Criminal Defense Law is the area of Florida law that deals with crime. Crimes are actions that the Florida state legislature has deemed conduct prohibited within a jurisdiction.

Every crime has a series of elements that must be proven in order for the action to be considered criminal. For example, each crime involves an action as well as a state of mind. Elements of a crime might include physical or other actions and either general or specific intent, defined by the law.

When someone is accused of a crime, naturally, that individual may deny, try to explain, justify, or excuse the purported action. Criminal defenses are conditions that tend to negate an element of the crime. At a criminal trial the state or prosecution is required to prove each and every element of the crime charged.

Our criminal defense lawyers are attorneys who are charged with the responsibility to defend clients against criminal charges.

Defense of a criminal charge is typically based on the facts of the case. Initially, criminal defense attorneys will first review the accusation to determine if the alleged conduct is in fact a crime.

At Richardson Law Group, our criminal defense attorneys will conduct his or her own investigation, interviewing witnesses, gathering mitigating evidence, or obtaining records or other information using the subpoena power of the court.

We often consult with a private criminal investigator and experts if a case requires knowledge, information, or an opinion outside the realm of the law.

The criminal defense attorneys at Richardson Law Group will consider all of the evidence before advising a client of a recommended course of action. This includes what strategy to take if the defendant wants to go to trial.

The criminal defense attorney may advise the client what possible outcomes may happen at or after trial and whether the defense lawyer advises the defendant go to trial.

It’s important to know that the ultimate decision of whether to go to trial is the defendant’s and the defendant’s alone.

A criminal defense lawyer may take the case to a judge or jury and will advocate for the client’s position, raising defenses, and using a strategy informed by the lawyer’s knowledge of the law, education and experience. In the alternative, the lawyer may try to settle the case through effective negotiation on behalf of the client.

The criminal defense lawyer will assist the client through either process, insuring they are advised of their rights as they navigate either path through Florida's criminal justice system.

The criminal defense lawyer will view the prosecutor’s evidence to determine if the prosecutor can prove the charge or charges to the highest standard of proof: beyond a reasonable doubt.

The criminal defense lawyers at Richardson Law Group routinely review police reports, video, audio, documentary, or other evidence provided by the prosecution and other sources.