Welcome to Scott Berry Law What is a Criminal Defense Attorney?
Every day, West Palm Beach area people are arrested and charged with a committing a crime. Those crimes range from misdemeanors to major felonies. Regardless of the severity of the charges, it’s imperative anyone charged with a crime take steps to defend themselves. That’s where a West Palm Beach Criminal Defense Attorney enters the picture.
Why Mounting a Defense is Critical for Every Defendant
Any conviction can impact a person’s life. Even a misdemeanor conviction frequently results in people being unable to move their careers forward or even lease an apartment. Everyone is entitled to a defense, and working closely with an attorney is the best way to mount a successful defense strategy.
While there is no law in place that precludes defending yourself, few people outside the legal profession understand even the basics of the legal system, and even fewer appreciate the nuances involved. A criminal defense attorney will have a solid grasp of the law and how it’s applied to various situations, giving an individual charged with a crime a much better chance to avoid a guilty verdict when they’re represented by a legal professional.
Scott Berry is a board-certified criminal trial attorney and stresses the importance of working closely with an attorney whenever an individual is charged with a crime or believes they may be charged with one.
Don’t Be Intimidated By Law Enforcement Personnel
Law enforcement officials will generally try to conduct interviews with anyone suspected of a crime without having an attorney present. While that strategy has advantages for those officers, it isn’t helpful for the suspect. If you’re ever in a situation where law enforcement officers start asking questions suggesting you may be suspected of a crime, it’s wise to immediately ask for legal representation.
Palm Beach County Criminal Defense Attorneys always encourage anyone suspected of a crime, even if they haven’t been arrested, to decline to answer questions without an attorney present to protect their rights. Even seemingly innocuous questions can, and often do, lead to responses that can harm a defense.
As a local defense attorney, Scott Berry represents clients because he believes every person is entitled to the best defense possible regardless of their guilt or innocence. That defense should always start immediately, especially if an individual is being questioned by law enforcement personnel. If you’ve got any questions about whether or not a defense attorney in West Palm Beach is necessary, contact Scott for advice before answering any questions.
What Types of Charges Do Criminal Defense Attorneys Defend Against?
Criminal defense attorneys in Palm Beach County provide representation for a wide variety of charges. Typical defendants have been charged with:
- Drug crimes
- Violent crimes
- Domestic violence
- Robbery charges
- Sex Crimes
- Murder
- Misdemeanor or felony theft
Of course, there are other potential charges requiring legal representation as well, suggesting it’s always a good idea to consult an attorney to define and implement a defense strategy regardless of the type of criminal charges.
Get Legal Representation as Soon as Possible
Because it’s important to mount a defense as soon as possible, anyone charged with a crime should obtain legal representation as soon as possible. West Palm Beach attorneys encourage clients to contact them for advice at the first sign they are under investigation. Getting advice early generally eliminates the possibility of clients saying or doing anything that could be detrimental to their defense.
Mounting a successful defense generally takes quite a bit of time. Attorneys retained early in the process have a better opportunity to research the events surrounding a criminal charge and put together a solid defense.
Even when a client intends to plead guilty to a crime, a West Palm Beach defense attorney will have an opportunity to intervene and, possibly, mitigate the effects of a guilty plea. Plea bargaining is an art, and defense attorneys are well-versed at working within the legal system to obtain reduced sentences for their clients.
A Proper Defense at a Trial is Vital
While laying the groundwork for a defense is crucial, a West Palm Beach defense attorney will also need to be able to handle everything the prosecution comes up with during a trial. The defense strategy developed pre-trial generally provides everything needed, but things can happen to throw the original strategies into question.
Scott Berry will always take steps to identify potential prosecution moves well before a trial starts, but evidence or testimony at a trial may require a line of different inquiry. Scott is always prepared for those possibilities and will do whatever is necessary to provide every client with the best representation possible.
Why Choose Scott Berry for Your Defense?
With over 16 years of experience, Scott Berry has seen how area prosecutors structure their charges and handle court appearances. His experience means every defendant he represents will get the best defense available in West Palm Beach.
Scott’s qualifications include being a board-certified attorney. According to the Florida Bar, fewer than seven percent of attorneys in Florida have earned that distinction. Less than one percent are board certified in the area of criminal trial law. Scott Berry is well recognized as an expert in criminal law and spends the majority of his time using those skills to defend clients.
Scott’s promise is that he will always make sure no one takes advantage of his clients. No one should ever be found guilty and sentenced without every defense strategy being exhausted first, and Scott will do everything possible to ensure that no one he’s defending will be treated unfairly.
Your Defense Starts Now
Scott Berry Law encourages anyone currently facing charges or suspects they’ll soon be charged to take that first step and seek legal representation now. Get in touch with Scott today to ensure your rights are protected both now and throughout the legal process.
Waiting is not the best defense, and Scott Berry always suggests clients take the time now to ensure they have the best legal defenses available. If you’ve got any questions, contact a West Palm Beach defense attorney for advice today. Scott will aggressively provide the defense you need both now and in the future.
Covering the Full Range of Criminal Defense Services
Abuse and Neglect: Often charged as child or elderly neglect and abuse, these crimes will be charged when injury results to a child or elderly adult as a result of a caregiver’s intentional actions or failure to provide reasonable care. Depending on the nature of the injury, these crimes can carry a sentence ranging from probation to many years in prison.
Assault and Battery: Anytime you threaten to harm another person, with the apparent ability to carry out that threat, you have committed an assault. If you actually touch another person, you have committed a battery. While both crimes are misdemeanors, they can quickly become felonies with very serious consequences and possible prison time. More importantly, there are several defenses to these accusations that your lawyer should consider.
Juvenile Delinquency: Children who commit crimes can find themselves in juvenile court or even charged as adults, depending on the nature and seriousness of the offense
Drug Offenses: Possessing or selling drugs can lead to lengthy prison sentences. Depending on the amount of drugs, you could also be charged with trafficking in state or federal court. Whether you are charged with a crime involving marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or prescription drugs, you need an expert criminal defense attorney to help you avoid mandatory minimum prison sentences, otherwise lengthy incarceration, costly fines, probation, and even a driver’s license suspension.
DUI/DWI: Thousands of people are charged with DUI/DWI every day. Breathalyzer tests, blood tests, and field sobriety exercises are just some of the tools the government will use to try to take away your freedom when the police and prosecutors believe you have been driving under the influence. A criminal defense attorney can help you fight back.
Federal Crimes: When the federal government comes knocking, you can be sure the consequences will be severe. Whether they accuse you of human, drug or firearm trafficking or cyber-crimes and financial fraud, the federal government has vast resources to take away your freedom. They play by different rules than the local police and you need a lawyer with the skill set to combat them.
Criminal Mischief and Arson: Both of these crimes involve property damage. If you are charged with Arson, the damage resulted from a fire. Both crimes can lead to time in prison with the punishment increasing based on the amount of resulting damage.
Fraud and Theft: Theft is the deprivation of another person’s property and fraud is one way of committing theft. These crimes can be charged as felonies or misdemeanors and can have very serious consequences. Not only could these crimes land you in prison, but your reputation for dishonesty, particularly with future employers, can be a collateral consequence of the accusation itself.
Burglary and Trespassing: When you are accused of breaking into someone’s house or vehicle, you are likely to be charged with burglary. The difference between burglary and trespassing lies in your intention. If you intended to commit another crime once you got inside (like stealing things or hurting someone), you’ve committed a burglary. If your intention was not to commit another crime, you were merely trespassing by being on someone’s property without their permission.
Kidnapping and False Imprisonment: False imprisonment occurs when someone’s freedom to move is restricted by another person. Kidnapping is false imprisonment with a purpose. The purpose is usually to aid in committing some other felony. Both charges are felonies and can carry lengthy incarceration as a consequence.
Murder and Manslaughter: The difference between murder and manslaughter is one of intent. First-degree murder is one that was premeditated, or committed during the course of other serious felonies. Second-degree murder was committed with ill will, spite, hatred or evil intent. Manslaughter occurs when your behavior is reckless and results in another person's death.
Vehicular Homicide and DUI Manslaughter: Driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance becomes significantly more serious if someone dies as a result. Both are felonies punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Sexual Offenses: Rape, molestation, and child pornography can result in lengthy incarceration, registration requirements, and even civil commitment. Simply being accused will destroy your reputation.
What our clients are saying
I hired Scott and his firm to handle my DUI case and could not have been happier with his services! He was straight forward with all possibilities and very knowledgeable. He kept a great line of communication and was always available for questions and concerns. If ever needed, I would hands down utilize Scott and his firm again, and would wholeheartedly recommend him!
- Justin
Criminal Defense Lawyer in West Palm Beach That’s Used To Working on Serious Felony Cases
As a criminal defense attorney in West Palm Beach, Scott Berry has represented thousands of clients facing charges like these, as well as many others related to them. During his years in criminal law, he has fought for the rights of people like you, both as a public defender and in private practice. His experience, knowledge of the Florida and federal legal systems, and unwavering approach to upholding justice make him the right choice to represent you.
Don't Try to Fight the Criminal Justice System Alone !
Criminal charges carry harsh penalties. Even a misdemeanor can have lifelong repercussions. The potential costs span well beyond fines and restitution, making ordinary matters like finding a job or being approved for a rental agreement very difficult. You need West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer Scott Berry on your side, putting his skills and experience to work for you.
Admitted to the Bar of the State of Florida, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court as well as board certified in criminal trial law by the Florida Board of Specialization and Legal Education, Scott Berry stands ready to defend you against any criminal charges you may be facing.
From felony charges to juvenile cases, Scott Berry is here to help you. Contact him by phone at (561) 370-7420 or via the Contact form on the Scott Berry Law website to schedule a consultation, and breathe easier knowing you’re in the hands of a dedicated and highly qualified West Palm Beach criminal attorney who wants to help you.
This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.
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