law firm website – Look for detailed attorney bios, case results, client reviews, and legal resources.
• Martindale-Hubbell – Research lawyer ratings, certifications, education, experience and disciplinary history.
• Avvo – View client reviews and Avvo ratings measuring legal knowledge, ethics and case outcomes.
• Nolo – Offers profiles of lawyers along with client reviews and disciplinary records.
• State bar association – Verify license status and find any disciplinary actions.
• Google – Search the attorney’s name and look for news articles, awards, case highlights and more.

10. Ask for References from Past Clients

Speaking directly to past clients can provide unique insight into a lawyer’s skills and dedication. A reputable attorney will be able to provide references from former clients who agreed to discuss their experience. Ask questions like:

• Were you satisfied with the representation you received?
• How responsive was the attorney to your needs?
• Did they explain legal issues clearly?
• Was the outcome of your case favorable?
• Would you recommend the attorney?

Hearing the perspective of former clients can help you make a more confident hiring decision.

11. Trust Your Gut Feeling

Even after thoroughly researching credentials, you may just get a good or bad gut feeling about an attorney. While it shouldn’t be the only factor – don’t ignore your instincts. Chances are a lawyer you have doubts or feel uneasy about for whatever reason is not the best fit.

The stakes are high when facing criminal charges, so take time to carefully vet attorneys. While credentials like education and certifications are key – they only reveal part of the picture. By also evaluating an attorney’s experience, case results, reputation, staff and communication skills, you can make a well-informed choice. With an experienced St. Petersburg criminal defense lawyer guiding you, you have the best chance of a favorable case outcome.