When should I talk to a lawyer?

The simple answer is as soon as possible. If you have been arrested or think you may be a suspect in a crime, you should seek advice as soon as possible. We will be better able to advise you on actions you should take or should not take and we will also be in a better position to gather information which may be needed for your defense. Whenever an arrest is made, the charge does not proceed to court until the State Attorney officially files a charge. It is often helpful for an experienced attorney who is knowledgeable of the system to contact the prosecuting attorney before charges may be filed. We will do that for you. This may maximize your possibilities of a charge being dropped, being reduced, or minimizing your criminal exposure.

If you have been questioned (or a suspect) and have not been arrested, it is important to consult with an attorney about your rights and the best course of conduct in your particular circumstances. Do not guess or assume what you believe may be the correct action to take. A mistake can be difficult to undo. You should always consult with an attorney before deciding whether to make any statements to the police or to any other persons.

Bail/Warrants

If you have been arrested and bail has not been posted, we can assist you in reducing the bail, being released on your own recognizance, or contacting a bondsman. On cases in which a warrant has been issued or may be issued, it may be possible to delay the execution of a warrant and/or to appear before a Judge before arrest to have the bond reduced or to secure your release before an arrest. These are all matters which need to be discussed with an attorney as soon as possible.

An attorney's reputation and experience are important.

In selecting an attorney, you should choose an attorney who is well-respected in the field, among Judges and his peers. That reputation will be important when you appear before the Judge and also when your attorney is negotiating your case with the prosecutor. Not only reputation, but ability and experience are important especially in negotiations and in a jury trial if needed. Sandefer & Murtha, P.A. can help you. We are experienced criminal trial attorneys. Larry Sandefer has been practicing law in the Pinellas County and Bay area for almost 30 years. He is a former Lead Trial Attorney and former Division Director in the State Attorney's Office in Pinellas/Pasco County. He was one of the first attorney's in the State of Florida to become Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law and has held that certification and re-certification since 1987. Board certification ensures that an attorney has the highest level of experience in Criminal Trial Law, has passed a rigorous examination, has extensive trial and courtroom experience, and has received favorable evaluations by Judges and other attorneys in the area. Less than 5% of Florida attorneys are Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law. Curtis Murtha has served as a legal intern for the Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit and also Clerk for the Chief Judge of the United States District Court in Tampa. He graduated Cum Laude from Stetson Law School. He has handled hundreds of criminal cases throughout The State of Florida.

Sandefer & Murtha, P.A. has achieved a rating of AV by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating available for attorneys. This is an evaluation by attorneys and Judges in the area, familiar with an attorney or a law firm, and an evaluation based on an attorney's ability, experience, qualifications, and professional standards of conduct. The AV rating reflects an attorney or firm which has reached the heights of professional excellence and is recognized for the highest level of skill, integrity, and ethical standards. We are also proud to be selected to the "Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers™".

You should ask questions when selecting an attorney for such an important matter in your life or a loved one's life. Compare reputation, qualifications and experience. You should select an attorney you feel comfortable handling such an important matter. We encourage you to check out our reputation in the legal community and we encourage you to visit us. We can help you. We are committed to put forth our best efforts in your behalf.

Will you always need an attorney?

In most cases, it will be a definite benefit to have an attorney to at least advise you, if not represent you, throughout the process. It depends on each individual situation. It would be to your benefit to consult with an attorney before making any decision on your own. A misunderstanding on your part while representing yourself could result in a lifetime detriment to you. Your initial consultation is at no cost to you, except your time.