When faced with a crisis, it can be hard to make an informed decision. We understand that having criminal charges brought against you or a loved one can leave you reeling and unsure of where to turn. Finding a professional to represent and protect you during this difficult time can be confusing. As you seek a qualified Tampa defense attorney, we hope you’ll keep the following in mind.
Experience
When your future is on the line, go with someone who can get results. Experience matters in the legal system. Even if your case never goes to trial, having someone on your side that can easily maneuver within the constraints of our judicial system can make a huge difference in your case.
Beyond holding a J.D. and having passed the bar, look for someone who has practiced extensively and who has successfully handled similar cases. If your case is being tried in federal court, ensure that the lawyers you speak with have experience in that venue.
Mike G has practiced law for over 25 years. As a former Assistant State Attorney, he has handled a variety of cases and gained deep insight into how the justice system works. This knowledge has been formative in shaping his work as a dogged defense attorney. Mike G practices in both state and federal courts, with extensive experience in both.
Thanks to his work and his positive reputation in the legal community, Mike G has received Martindale-Hubbell’s highest attorney ranking, AV Preeminent. He’s well known among prosecutors as a hardworking Tampa defense attorney who keeps his client’s interests at the forefront of everything he does.
Dedication
You should never doubt your lawyer’s commitment to your case. When it’s your future on the line, you want to be sure that your lawyer is doing everything within their power to help you. A dedicated lawyer will mount a quality defense, investigating multiple angles and questioning the processes and tactics used by the police and prosecutors.
When we take on a case, we always work towards the best possible outcome. What that is differs from case to case—but our dedication does not. We pursue every possible avenue to help our clients and provide valuable advice regarding their options.
Communication
Clear communication between a client and her lawyer is essential. A good Tampa defense lawyer will keep you informed of the process so you can understand what’s happening with your case.
There’s a lot of misinformation about the legal system out there. While Judge Judy, Law & Order, and Better Call Saul present some aspects of the judicial system, most of what is shown is skewed to fit the show’s narrative and isn’t always factual. The internet is a bastion of information, but what’s available isn’t always current or applicable. The best way to understand the implications of any charges brought against you or to make sense of what’s happening with your case is to consult with a Tampa defense attorney. No amount of web-sleuthing will ever compare to speaking directly with an experienced defense lawyer.
At Mike G Law, communication is very important to us. We understand the impact that a case can have on a defendant and their family and that what’s happening in the courtroom or behind the scenes isn’t always clear. We always share the information we have with our clients and take care to provide them any necessary background or clarifications so they can make sense of what’s going on with their case. In addition, Mike G Law offers support to both English- and Spanish-speaking clients, because everyone deserves quality representation.
Ability to Negotiate
There’s a time to fight and a time to sit down at the table and talk. Discerning between the two and taking advantage of opportunities presented is one mark of a good lawyer. And when it comes time to sit at the table, you’ll want a skilled negotiator at your side. Your Tampa defense attorney should be able to work together with a prosecutor in order to provide you with more options.
As a former prosecutor, Mike G has sat at both sides of the table. This valuable insight into how prosecutors work is a key component of his success. His experience allows him to negotiate better agreements for his clients when appropriate.
While every case is different, one thing remains the same—you need a quality Tampa defense lawyer on your side. Failing to hire the right attorney can be catastrophic.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Tampa Defense Attorney
To make your search for the right defense lawyer easier, here are a few questions to ask during your consultation. Feel free to print them out and take them with you.
- How long have you been practicing law?
- Is criminal defense your specialty?
- Have you always been a criminal defense attorney?
- How many cases like mine have you handled?
- How frequently do you try cases?
- How often do your cases end in plea agreements?
- What’s your relationship like with the prosecutor’s office?
- Do you foresee any challenges with my case?
- If I hire you, what would be your plan of attack?
- Who will be working on my case? (Some firms have multiple lawyers and assign many client-facing activities to paralegals. Know who you will be handling your defense!)
- Who will be my point of contact?
- What is the best way to communicate with your office?
- Do you charge an hourly rate or a flat rate? Do you have payment plans available?
- Besides your legal fees, are there additional expenses that I will need to cover?
As you are asking your questions and consulting with your potential Tampa defense attorney, check in with how you’re feeling. Do you trust the attorney? Is he giving you time to speak or rushing you? Do you feel confident in his ability to represent you?
At Mike G Law, we’re committed to providing our clients with the best information and advice so that they can make informed decisions about their defense. We are always upfront and honest with our clients so they have a clear understanding of the process from the very beginning.
Ready to talk? Let’s discuss your case—schedule a consultation today.