Miami Criminal Defense Attorney

Appearing in criminal court can be a daunting experience, but understanding the legal process can help alleviate stress and anxiety during this difficult time. Partnering with a qualified lawyer is essential to navigate the criminal proceedings and understand the legal options available to you.

Depending on your case, you may be required to appear in court at various stages of the criminal proceedings, including:

Arraignment Hearing

In Miami-Dade County, your first appearance is usually an arraignment hearing. At this stage, you will be formally charged and asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Your attorney can leverage their in-depth legal knowledge to advise you on the best plea to enter based on your unique case.

Preliminary Hearing

If you plead not guilty, your next appearance will be at the preliminary hearing, where the judge will decide if there’s enough evidence to proceed with the charges. At this stage, your lawyer will have the opportunity to challenge the evidence and argue for a dismissal or reduction of charges.

Pre-Trial Motions

Pre-trial motions give both the defense and prosecution a chance to request the court to rule on certain matters before the trial begins, such as filing motions to suppress evidence or dismiss certain charges. Your lawyer can collaborate with you to strengthen your defense during this stage.

Criminal Trial

If your case goes to trial, both sides will present evidence and call witnesses to testify. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime. Throughout the trial, your attorney will challenge the prosecution's case and present evidence to support your innocence.

At any stage of the process, there may be opportunities for plea negotiations, where your lawyer works with the prosecution to reach an agreement that may result in reduced charges or sentencing. This can be a valuable option to consider, depending on the specifics of your case. Remember, understanding the criminal court process and consulting with a skilled defense lawyer are critical steps to achieving a favorable outcome.

Resisting arrest by law enforcement can result in additional criminal charges. Individuals accused of resisting arrest are often perceived as violent or aggressive, opening the door to third-degree felony charges for assault or battery of a peace officer under Florida law. If no violent action is taken while resisting arrest, you may face first-degree misdemeanor charges. Regardless of the circumstances, seeking sound counsel is a must to avoid harsh penalties. Beckham Law Firm can evaluate your case with a practiced legal eye to determine an effective defense to employ on your behalf.

At Beckham Law Firm, we believe everyone is entitled to a strong defense. Our firm can collaborate with you to develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific case. With our vast network of professional contacts and resources, you can rely on our attorneys to gather evidence, interview eyewitnesses, arrange expert testimonies, and utilize all available resources to pursue the best possible outcome. Regardless of the charges against you, we can help you build a well-fortified defense while guiding your steps with wisdom and transparency.

Bail is set to make sure that the defendant attends all trial and pre-trial court proceedings. With the exception of capital felony crimes, every person in Florida has the right to be released from jail on bond. Bail amounts will vary based on various factors, such as the type and severity of the alleged offense and any prior convictions. However, the judge retains broad discretion to set bail amounts that cannot be negotiated, making it crucial to partner with a seasoned defense attorney who can advocate for a fair outcome.

Bond hearings are held at an early stage in a criminal case to establish the cost of bail. Your judge can determine if giving a bond amount is appropriate and what amount should be posted. You can request a separate bond hearing if no bond is set or if the bond is set too high during your first appearance. The judge will then decide whether or not to reduce the amount of bail.

Your attorney can fight to reduce the bail amount by filing a motion to reduce the bond. For the motion to be granted, the defendant must demonstrate their commitment to the community and prove that they are unlikely to flee the jurisdiction. At Beckham Law Firm, our lawyers can work diligently to reduce the bond amount or secure your release on your own recognizance.

With a skilled attorney by your side, you have a much better chance of having the bond reduction accepted. No matter what the circumstances, securing legal representation is imperative to navigate the criminal proceedings effectively and pursue a favorable outcome. When the court sees that an experienced defense lawyer is representing a defendant, they are more likely to perceive the defendant as serious about their case. At Beckham Law Firm, our advocates have decades of experience navigating the criminal justice system to protect your rights and fight for reduced bail.