Choosing the right Jacksonville Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal Defense Lawyers – Education and Experience

Practicing attorneys, in the state of Florida, are schooled and trained in many aspects of the law, with most law schools requiring roughly 85 hours of legal courses.  The field of study is broad, covering everything from contracts and civil procedures to criminal and constitutional law. However, law school does not allow a law student to specialize in any particular field of the law. Once the attorney passes the State Bar Exam, gets admitted to the bar, and are sworn in by the court, they’ll choose a specific legal field to specialize in.  Then, the attorney will go to work for a law firm that specializes in that particular branch of the law.

With limited experience practicing the law, new attorneys lack the ability to handle criminal defense trial work. Many times, lawyers choosing to practice criminal law will go to work for the State Attorney’s Office or the Public Defender’s Office. The State Attorney’s Office provides experience prosecuting defendants, while the experience gained from work with the Public Defender’s Office comes from defending individuals whose attorney has been appointed by the court. Whether prosecuting those arrested or defending those accused of breaking the law, both scenarios provide a great deal of experience in criminal matters.

One thing is for certain. Whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony, if you are arrested for a DUI, a drug offense, sexual assault, or a white color crime, you will only get one chance to plead your case. You’ll either be found guilty, found innocent, or charged with a lessor crime. Whether one is arrested for their first offense or they have been arrested before, it is a good idea to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney, even if you feel you can’t afford one. Getting convicted of a crime has life-long implications, and having the best legal representation is a practical idea. Many Federal and State Prosecutors and Public Defenders tire of the bureaucratic trappings, and the limited wages earned while working for the state. Therefore, they often seek independent employment as criminal defense attorneys. These attorneys are some of the most experienced and knowledgeable legal practitioners available.

Why it is in Your Best Interest to Hire Curtis Fallgatter?

If you have been arrested for a crime in the Northeast Florida area and were looking to choose the best attorney to represent your legal interest, what would their qualifications look like?

Would the attorney be…

• a former state or federal attorney with years of prosecutorial experience?
• a criminal defense attorney with national recognition?
• one who was called upon by local television news stations to give legal advice or comment on high profile criminal cases?
• one who has appeared on a nationally televised program like Dr. Phil?
• someone with extensive criminal defense experience with just about every type of criminal case, including DUI’s, DUI manslaughter, drug trafficking or drug possession, sexual assault, sex with a minor, complex white color crimes or capital murder?
• a lawyer with over 30 years of handling cases that primarily involved defending individuals charged with committing a crime?
• one who is so sought after for his ability to defend any criminal case, no matter how complex?
• a lawyer who is available at a moment’s notice and hirable at affordable rates?

If this is the type of attorney you want handling your case, defending your rights to a fair trial, and giving you sound legal advice, look no further. Curtis Fallgatter is a criminal defense attorney with every one of these qualifications. If you want a legal advocate of this caliber on your side, Curtis is only a phone call away. Fallgatter Catlin & Varon, P.A.’s team of criminal defense attorneys are available 24 hours a day to provide legal assistance for those accused of committing a crime. Before you talk to a police officer or give statements about any of your actions, talk to the law office of Fallgatter Catlin & Varon P.A. We understand what it’s like to be arrested and charged with a crime, and we also know what it’s like to have an attorney who is committed to helping you solve your legal difficulties. Review our website for a complete list of our qualifications and services, or give us a call for a free consultation at 904-353-5800.