Do you need a Drug Crimes Attorney? Facing drug charges in Florida can be overwhelming. The potential penalties are severe, and the legal landscape is complex. Choosing the right attorney is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make, directly impacting the outcome of your case. This page isn’t just about finding any lawyer; it’s about finding the right lawyer. We’ll guide you through key questions to ask, explain the importance of Florida Bar Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law, and provide expert tips to help you make an informed decision, including how to verify a lawyer’s credentials. Let’s get started.
According To The Florida Bar, Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyers Are Specialists.
Drug Crimes Attorney and criminal defense expert, Casey Ebsary knows that facing drug crime charges in Florida is a serious matter. The outcome of your case can have a lasting impact on your life. When choosing a lawyer, one crucial factor to consider is whether the attorney is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Trial Law. This article explains what board certification means and why it’s important for your defense.
What is Board Certification?
According To The Florida Bar, Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyers are considered specialists. Board certification is a voluntary program for Florida lawyers, administered by The Florida Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization & Education (BLSE). It represents the highest level of evaluation by The Florida Bar regarding a lawyer’s competency and experience within a specific area of law. Think of it like the difference between a general practitioner and a board-certified specialist in medicine – both are doctors, but one has demonstrated specialized expertise and training.
Why Does Board Certification Matter for Drug Crime Cases?
Florida’s drug crime laws are complex and frequently change. The penalties can be severe, including significant prison sentences, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record. A Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer has proven:
- Substantial Experience: They have handled a significant number of criminal trials, including cases involving drug offenses.
- Specialized Knowledge: They have successfully passed a rigorous examination covering all aspects of criminal trial law, with a strong emphasis on drug-related offenses.
- Peer Review: They have received positive evaluations from judges and other lawyers familiar with their professional work.
- Continuing Education: They are required to stay current with the latest legal developments and best practices through ongoing legal education.
- Good Standing: They must be a member in good standing of the Florida Bar.
How to Verify if a Lawyer is Board Certified
Not all lawyers who handle drug crime cases are board certified. It’s essential to independently verify this credential. Don’t just take a lawyer’s word for it or rely on outdated information.
Here’s how to confirm a lawyer’s current board certification status:
- Use the Florida Bar’s “Find a Lawyer” Tool: Go to the official Florida Bar website: https://www.floridabar.org/directories/find-mbr/
- Enter the Lawyer’s Name: Type in the lawyer’s first and last name.
- Check the Profile: The lawyer’s profile will clearly indicate if they are currently “Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law.” If it doesn’t say that, they are not currently board certified in that specialty.
You can also find a list of all Board Certified attorneys by specialty area here: https://www.floridabar.org/directories/find-mbr/ Select “Criminal Trial” from the dropdown menu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Board Certification and Drug Crime Defense
Here are some common questions people have when selecting a lawyer for drug charges:
What percentage of Florida lawyers are Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law?
Less that 1/2 of 1 percent. The Florida Bar maintains high standards for board certification, making it a mark of distinction. While precise numbers fluctuate, it’s significantly less than 1% of attorneys. The certification standards can be found here: https://www.floridabar.org/rules/certification-plans/ And the specific rules are found at Rule 6-3, and 6-4, Rules Regulating The Florida Bar.
Does board certification guarantee a win in my case?
No lawyer can ethically guarantee a specific outcome. However, board certification signifies a higher level of demonstrated expertise and experience, which can significantly improve your chances of a favorable result.
Are Board Certified lawyers more expensive?
Legal fees vary depending on the lawyer’s experience, the complexity of the case, and other factors. A Board Certified specialist may charge more, reflecting their specialized skills. Discuss fees openly during your initial consultation.
What are the minimum requirements to become Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law in Florida?
The requirements are rigorous and include: * At least five years of law practice. * Substantial involvement in criminal trial law (a significant portion of their practice). * Handling a specified number of criminal trials, including jury trials. * Passing a comprehensive written examination. * Favorable peer review from judges and other lawyers. * Completing required continuing legal education. * See the full requirements on the Florida Bar website (discussed above).
Consider experience specifically with your type of drug charge, communication style, case strategy, availability, and your overall comfort level. A consultation is essential for assessing these factors.
Yes, but with strict limitations. The comparison must be factually accurate, verifiable, and not misleading.
This is a common online advertising technique. It means the attorney is attempting to reach individuals searching for specific legal services or other attorneys. The message must not be misleading or deceptive. The advertising must be truthful and not create unjustified expectations. The Florida Bar has addressed this, confirming that keyword advertising is generally permissible as long as it complies with the general rules on advertising.
Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your Drug Crime Charges in Florida: Understanding Board Certification
A List of Board Certified Experts in Criminal Defense
| Florida Attorney’s Name | Is This Attorney Florida Bar Board Certified? |
| W. F. Casey Ebsary, Jr. Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer |  |
| John Castro |  |
| Christian Denmon | |
| Nicole Denmon | |
| W. F. Casey Ebsary, Jr. Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer | |
| Richard Escobar | |
| Frank Fernandez | |
| Darren Finebloom | |
| Robin Fuson | |
| Christina Anton Garcia | |
| Michael Celso Gonzalez | |
| David Haenel | |
| William Wooten Hanlon | |
| Stephen Higgins | |
| Marc Alleyne Joseph | |
| Jeff Keel | |
| Michael Maddux Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer | |
| Jason M. Mayberry | |
| Michael Misa | |
| Jeff Paulk | |
| Nicole Denmon | |
| Jason Sammis | |
| Leslie Sammis | |
| Jeff Thomas | |
| Majid Vasigh | |
| Elliott Wilcox | |
| William Wynne | |
The FTC and the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. (NAD), govern the laws of comparative advertising in the United States including the treatment of comparative advertising claims. FTC stated that comparative advertising could benefit consumers and encourages comparative advertising, provided that the comparisons are “clearly identified, truthful, and non-deceptive”
Sources: The Law of Comparative Advertising in the United States J. E. Villafranco, “IP Litigator”, Woltens Kluwer Law & Business, Aspen Publishers, Vol. 16, No. 1, 2010;
