West Palm Beach Criminal Defense Lawyers

Our firm handles a wide range of criminal cases throughout Florida, including DUI charges, drug offenses, theft crimes, assault and battery, domestic violence, white-collar crimes, and federal charges. We represent clients at all stages of criminal proceedings, from investigation through trial and appeal when necessary. Our attorneys have experience with both misdemeanor and felony cases of varying complexity.

Each criminal case receives personalized attention from our legal team based on the specific circumstances and evidence involved. We understand that every case presents unique challenges and requires a tailored defense strategy. Our attorneys stay current with changes in criminal law and procedure to provide effective representation regardless of the charge.

Criminal defense lawyers represent individuals accused of crimes regardless of their guilt or innocence, as everyone is entitled to legal representation under the Constitution. Defense attorneys ensure that the legal process functions properly by holding the prosecution to their burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This system protects everyone by preventing wrongful convictions and ensuring fair treatment under the law.

Defense lawyers also serve clients who may have committed some offense by advocating for fair sentencing, exploring rehabilitation options, and ensuring proportional consequences. The attorney’s role is not to judge their client but to protect their rights, challenge improper evidence or procedures, and present all legally available defenses. Even when evidence suggests guilt, reducing charges or negotiating better terms may be appropriate outcomes depending on the circumstances.

The cost of hiring a criminal defense attorney in Florida varies widely based on several factors, including the severity of charges, case complexity, attorney experience, and your location within the state. Misdemeanor cases typically range from $1,500 to $5,000, while felony cases generally start at $5,000 and can reach $25,000 or more for serious or complex charges. High-profile or specialized cases may command significantly higher fees.

Fee structures differ among attorneys, with some charging flat fees for specific case types while others bill hourly, typically between $150 to $500 per hour depending on experience. Additional costs may include expert witness fees, investigation expenses, court filing fees, and other case-specific expenditures. Most attorneys require an initial consultation to assess your case before providing a fee estimate tailored to your situation.

At Weinstein Legal Team, we do offer payment plans to make legal representation more accessible to clients that are facing financial constraints. These plans typically involve an initial down payment followed by installments spread over several months. The specific terms, including payment amounts and schedule, are usually negotiated directly with the attorney based on the total cost of representation and the client’s financial situation.

Payment plans often require formal agreements documenting the payment schedule and consequences for missed payments. Some attorneys may use third-party financing options or accept credit card payments to provide additional flexibility. While payment plans help make legal services more affordable, clients should understand that attorneys may require a substantial portion of fees before critical case events like trials or hearings.

Private criminal defense lawyers typically maintain lower caseloads than public defenders, allowing them to devote more time and resources to each client’s case. This additional attention often translates to more thorough investigation, detailed case preparation, and responsive communication throughout the legal process. Private attorneys can typically meet with clients more frequently and spend more time exploring all possible defense strategies.

Additionally, hiring a private attorney gives you the ability to choose a lawyer whose experience aligns with your specific legal needs. You can select someone with specialized knowledge in relevant areas like DUI defense, drug charges, or white-collar crime based on your case requirements. Private attorneys also generally have more resources for hiring expert witnesses, conducting independent testing, or pursuing investigative leads that could strengthen your defense.

Securing a lawyer for a DUI in Florida is highly advisable given the state’s strict penalties and the complex technical aspects of these cases. Florida DUI charges carry significant consequences including possible jail time, substantial fines, license suspension, mandatory education programs, and insurance premium increases. A qualified DUI attorney can identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case related to traffic stop procedures, breathalyzer maintenance and calibration, or field sobriety test administration.

DUI laws involve specialized scientific evidence and procedural requirements that experienced attorneys understand how to challenge effectively. Your attorney can also negotiate for reduced charges or penalties, represent you at administrative hearings to protect your driving privileges, and guide you through diversion programs if you qualify. The long-term consequences of a DUI conviction on your record can affect employment opportunities and professional licenses for years to come, making professional representation a worthwhile investment.

Attorney fees for DUI cases in Florida typically range from $2,500 to $10,000 for a first-time offense with standard circumstances. This cost varies based on the attorney’s experience, case complexity, location, and whether the case goes to trial. More complicated cases involving accidents, injuries, or previous DUI offenses generally command higher fees, potentially ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 or more.

Most DUI attorneys offer either flat fee arrangements covering specific phases of the case or hourly billing structures. Additional costs may include expert witness fees, independent blood testing, investigation expenses, and administrative hearing representation regarding license suspension. Many attorneys offer free or low-cost initial consultations to evaluate your case before discussing fee arrangements.

First-time DUI charges in Florida can sometimes be dismissed or reduced under specific circumstances, though complete dismissal is not common without significant legal issues in the case. Potential grounds for dismissal include improper traffic stops lacking reasonable suspicion, procedural errors in testing protocols, equipment malfunctions, or chain of custody problems with blood samples. A thorough defense investigation may uncover these types of issues that can lead to charge reduction or dismissal.

More frequently, first-time offenders may qualify for diversion programs like Back on Track in some counties, which can result in reduced charges upon successful completion. Prosecutors may also agree to reduce charges to reckless driving (commonly called a “wet reckless”) through plea negotiations, especially in borderline cases where blood alcohol levels were close to the legal limit. Each case’s potential for dismissal depends on its unique factual and procedural circumstances.

A typical DUI case in Florida takes approximately 3 to 9 months from arrest to resolution, though timelines can vary significantly based on case complexity and court schedules. Simple cases with straightforward evidence might resolve in as little as 3 months, particularly if a plea agreement is reached early. More complex cases involving contested evidence, expert testimony, or multiple hearings often extend to 6-9 months or longer.

The process includes several stages: arraignment, pre-trial conferences, motion hearings, and potentially trial, each adding time to the case timeline. Cases that proceed to jury trial typically take longer to complete and may extend beyond a year in some jurisdictions with congested court calendars. Additionally, administrative proceedings regarding your driver’s license suspension operate on a separate timeline, with hearings that must be requested within 10 days of arrest.

The cost to expunge a criminal record in Florida includes both legal fees and required state filing fees. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement charges a $75 processing fee for expungement applications, and there may be additional court filing fees of approximately $42 to $75 depending on the county. Obtaining required certified copies of court documents may add $30 to $50 to the total expenses.

Attorney fees for handling an expungement typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on case complexity and the attorney’s experience. This fee generally covers preparing all necessary documentation, submitting applications, following up with relevant agencies, and representing you throughout the process. Some attorneys offer flat-fee arrangements specifically for expungement services, providing cost certainty for clients.

While not legally required, having an attorney for record expungement in Florida is highly beneficial due to the process’s technical complexity and strict compliance requirements. The expungement procedure involves multiple precise steps, including obtaining certified court documents, completing state application forms, submitting fingerprints, and filing paperwork with correct agencies in proper sequence. One procedural error can result in denial or significant delays in the process.

An experienced attorney ensures all eligibility requirements are properly evaluated before investing time and money in the application. Lawyers familiar with the expungement process can also anticipate potential issues that might arise based on your specific record and criminal history. Additionally, attorney representation often expedites the process through established relationships with court personnel and knowledge of specific procedural requirements in different Florida counties.

he expungement process in Florida typically takes 9 to 12 months from initial application to final approval when all steps are completed correctly. The first phase involves obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which alone usually takes 3 to 6 months to process. After receiving this certificate, the petition must be filed with the court in the county where the case occurred.

Once the petition is filed, the court review process adds another 3 to 6 months, depending on the court’s backlog and whether a hearing is required. Some jurisdictions move more quickly than others, and cases with unusual circumstances may take longer. Throughout this period, your attorney can monitor the application’s progress and respond to any requests for additional information from reviewing agencies.