How to Choose a Drug Possession Lawyer in Gainesville
Being arrested for a drug crime is not only a traumatic experience, it can do extraordinary harm to your future. In 2019 alone, there were more than 110,000 drug crime arrests in the state of Florida, with more than 1,000 occurring right here in Alachua County. The high number of arrests means there are several drug possession lawyers in Gainesville to choose from. But how do you pick the right one?
How to Find Criminal Defense Attorneys in Gainesville, FL
You have decided it is best to get a criminal defense attorney to help with your proceedings, but you are not sure where to start. There are many ways that can help you compile a list of potential attorneys for your case.
Search Online
Almost all reputable attorneys and law firms will have a listing on Google, Bing, Yelp, etc. Conducting a simple search for “criminal defense attorneys near me” or, more specifically to your case, “drug possession lawyers near me,” will return a slew of options for you. Try not to get overwhelmed in these seemingly never-ending options. You will only want to take note of those that have strong, recent reviews and plenty of information regarding topics similar to your needs.
Watch for Advertisements
Many attorneys want their area to know that they are available to help. This often takes form in advertisements like billboards, commercials or even ads on Facebook. The more you start to search for the right attorney, the more you will probably see these ads to help you build that list further.
Asking for a Referral
When looking for a criminal attorney or drug possession lawyer in Gainesville it’s useful to talk to a friend, family member or someone else you trust. They may know someone who has had a similar experience. Have a conversation with that person and ask who represented them and how they feel about the experience. Or if you know an attorney who doesn’t practice criminal law, it’s still a good idea to ask them for a referral. Chances are they can recommend a few drug possession lawyers to contact.
Make Experience a Priority
Once you have a list of potential attorneys, you should start narrowing it down. Not every lawyer has the knowledge of the law as it relates to drug possession to handle your case effectively. Call or submit a request on their website to ask a few questions before you make any decisions on your representation. This will help you get a sense for which attorneys on your list are the most qualified to handle the specifics of your case. A few questions that you can start with are:
- How many years have you been a criminal attorney in Gainesville, FL?
- What’s your experience with going to trial and arguing before a jury?
- What were the outcomes of your prior cases?
- Have you handled a case with similar details as mine?
- Do you have any references or testimonials from previous cases similar to mine?
While the answers they provide should help inform your decision, there are a few other factors to consider.
The Accessibility of Your Criminal Attorney
Having an experienced drug possession lawyer on your side won’t do you much good if they aren’t able to meet with you on a regular basis. Part of your initial conversation should center around the time he or she can devote to your case and the frequency of your meetings or phone calls with them. If you feel your case won’t get the attention it deserves, then you should probably look elsewhere. Again, drug possession crimes are serious and you want your attorney focused on getting the best result.
The Familiarity of the Attorney with Your Area
While attorneys new to the area may be more than capable of handling your case, there is a lot to be said about an attorney with a history in the area in which your case is being conducted. When looking for an attorney in Gainesville, FL, try to find a firm with a long-standing reputation not only with the court system in the area but with the city itself. You may find that their representation has an extra layer of commitment and knowledge due to their familiarity with other attorneys, law enforcement officials and general court proceedings, as well as their love for the town.
Get a Free Consultation from a Criminal Attorney in Gainesville, FL
When selecting a drug possession lawyer in Gainesville, you should always receive a free consultation. At the law firm of Avera & Smith, we will be happy to speak with you at no charge. We have been representing the people of Gainesville for over 65 years and have handled many criminal and drug possession cases. Call us today to set up an appointment.