Criminal Law
Selecting a lawyer specializing in Criminal Law
Maybe you have never needed the service of an attorney before; but now you do.
Obviously, you want an attorney who can handle your particular legal situation, and who has experience and expertise in the area of law relating to your legal need.
To assist you in finding such a lawyer, the Supreme Court of Florida directed The Florida Bar to offer a "Board Certification" program for Florida Bar members. The program is designed to help the public make an informed decision when seeking and selecting a lawyer.
Certification is the highest level of recognition by the Florida Bar and recognizes attorney's special knowledge, skills, and proficiency and only certified lawyers are allowed to identify themselves as experts in their field.
A lawyer who is a member in good standing of the Florida Bar and who meets the standards prescribed by the state's Supreme Court, may become a "Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer" or "Board Certified Criminal Appellate Lawyer."
Certified lawyers in criminal trial law are involved in,
- Investigation
- Evaluation
- Pleading
- Discovery
- Taking of testimony
- Presentation of evidence
- Argument of jury and nonjury cases
Every lawyer certified in criminal trial law has practiced law on a full-time basis for at least five years. To become certified the lawyer must have handled 25 criminal cases with at least 20 jury trials, tried to verdict, at least 15 of which involved a felony. Ten trials must have been tried with the lawyer as lead councel. Each certified lawyer has had substantial involvment- 30% or more- in the practice of criminal trial law during the three years preceeding application.
Every lawyer certified in criminal appellate has practiced law on a full-time basis for at least five years. To become certified the lawyer must have handled 25 criminal appeals. Each appellate certified lawyer has had substantial involvement - 30% or more- in the practice of criminal appellate law during the three years preceeding application.
Each certified lawyer must also have passed peer review, has completed 45 hours of continuing legal education within three years preceeding application and has passed a written examination demonstrating knowledge, skills and proficiency in the field of criminal trial law to justify the representation of special competence.
Board certification is valid for five years, during which time the attorney must continue to practice law and attend Florida Bar - approved continuing legal education courses. To be recertified, requirements similar to those for initial certification must be met. Not all qualified lawyers are certified, but those who are board certified have taken the extra step to have their competence and experience recognized.
