Arrested and Searching For The Best Criminal Defense Lawyer In West Palm Beach, Florida?

When facing an arrest in Palm Beach County, navigating the criminal justice system, whether for yourself, a spouse, child, or other family member, the importance of securing a top rated lawyer cannot be overstated. Choosing the best legal representation can be a crucial step in safeguarding your rights, freedom, and future. Here are essential factors to consider when selecting a successful criminal defense attorney:

1. Research and Reviews:

   Before making any decisions, conduct thorough research on potential attorneys. Start by reading reviews from previous clients to gauge their experiences and satisfaction levels. Client testimonials can provide valuable insights into an attorney's professionalism, competence, and ability to deliver results. Check these sites specifically:

   Youtube
   Google
   Better Business Bureau
   Avvo
   Birdeye
   

2. Watch Videos:

   Watching videos of an attorney can offer a glimpse into their demeanor, communication style, and advocacy skills. Additionally, scheduling consultations with prospective lawyers allows you to assess their approach to your case, ask questions, and determine if they are the right fit for your needs. Hire someone that you like and a successful attorney

3. Beware of Overly Aggressive Advertising:

   Be careful of attorneys that do pay for click or sponsored listings. While advertising is a common practice in the legal industry, excessive and ubiquitous advertisements may raise red flags. Sponsored listings mean they are spending money to get ahead of attorneys that have better websites, information and reviews. A reputable criminal defense trial lawyer's reputation and track record should speak for itself, with satisfied clients serving as the most reliable form of advertisement. Read the negative reviews too. There are attorney services that help attorneys hide bad reviews so research the attorney's name and add the words "negative reviews”. You will find negative reviews If you search for them.

4. Caution Regarding Former Prosecutors:

   Be wary of attorneys who boast about their past experience as prosecutors. A prosecutor prioritizes securing convictions over protecting a defendants’ rights. A successful defense attorney keeps his clients out of jail and prison. Big difference. Ask yourself can you switch hit? Can you bat lefty and then right handed? Probably not. While prosecution experience can provide valuable insights, it does not necessarily equate to effective defense representation. Focus on finding a preeminent defense attorney with a proven track record of successfully defending clients in criminal cases.

5. Evaluate Courtroom Experience:

   When facing criminal charges, the ability to navigate the courtroom effectively is paramount. Look for an attorney with substantial motion. The movies and television glorify trials but when you are the defendant, you want a first rate lawyer that files motions to exclude evidence and weakens the case. The goal is to avoid trial if possible, if you lose at trial you are incarcerated, neither jail or prison are fun destinations. The key to winning is filing successful motions to suppress and dismiss. Additionally, it’s important that your attorney can articulate the facts of your case in a manner that convinces the assigned prosecutor to dismiss or reduce charges. Remember, trial is a last resort but a persuasive attorney will have success because he is comfortable talking in a courtroom and is resourceful in how he presents evidence to the jury.

6. Solo Practitioners and small firms vs. Large Law Firms:

   Consider the structure of the legal practice when choosing representation. While some criminal defense attorneys work solo or with a small team, others are part of larger law firms. Read the reviews to determine whether your attorney answers the phone, returns calls or is otherwise responsive to your questions. Do you want to pray that you get a good attorney assigned? Clearly, it's important to know and have a relationship with your attorney. The lawyer that you hire should be the lawyer that you speak to on the phone and the person that shows up to all of your court hearings.

7. Read Client Testimonials:

   Client testimonials serve as real-life endorsements of an attorney's abilities and effectiveness. Pay attention to clients' experiences, outcomes, and overall satisfaction levels. Positive testimonials can provide reassurance and confidence in your decision to hire a particular lawyer.

Roger P. Foley, an esteemed Palm Beach County criminal defense attorney, has a track record of defending clients across a wide spectrum of criminal cases, encompassing:

Drug Charges: Drug offenses involve various illegal activities related to controlled substances. Florida Statutes Chapter 893 encompasses drug-related offenses, including:

• Possession, Distribution, or Trafficking: Section 893.13 addresses the possession, sale, delivery, or trafficking of controlled substances, including charges ranging from simple possession to armed trafficking.
• Manufacturing or Cultivation: Section 893.135 covers the manufacturing, cultivation, or production of illicit drugs.
• Prescription Drug Fraud or Abuse: Section 893.13(7) addresses prescription drug fraud, including the unlawful possession, sale, or distribution of prescription medications.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI): DUI offenses involve impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs. Florida Statutes Chapter 316 encompasses DUI-related offenses, including:

• DUI Offenses: Section 316.193 addresses driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including the prohibited blood alcohol concentration levels and associated penalties.
• DUI Manslaughter: Section 316.193(3)(c)(3) covers DUI manslaughter, which occurs when a person's impaired driving leads to the death of another individual.
• DUI Causing Serious Bodily Injury: Section 316.193(3)(c)(1) addresses DUI offenses resulting in serious bodily injury to another person.
• Repeat DUI Offenses: Section 316.193(2)(b) outlines penalties for repeat DUI offenses, including enhanced fines, license revocation, and mandatory participation in DUI programs

Theft Cases: Theft offenses involve unlawfully taking or using another person's property. Florida Statutes Chapter 812 encompasses theft-related offenses, including:

• Petit Theft (Petty Theft): Section 812.014(2)(e) addresses petit theft, which involves the theft of minor items or services valued below a certain threshold.
• Grand Theft in the 1st Degree: Section 812.014(2)(a) covers grand theft in the 1st degree, which involves the theft of high-value property or assets exceeding a specified monetary threshold.
• Theft by Deception, Embezzlement, or Fraud: Section 812.014(1) encompasses various forms of theft, including theft by deception, embezzlement, or fraud, where the offender uses deceitful means to unlawfully obtain property or assets.
• Burglary, Robbery, or Other Theft-Related Offenses: Section 812.011 covers burglary, robbery, and other theft-related offenses, outlining the elements and penalties for these crimes

White Collar Crimes: White-collar offenses involve non-violent financial crimes typically committed by professionals or individuals in positions of trust. Florida Statutes cover various aspects of white-collar crimes, including:

• Fraud, Forgery, or Identity Theft: Section 817.034 addresses schemes to defraud and other forms of fraudulent conduct, including forgery and identity theft.
• Money Laundering: Section 896.101 covers money laundering, which involves concealing or disguising the proceeds of unlawful activities to make them appear legitimate.
• Racketeering: Chapter 895, known as the "Florida RICO Act," covers racketeering and related offenses, including various white-collar crimes.
• Internet or Cybercrimes: While specific statutes may vary, Florida laws address internet or cybercrimes involving financial fraud or scams, such as online identity theft, phishing, or fraudulent schemes conducted through electronic means.

Domestic Violence Charges:

• Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Offenses: Section 741.28, Florida Statutes, addresses misdemeanor domestic violence offenses such as simple assault or battery committed against a family or household member.
• Felony Domestic Violence Charges: Section 741.283, Florida Statutes, covers felony domestic violence charges, including aggravated assault or domestic battery by strangulation, when the offense is committed against a family or household member.
• Violation of Restraining Orders or Protective Orders: Section 741.31, Florida Statutes, addresses violations of restraining orders or protective orders issued in domestic violence cases, prohibiting contact or proximity to the protected individual.
• Felony Battery: Section 784.041, Florida Statutes, defines felony battery as intentionally touching or striking another person against their will and causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement.
• Aggravated Battery: Section 784.045, Florida Statutes, addresses aggravated battery, which involves intentionally causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement, or using a deadly weapon during the commission of a battery.
• Battery on Pregnant Women: Battery on a pregnant woman is included under aggravated battery. Section 784.045(1)(b), Florida Statutes, specifies that committing a battery upon a pregnant woman, knowing she is pregnant, is considered aggravated battery.

Violations of Probation:

• Allegations of Violating Probation Terms: Allegations of violating probation terms, whether through technical violations or new law violations, are governed by Section 948.06, Florida Statutes.
• Failure to Adhere to Probation Requirements: Section 948.06(1)(a), Florida Statutes, addresses the failure to adhere to probation requirements, including but not limited to drug testing, community service, and other conditions imposed by the court.
• Defense Representation in Probation Violation Hearings: Section 948.06(2), Florida Statutes, outlines the procedures for probation violation hearings and the defendant's right to representation. Defense attorneys play a crucial role in these hearings, advocating for their clients to mitigate consequences or dismiss the affidavit of violation when appropriate.

Violent Crimes and Weapons Charges:

• Assault and Battery Offenses: Assault and battery offenses, including aggravated assault and battery with a weapon or firearm, are governed by Section 784.011, Florida Statutes, which defines assault, and Section 784.045, Florida Statutes, which addresses aggravated battery.
• Robbery or Armed Robbery Allegations: Robbery and armed robbery allegations are covered under Section 812.13, Florida Statutes, which defines the offense of robbery and establishes penalties based on the use or possession of a weapon during the commission of the crime.
• Weapons-Related Offenses: Weapons-related offenses, such as illegal possession or discharge of firearms, are addressed under various sections of Chapter 790, Florida Statutes, which regulate weapons and firearms in the state.
• 10-20-Life Charges: The "10-20-Life" law, which imposes mandatory minimum sentences for certain felony offenses involving the use of firearms, is codified under Section 775.087, Florida Statutes. This statute outlines specific minimum prison terms based on the nature of the offense and whether a firearm was used.

Sex Crimes/ Charges:

• Sexual Battery (Rape): Sexual battery, commonly known as rape, is defined under Section 794.011 of the Florida Statutes.
• Sexual Assault: Sexual assault offenses are covered under Section 794.011 of the Florida Statutes, which includes various degrees of sexual assault charges.
• Human Trafficking: Human trafficking offenses are addressed under Section 787.06 of the Florida Statutes.
• Prostitution and Solicitation: Prostitution and solicitation offenses are covered under Section 796.07 of the Florida Statutes.
• Indecent Exposure: Indecent exposure offenses are addressed under Section 800.03 of the Florida Statutes.

The Law Office of Roger P. Foley does not currently accept any sex cases involving minors, accordingly those types of cases are not listed.

Roger P. Foley's extensive experience in handling a diverse array of criminal cases, including violent crimes and weapons charges, underscores his commitment to providing diligent and effective legal representation. With a steadfast dedication to protecting clients' rights and interests, Foley ensures that individuals facing serious criminal allegations receive the advocacy and support they need to navigate the legal process successfully.

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