What Should I Look for in a Miami Criminal Defense Attorney?

When you face criminal charges, you have to make the choice to place your future in your defense attorney’s hands. This makes the decision one of the most important you’ll ever make—and while you might be correct if you choose the first one you find, you should do significant research before you commit.

Look beyond flashy advertisements and dig into the details: their honesty, dedication, availability, and willingness to fight for your case. An exceptional criminal defense attorney doesn’t just handle various crimes and ancillary tasks; they focus on providing the personalized and strategic defense you deserve.

An Attorney Who Will Be Honest With You

Facing criminal charges requires clarity on where you stand. A good attorney doesn’t just tell you what you want to hear—they give you an honest assessment of your case. That means reviewing all the evidence, both for and against you, and presenting a balanced analysis.

Your attorney should clearly communicate the strengths and weaknesses of your case. Sugarcoating the facts or ignoring unfavorable evidence doesn’t help. Honesty allows you to make informed decisions about your defense.

Barry M. Wax prioritizes transparency. His approach ensures you understand your position and what’s at stake, empowering you to make decisions in your best interests.

An Attorney Who Empowers You to Make the Right Decisions

There are three key decisions that are exclusively the decision of the client. Your lawyer cannot and should not attempt to overrule these decisions but merely provide you with the necessary information and resources to make the best decision for yourself. Those decisions are:

1. Accept a plea agreement or go to trial
2. To have a trial in front of a judge or a jury
3. If you go to trial, to exercise your right to remain silent or to testify on your own behalf.

Again, your criminal defense lawyer will give you their opinion on each, and they may tell you in strong terms that one option is better than the other, but the final decision is always up to you.

Lawyers must make strategic decisions on your behalf that revolve around how to defend your case. What motions should be filed to impact the outcome of the case or conduct of a trial? What witnesses should we call? How are we going to cross-examine the government witnesses? You want a lawyer who understands from their bonafide legal experience to make the best possible decisions in your case. 

An Attorney Who is Fearless

Not every lawyer is ready to go to trial when the odds are tough. Some avoid cases with overwhelming evidence, preferring plea bargains to avoid the courtroom. You need a lawyer who will fight for you, even when others won’t.

Barry M. Wax embraces challenging cases. His experience trying cases others avoid helps him uncover opportunities others might miss. Whether identifying flaws in the prosecution’s case or finding alternative strategies, his fearless approach often leads to better-than-expected outcomes.

An Attorney Who Is Available

Large firms with aggressive advertising often operate high-volume practices. While they may provide good representation, clients often find themselves shuffled between associates or partners they’ve never met. The attorney in the ad may have little involvement in the case.

Availability is crucial in criminal defense. For every hour spent in the courtroom, a good lawyer may spend ten hours or more preparing—reviewing evidence, strategizing, and communicating with clients. An overloaded attorney can’t dedicate the necessary time to each case, leaving clients at a disadvantage.

Barry M. Wax provides personalized attention to every client. He ensures that you’ll have direct access to him when you need it. This commitment to accessibility means your case gets the detailed preparation and attention it deserves.

An Attorney You Can Trust

You’re putting your future in the hands of your criminal defense attorney. The first thing you want in an attorney is someone who listens, gives you the time to communicate and makes you feel confident in their approach to your unique situation. Attorney Barry M. Wax helps people make good decisions so they can regain control of their lives. Contact our Miami criminal defense law firm today to defend your freedom and make the right decisions about your future.