Facing criminal charges can be confusing, frightening and complicated. If you have found yourself in a situation where you, a loved one, or a friend have been arrested or are facing criminal charges, it is important to consider consulting a Florida criminal defense lawyer about this matter as soon as possible. With proper legal guidance, even the most serious criminal charges can be addressed and can result in a markedly better outcome for the accused.
Clients of Dimond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A. receive an exceptional degree of service, personal attention, and professionalism. An individual seeking legal representation can expect an honest appraisal of their circumstances during the initial consultation, as well as a fair quote for the services the firm will provide.
Our firm takes the time to address your concerns to assess how we can best assist you. Please take a moment to review the information provided below and contact our firm today.
Criminal Defense Attorney, Michelle Suskauer
West Palm Beach Criminal Lawyer Michelle Suskauer began her career as a public defender for Palm Beach County’s Fifteenth Judicial Circuit. Michelle is AV-Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has a perfect 10.0 (Superb) rating by Avvo. Michelle has 25+ years of criminal trial experience and has participated in hundreds of criminal defense trials, both jury and non-jury. She is well known and respected by judges, prosecutors, law enforcement and peers. Michelle Suskauer is also a nationally known legal analyst interviewed by the media when nationally recognized criminal cases are being covered. Michelle regularly appears on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC, and CNBC.
Pricing
All prices and payment arrangements are tailored to the individual client’s needs and convenience. Payment plans are available upon request.
Representation Before Charges Are Ever Filed
The services the firm offers can begin before formal charges are ever filed. Whether a State or Federal matter, competent representation at the early stages of a criminal investigation can often result in tangible benefits to the client. Having an attorney advocate your interests early in the investigation can result in a markedly better outcome for the accused.
First Appearance & Bond Hearings
Unless charged with a capital offense or a felony punishable by life, an accused has a constitutional right to pretrial release. The bond amount must reflect the defendant’s personal financial resources. A bond amount that is unreasonably high has the same effect as a complete denial of bond.
Even if charged with a serious offense where life is a potential penalty, judges still have discretion to release the person charged with a monetary bond. In such circumstances, an evidentiary hearing may be necessary where the government’s witnesses will testify to the event, under oath, and subject to a cross examination designed to expose flaws and contradictions in the government’s case. All this is done with the goal of convincing the judge to order the client’s release with a reasonable bond.
Prosecuting A Case For The Defense
Once representation begins, a client of the firm can expect a diligent investigation into the facts of the case, beyond just what the government’s version of events entail. Quite often, the Prosecutor’s case is based exclusively on the police reports and statements of the person the government says is the “victim”. The problem with a prosecution based on those reports are:
- The police reports are typically one-sided, based on the first version of events that the investigating officer was told, regardless of its truth.
- The reports are intended to state the probable cause of the charge, so they are oversimplifications of what really happened, often based on what the officer was told.
- The officer’s initial reports often fail to scratch the surface of what the “victim’s” tale is; they don’t account for whether the witness has some bias or motive to try and get the accused in trouble.
Once retained, Dimond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A. will scrutinize and analyze the government’s case toward exposing any weaknesses that may prove advantageous to the client.
Motion Practice
There are criminal charges that should never have been brought because the evidence was a result of a violation of the defendant’s constitutional rights. Michelle Suskauer offers its clients the ability to scrutinize the facts of the case, including the initial encounter with the police or undercover agent/informant, any searches or seizures that have been undertaken, and any statements that have been given to the government or its agents. The facts under which evidence has been collected by the government may have been in violation of state or federal statute, or of the Fourth (prohibiting unreasonable search and seizure), Fifth (providing due process rights, the prohition against double jeopardy, the right to counsel & the right to remain silent) or Sixth (providing right to counsel once prosecution has begun, the right to a speedy & public trial, a jury trial, the compulsory process of the courts, as well as the right to confront one’s accuser) Amendments to the United States Constitution, and Article I, §5 or Article I, §9 of the Florida Constitution. If the facts reveal a possible violation of the client’s rights, a motion to suppress the offending evidence will be written, filed and argued on behalf of the client.
Trial
From the moment attorneys Michelle Suskauer is hired, every step taken is in preparation for trial. Even in cases where the client expresses a desire to negotiate a settlement, the goal of representation is to place the client in the best possible position in the event that a beneficial settlement cannot be reached. In the event that trial is the only way to achieve justice for the client, the client’s case will have been diligently prepared including taking the depositions of witnesses, filing the necessary pretrial motions, and the gathering of all necessary evidence in order to place the client in the best position for an acquittal (a verdict of Not Guilty).
Michelle Suskauer is the best attorney! She has strong negotiating skills, lots of experience with the court system and is a true professional.
– J.O.
The firm represents clients in both state and federal court in the following areas:
- Domestic violence
- Alcohol related offenses
- Juvenile offenses
- Drug offenses
- Sexual offenses
- Violent offenses
- White collar crimes
- Federal offenses
The majority of the firm’s clients come from the recommendation of former clients or other attorneys. You are encouraged to view the attorney’s biographies and to contact the firm for a free consultation and case evaluation if you, a loved one, or your client is in need of criminal defense legal assistance.
Even if the accused is an adolescent, our attorneys have litigated thousands of criminal defense cases and is highly skilled at representing juveniles in juvenile defense claims. We will do our very best to minimize the stress and negative effects of the case process for both the child and the family. We also assist clients and family members find the right juvenile resources to help prevent future problems.
We provide individualized attention, empathy, and pragmatic advice to those who are accused and in need of strong legal counsel.
Notable Facts
Michelle Suskauer is AV- Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest-possible peer review rating available.
Michelle Suskauer has a perfect 10.0 (Superb) Avvo rating for criminal defense.
Michelle is the go-to attorney for local and national media as a legal analyst and commentator on high profile cases.
Michelle is Past-President of the Palm Beach County Bar Association.
Michelle is recognized in the annual Florida Super Lawyers Magazine as one of Florida’s top criminal defense attorneys and by Florida Trend Magazine as one of Florida’s “Legal Elite” in its annual poll of attorneys throughout the state.
Active in the legal community, the Michelle Suskauer is respected by judges, prosecutors, law enforcement and their peers across South Florida.
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