What Does a Criminal Trial Lawyer in Seminole Do?
If you are facing charged from an offense, you probably have a lot of questions. A Criminal Trial Lawyer in Seminole can help answer them and fight your case.
A Trial Lawyer in Seminole helps clients facing charges of a criminal offense. Typically, a Trial Lawyer in Seminole has many duties and responsibilities to both their clients and the courts. We will discuss both and how the team at McDermott Law Firm, PA can help you.
Duties of a Criminal Trial Lawyer in Seminole to Their Client
A Seminole Criminal Trial Lawyer has several obligations to their client.
Privileged Communications
Communications between clients and their attorney fall under the scope of attorney-client privilege. The attorney-client privilege applies when privileged persons (attorney and client) communicate in confidence to seek, obtain, or provide legal assistance. Section 90.502 of the Florida Statute governs Attorney-client privilege.
In other words, your Lawyer must not disclose any information you share with them to anyone. This privilege thus allows you to speak freely to your counsel without fear.
Be aware that there are exceptions, and your Criminal Trial Lawyer in Seminole may feel a sense of duty to break privilege in the following circumstances:
- You use your lawyer’s advice to commit crimes.
- They are complying with court orders to prevent deaths or bodily injuries.
- You waive your right to privilege.
Zealous Defense
You are entitled to representation from a Lawyer in Seminole who offers you a zealous defense. In other words, they will do everything they can to prepare a viable defense for you. This includes:
- Gathering facts
- Researching to analyze a case, determining a probable outcome, and devising an effective strategy to defend you in court
- Interviewing witnesses
- Reviewing police reports
- Subpoenaing documents
- Researching relevant case precedents and statutes
- Requesting the courts look at new ways to interpret existing laws to support your case
- Questioning witnesses at trial
- Preparing compelling arguments for judges and juries
Must Avoid Conflicts of Interests
Criminal Trial Lawyers in Seminole have a duty to avoid conflicts of interest. They must also be careful that past cases do not create conflicts for current cases as well. For instance, it would be highly unfair if your defense attorney previously defended a witness that is being used against you.
Obligations of a Criminal Trial Lawyer in Seminole to the Courts
A Seminole Criminal Trial Lawyer is an officer of the court. As such, they must carefully balance client confidentiality and zealous defense of their client with a duty of candor to judges and juries.
Your lawyer may not knowingly lie to the court or support clients who commit perjury. They must take reasonable steps to remedy perjury if it is known to them, up to and including breaking attorney-client privilege to report it.
Why Choose McDermott Law Firm, PA
Considered by the Florida Bar to be a specialist in Criminal Trial Law, Frank W. McDermott is a seasoned Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer in Seminole. He has also been awarded an AV® rating by Martindale-Hubbell. This award is given to attorneys who have reached the heights of professional excellence, and are recognized for the highest level of skill, integrity, and ethical standards. Frank W. McDermott embodies these principles in all of the work that he does for his clients. He is also part of the following institutions:
- Member of the Florida Bar
- Member of the St. Petersburg Bar
- Three-time Chair of Criminal Law Section
- Member of the Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Former Vice President of Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association in 2017
- Former President of Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association in 2015
Upholding the law and zealously representing clients is the ultimate goal at McDermott Law Firm, PA. With over 20 years of experience navigating criminal law, Frank and the team at McDermott Law Firm, PA always put clients first.