Fighting the Government
Joseph J. Registrato, Attorney At Law in Florida
Fighting the State of Florida or the United States government is perhaps the most difficult thing for a person to do because the government has no limit on the amount of resources it can pour into a criminal prosecution. If the State of Florida wants you, you're up against an awesome, powerful and very rich opponent.
So What's Your Best Strategy?
Before an airline pilot takes off, before he even starts up the engines, he doesn't rely on his memory or experience to make sure he's covered all the bases, rather he goes through a check list to make absolutely sure he hasn't forgotten something.
Before you decide on what course to take when you're charged with a crime, you need to know what evidence there is against you. At a hearing before a judge or a jury, a defendant in a criminal case has an absolute right to remain silent, and there is no shame in taking advantage of that right. After we review the state's evidence, then we can go through a check list to evaluate it for its trustworthiness, whether it was gathered illegally, whether it is strong or weak, and direct or circumstantial. You then can make a better decision about your strategy, negotiate with the state or challenge the evidence at trial.
Trials — The Fight of Your life
Depending on the strength of the state's case and the nature and seriousness of the alleged crime, the state may be willing to make an offer you are willing to accept, or sometimes drop the case altogether. But sometimes there is no easy resolution, and in those cases, you must put your case before a judge or a jury.
A trial before a judge or a jury can be challenging for your lawyer and for you. The rules of evidence are carefully adhered to, and in order to prevail, you must meet a certain standard of proof. Witnesses and other evidence is heard and your judge or jury will make a decision that can affect you for the rest of your life.
Who Are They Going to Believe?
Perhaps the most important factor in a trial is credibility -- whether the judge or jury believes you and by extension, your lawyer. The case may turn on whether the judge or jury believes one side or the other is lying.
The Decision of Your Life
You need a lawyer who has had to make tough decisions about going to trial, and once in trial, the even tougher decisions about what is believable and what is not. This is perhaps the most important decision you will make, and a decision you should have a lawyer's help in making.
Why Defend Criminals?
A partial list of crimes I have defended follows:
- DUI
- Illegal possession of drugs
- Sex crimes
- Domestic violence
- Murder
- Extortion
- Resisting arrest
- Juvenile crimes
- Theft
- Child abuse
- Animal abuse
Invariably, people want to know how a lawyer can defend a person who may have committed a horrific act such as murder. The answer is that a lawyer has an obligation to make sure a defendant gets a fair and impartial trial and that the government doesn't break the rules in order to get a conviction. It has often been said that a lawyer doesn't really defend the criminal at all, but rather defends his constitutional right to get a fair trial.
Free Consultation 24/7
Contact our office to speak with a paralegal with more than 20 years of experience in the area of criminal defense. The number is 813-247-1900 or email.
