With more than eighty-six thousand attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida, finding the right criminal defense attorney in the Sunshine State can be daunting. If you've been accused of a crime and need a highly skilled attorney to come to your defense, here are two simple guidelines for finding the best Florida criminal defense attorney for your case.

Get a Referral

Begin your search for a criminal defense attorney licensed to practice law in Florida by doing one of two things: ask business colleagues or friends for referrals, or make use of lawyer referral services.

If the crime of which you are accused involves professional behavior (white collar crime) request a referral for legal counsel from a trusted business colleague. Representing a defendant against this type of charge takes special skills; the business community is often the best place to learn which attorneys are respected in this milieu.

In most criminal cases, an arrest has already taken place. If that's the case and you called upon your corporate attorney or a lawyer not skilled in criminal defense to arrange your release, ask them to suggest a firm specializing in criminal law.

For cases involving a specific industry, you could also ask the head of an industry organization what attorney provides their legal services. Whether you're in need of a Miami lawyer to defend you against embezzlement charges or a Fort Lauderdale attorney for your professional liability case, there are others in your industry who have faced the same situation. Take advantage of their experience to find the most qualified criminal defense attorney.

When unable to secure a referral from a colleague or friend, turn to organizations that make information about Florida attorneys available to the public. Examples of these are: the Florida Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service, the lawyer search feature at Lawyers.com, and other Florida lawyer referral sites that verify the qualifications of attorneys they list.

Look for Experience

Speaking of qualifications, never assume that someone giving a referral has thoroughly vetted the recommended attorney. Do your own research. It's essential to have experienced representation when facing a criminal charge.

Call the attorney's office and ask them to describe their previous experience with similar cases. Has the lawyer been successful in criminal defense cases in Florida? Does he or she have experience with your industry and type of alleged crime?

Once you've narrowed down your search to a potential attorney, make an appointment to review your criminal case. Pay attention to how well the two of you communicate and ask exactly how he'll proceed in representing you. You should leave that meeting comfortable that you'll receive the best defense possible. If red flags appear during this initial meeting, for example, an overly busy schedule that promises you'll be pushed to the back burner, pay them for their time and keep looking.

Just as you would never allow an unskilled or disinterested doctor to treat your illness, avoid allowing panic over a criminal charge to shortcut your research when selecting a criminal defense attorney in Florida. The potential impact on your personal and professional life of a criminal conviction should motivate you to find the best legal defense possible. Choose an attorney with proven experience, a communication style compatible with your own and a clear plan for your representation.