When it comes to legal matters, the first question that comes to mind for most is: “Should I hire a lawyer?” The answer depends on the type and magnitude of the legal issue as well as a person’s comfort level with the court system. It is true that an individual can represent herself; that is everybody’s right in the United States of America. The real question is whether going pro se (meaning “for oneself” in Latin) is a good idea.
The answer to the question, “Should I hire a lawyer?” is much the same as deciding whether to hire any other kind of professional such as a mechanic or doctor. An assessment must be made as to one’s personal knowledge of the subject (“Can I fix this compressor myself?”) and the severity of the issue (“Should I go to the hospital with 104°F fever?”). When it comes to criminal defense, some things to consider are the degree of one’s knowledge of the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, Florida Statutes, and Florida Administrative Code; one’s comfort-level with speaking to the Judge, the Jury and prosecutors; and skills in argument and negotiation.
When charged with a crime, the accused must face a multitude of court hearings, the issuance of discovery (evidence), and plea offers extended by the State. Ultimately, the accused must determine whether to exercise her right to a jury trial or whether to accept a plea deal. This decision on how to proceed should depend on the strength of the evidence against the Defendant as compared to the plea offer.
Naturally, an experienced criminal defense attorney has the knowledge and training to evaluate a criminal case with the best interests of the client in mind. An experienced criminal defense attorney can detect legal and procedural errors (if any) in reports, statements, and videos; consider the reasonableness of any plea offer, and advise the client as to the risks and benefits of going to trial.
If you’re still wondering “Should I hire a lawyer?”, here are some of the huge benefits.
Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer
· Waiver of your presence at pre-trial hearings
· Knowledge of the reputations of local judges and prosecutors
· Access to the Florida e-filing Portal
· Facilitate communication with judges and prosecutors
· Negotiation skills
· Trial skills
· Peace of mind
It is no secret that hiring a skilled criminal defense attorney can be valuable, beneficial and advantageous. Although it costs money, paying a professional is an investment into one’s life and liberty. Experience, reputation and resources can provide a strong ally in a misdemeanor or felony case. Failure to seek professional help could prove costlier in the end.
Pro Se litigants are held to the same standards as attorneys even without the benefit of legal education. They are required to know the rules and court procedures, as well as have knowledge of Florida Law, filing requirements, formats, deadlines, administrative orders, and more. A defendant who is unfamiliar with the court system could find herself railroaded by her accusers who hold superior knowledge.
At Casanova Law, we lift the burden from our clients with our experience in criminal law and procedure. We waive the accused’s presence at pre-trial hearings, review the evidence with precision, file all of the necessary paperwork, and work to achieve the best possible outcome. Casanova Law handles criminal defense cases in Palm Beach County.
Should I Hire a Lawyer?
If you’re still asking yourself, “Should I hire a lawyer?”, you should contact Casanova Law today for a free criminal defense consultation with Attorney Lourdes Casanova, a former prosecutor for Palm Beach County. Attorney Casanova has litigated hundreds of criminal cases and has conducted over fifty (50) trials throughout her career.
