Fort Myers Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Attorney in Fort Myers, FL

You don’t have to face criminal charges and try to unravel the complexities of the legal system alone. You can work with a Fort Myers criminal defense lawyer to evaluate your options and come up with an effective defense strategy.

Trust The Caldarone Law Group, P.A.

The team here at The Caldarone Law Group, P.A., has been in practice for years. In that time, we’ve seen it all when it comes to criminal cases. From drug crimes to theft and beyond, we’ve successfully defended clients facing all kinds of criminal charges. We can help you with your situation, as well.

Why Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

In 2023, the crime rate in Fort Myers was 2,396.5 crimes per 100,000 residents. That’s 11.31% higher than Florida’s overall average. Of the crimes committed in Fort Myers, property crime was the most common, followed by larceny and violent crime. The city’s violent crime rate was 39.73% above the national average.

What these data indicate is that Fort Myers has a relatively large number of criminal cases each year. If you’re one of the many people facing charges this year, you can hire a criminal defense lawyer to help you beat them. Your lawyer can assist you with:

• Understanding your charges
• Evaluating the prosecution’s case
• Deciding whether to take a plea deal
• Developing an effective defense
• Gathering evidence to support your case
• Interviewing witnesses

Coming Up With a Solid Defense 

A good criminal defense strategy doesn’t necessarily have to prove that you did not commit a crime. It has to show that there is a reasonable doubt as to whether you did or not. If the jury doesn’t believe you committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, they should not convict you.

Accomplishing this goal requires crafting an effective defense strategy. A solid defense will tell a story that offers a compelling alternative to the one being told by the prosecution. It will:

• Be based on the evidence
• Gain sympathy via emotional appeals
• Explain why any claims made by the defendant are true
• Provide evidence that contradicts the prosecution’s story

While your attorney may exercise discretion in deciding which facts of the story to focus on, you should tell your attorney everything in as clear a manner as possible. All of your communications are private and protected by the attorney-client privilege. The exceptions to the rule are threats made of death or imminent harm.

Deciding on a Defense Strategy

It’s a mistake to think that claiming innocence is the only way to get out of criminal charges. While actual innocence is a strong defense if you can provide an alibi or other evidence that you could not have committed the crime, it’s not your only option. Your lawyer could also choose to use these common defense strategies, depending on what you’re being charged with and the specifics of your case:

• Self-defense
• Entrapment
• Violation of your Fourth Amendment rights
• Insanity

If your lawyer does not believe any of these strategies have a good chance of getting you acquitted, they may also recommend conceding some level of guilt and trying to get a conviction on lesser included charges. A good example of this strategy would be to try to show that someone is not guilty of murder by proving a lack of intent while conceding that they may be guilty of manslaughter.

When to Take a Plea Bargain

Your Fort Myers criminal defense attorney can also help you decide whether to go to trial at the Lee County Justice Center or to take a plea bargain. If the prosecution has substantial evidence against you and it is unlikely that you will win a courtroom trial, this might be a good solution for minimizing the impact of a conviction on your life. It will always be up to you whether or not to take a plea bargain.

FAQs

How Much Is a Defense Lawyer?

How much a defense lawyer is depends on the specifics of your case. If your case is relatively straightforward and your lawyer doesn’t have to put many resources toward it, you will have to pay less than you would for a more complicated case that requires professional witnesses. If your criminal defense case goes to trial, that can also increase your costs.

How Do You Pick the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer?

You can pick the right criminal defense lawyer by checking the reputations of several local law firms. Look for a lawyer who has plenty of experience in your particular type of case, and use your initial consultation to evaluate how they communicate, strategize, and otherwise treat your case. Trust your gut feeling regarding the connection you form.

What Can I Do if I Can’t Afford a Lawyer in Florida?

If you can’t afford a lawyer in Florida, there are several options available. You could take out a personal loan, ask friends or family members for assistance, or inquire with the law firm of your choice to see if they have any kind of financing available. In some cases, you may be able to use a court-appointed legal representative instead of a private attorney, as well.

Which Legal Defense Is the Most Difficult to Prove?

The most difficult legal defense to prove is insanity. The problem with this defense is that it deals with the defendant’s mental state, which is not visible to the jury. Strict legal standards and frequent conflicting professional testimony further complicate the situation. Entrapment and self-defense arguments can also pose difficulties depending on the specifics of the case.

Your Fort Myers Criminal Defense Lawyer

No matter what type of crime you’re being charged with, you need a skilled Fort Myers criminal defense lawyer on your side. The team here at The Caldarone Law Group, P.A., can help. Justin P. Caldarone, our founding attorney, has over a decade of trial experience. He understands how to leverage criminal defense laws to get positive results. Our team can help with your case, too. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.