Criminal Defense in Palm Beach County FL

No one ever plans on getting arrested for a crime, yet over 30,000 people are arrested yearly in Palm Beach County, FL. Here at Simko Law Group, we don’t see these arrests as merely a statistic—we see them as over 30,000 people who are suddenly facing one of the most harrowing experiences possible.

Our Palm Beach County criminal defense attorney Andrew Simko strives to be responsive, transparent, and proactive throughout every single case. If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges in Palm Beach County, FL, we encourage you to call us at (561) 951-1264 today.

Types of Criminal Cases We Handle

The types of criminal cases we handle at Simko Law Group include:

• Traffic offenses. You may think running a quick errand with a suspended license is harmless, but the state of Florida disagrees. We also handle cases related to reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident.
• Drug charges. The Florida legal system looks very harshly on drug manufacturing, possession, and trafficking. As your Palm Beach County criminal defense lawyer, we’ll see you through this complex process.
• Firearm offenses. These charges may relate to carrying a concealed firearm without a permit, improper firearm exhibition, or even possessing a firearm while committing certain crimes.
• Violent crimes. Assault, battery, and homicide are serious crimes—but being falsely accused isn’t unheard of. We’ll explore every possible avenue to clear your name.
• Violations of probation. You may be surprised to find out that only a judge, not a jury, makes the final determination on whether you’ve violated probation. And they can hit you with steep penalties as a result.
• Theft offenses. Whether you’re facing petit theft or grand theft charges, we have the experience to advocate on your behalf and mitigate the potential consequences.
• Juvenile offenses. While the juvenile justice system in Florida is separate from the adult justice system, our skilled attorneys know these processes and how to help protect your child’s rights every step of the way.

Understanding Criminal Cases

All in all, the criminal justice system is important because—when it functions properly—it keeps law-abiding citizens safe from the many ramifications of a criminal act. But things don’t always go perfectly. Sometimes law enforcement officials arrest the wrong suspect, or a specific piece of evidence makes the facts harder to understand.

Plus, the presumption of innocence (or “innocent until proven guilty”) is a cornerstone of the US justice system. As your Palm Beach County criminal defense lawyer, we’ll be by your side advocating on your behalf every step of the way.

But fighting for a favorable outcome starts with understanding the process. Here’s what you can expect in terms of the Palm Beach County criminal defense process:

1. First appearance. Within 24 hours of your arrest, you’ll appear before a judge. They’ll inform you of the charges against you, decide if there was probable cause for the arrest, and decide on your bail eligibility.
2. Arraignment. Once the formal charges have been filed, you and your attorney appear before a judge for a formal reading of the charges against you. You’ll have to plead not guilty, no contest, or guilty at this stage.
3. Case preparations and pre-trial motions. Until the trial, lawyers on both sides will collect evidence, testimony, and anything else that may be relevant. Your attorney will use all of these details to strengthen your defense strategy.
4. Trial. Typically, a judge and jury hear from both the prosecution and your attorney in order to determine whether you’re guilty. If you’re found innocent, the process ends here.
5. Sentencing (if found guilty). The judge considers many factors, such as any past offenses on your record and the severity of the charges, to determine your sentence.
6. Appeal. Conviction isn’t necessarily the end of the road. You may be able to appeal your case, with the help of your Palm Beach County criminal defense lawyer.

Elements of a Criminal Case

Generally, there are three elements involved in every crime:

• The act itself – A voluntary decision to do something unlawful, or a voluntary unlawful omission.
• The individual’s state of mind during the act – For something to be considered a criminal offense, you must have either knowingly, purposely, negligently, or recklessly committed the crime.
• The cause which relates the act and the effect – Basically, prosecutors have to prove that you committed the crime while knowing your actions were unlawful.

But a person couldn’t, for example, rob a bank and then claim they had no idea it was illegal. In that example, the person’s negligence regarding robbery laws is the only reason they didn’t know doing so was a crime. The person would still be charged.

The Role of the Criminal Defense Attorney

In our eyes, the role of the criminal defense attorney is so much more than to be your “bulldog” in court. At Simko Law Group, we strive to keep you informed while protecting your rights.

Doing so starts with our free consultation. While you may have spoken to attorneys who use this consultation as a sales pitch, we use it to get familiar with your case and immediately start exploring potential avenues for your defense.

From there, we feel it’s in your best interest to do our own investigation. Gathering additional evidence, coordinating with our own expert witnesses, and analyzing the prosecution’s version of events are just a few examples of how we’ll prepare to advocate on your behalf.

We aren’t just by your side in court, either—you can rely on us throughout the entire process. If you’re offered a plea deal, for example, we’ll walk you through every single pro and con.

Our top priority is always securing the best possible outcome for your specific case.

Hiring a Focused, Responsive Criminal Defense Lawyer

Since our criminal defense attorneys are former prosecutors, we take a “bird’s eye view” approach that other attorneys simply can’t. Our experience taking thousands of cases to trial before a judge means we know exactly what it takes to win the best possible outcome.

We also give you peace of mind by ensuring your rights are always protected throughout the criminal case process. As your Palm Beach County criminal defense lawyer, you can expect our undivided attention when it matters most.

Contact the Palm Beach County Criminal Defense Lawyers from Simko Law Group at (561) 951-1264 to schedule your consultation.

Palm Beach County Criminal Defense FAQs

What are my rights when arrested in Palm Beach County?

Your rights after being arrested in Palm Beach County are:

• The right to remain silent, including when you’re directly asked questions by law enforcement officials
• The right to an attorney, even if you can’t afford one
• The right to make a phone call (Though unless you call a lawyer, the police are legally allowed to listen to your phone call)

You don’t have the right to resist arrest, however.

How does the bail process work in Florida?

In Florida, the bail process is cash- and bond-based, meaning you (or a loved one) have to pay a set dollar amount before you’re allowed a pretrial release.

A judge sets the dollar amount based on the specific crime. You may be eligible for immediate or delayed release, which also depends on the nature of the crime.

Once you’ve been released from jail, you’re responsible for showing up to your next court date.

How well do you know the prosecutors handling cases in Palm Beach County?

As former prosecutors ourselves, we know the prosecutors handling cases in Palm Beach County very well. And this is a huge advantage for your Palm Beach County criminal defense attorney to have.

Because we have strong working relationships with these prosecutors, we have more flexibility while resolving your case. Sometimes, a phone call or informal meeting can resolve what might’ve taken hours or multiple formal hearings.

Even if we aren’t able to get this leverage for your case, we still have the upper hand. Having worked with these people means we know how they build their cases, which types of expert witnesses they might call, and other details that help us build an even stronger defense strategy.

If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges in Palm Beach County, FL, time is of the essence. The sooner you contact Simko Law Group, the sooner we can start researching your case and building the strongest possible defense strategy.

You already know that you need a Palm Beach County criminal defense attorney who’s deeply familiar with local laws and prosecutors to advocate on your behalf. That’s what we do best. Contact us today or call (561) 951-1264.