Criminal Defense Attorney

Musca Law Firm; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Musca Law Firm is seeking a criminal defense attorney experienced in representing clients facing serious charges in Florida. The attorney will own cases from intake to resolution, focusing on aggressive DUI and sex-crime defense while maintaining meticulous case preparation.

The role requires strategic thinking, strong client and prosecutor communications, thorough legal research, and fearless advocacy in court. A JD, bar admission, and a proven track record in criminal defense are essential.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active license and good standing with the applicable state bar.
• Dedicated to practicing criminal defense exclusively or primarily.
• Strong interest or experience in DUI and/or sex-crime defense.
• Excellent written, oral, analytical, and courtroom advocacy skills.
• Ability to independently manage a significant caseload.
• Strong attention to detail and case-management skills.
• Ability to handle highly sensitive, confidential cases with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong negotiation skills and willingness to take cases to trial when appropriate.
• Client-centered approach and genuine commitment to protecting constitutional rights.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients charged with criminal offenses from arraignment through trial and other dispositions.
• Develop and execute individualized defense strategies for each case.
• Handle DUI/DWI matters, including investigations, testing, and license issues.
• Handle sex-crime cases including sexual assault and related offenses.
• Conduct client interviews, witness interviews, legal research, and factual investigations.
• Review and analyze police reports, body-camera footage, forensic evidence, digital evidence, medical records, and other discovery.
• Draft and argue motions, including motions to suppress, motions in limine, and other pretrial motions.
• Conduct negotiations with prosecutors while remaining prepared to litigate when necessary.
• Prepare cases for hearings, evidentiary proceedings, and jury trials.
• Appear regularly in state and/or federal courts, as applicable.
• Maintain consistent and compassionate communication with clients and their families.
• Collaborate with investigators, experts, paralegals, and other members of the defense team.
• Maintain detailed case files, deadlines, and court calendars.
• Stay current on developments in criminal law, DUI science, forensic evidence, and relevant procedural law.

Skills

Courtroom advocacy

Negotiation skills

Legal research

Client communication

Detail-oriented

Discretion

Trial readiness

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Job description

We are a criminal defense law firm dedicated exclusively to defending individuals facing criminal charges. Our practice is focused on providing aggressive, strategic, and highly personalized representation to clients navigating some of the most consequential moments of their lives.

Our attorneys handle a wide range of criminal matters, with a particular emphasis on DUI/DWI defense and sex-crime allegations. We are seeking an exceptional attorney who is passionate about criminal defense and wants to build a practice centered on courtroom advocacy, client service, and meticulous case preparation.

Position Overview

The ideal candidate is a confident, highly motivated criminal defense attorney who is comfortable taking ownership of cases from initial client consultation through resolution. This attorney will manage a diverse criminal caseload while developing particular expertise in DUI and sex-crime defense.

This position requires someone who can think strategically, communicate effectively with clients and opposing counsel, conduct thorough legal research and investigation, and advocate fearlessly for clients in court.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent clients charged with criminal offenses from arraignment through trial and other dispositions.
• Develop and execute individualized defense strategies for each case.
• Handle DUI/DWI matters, including impaired-driving investigations, traffic stops, field sobriety testing, chemical testing, breath/blood testing, and license-related issues.
• Handle sex-crime cases, including allegations involving sexual assault, statutory offenses, internet-related offenses, and other serious felony and misdemeanor charges.
• Conduct client interviews, witness interviews, legal research, and factual investigations.
• Review and analyze police reports, body-camera footage, forensic evidence, digital evidence, medical records, and other discovery.
• Draft and argue motions, including motions to suppress, motions in limine, and other pretrial motions.
• Conduct negotiations with prosecutors while remaining prepared to litigate when necessary.
• Prepare cases for hearings, evidentiary proceedings, and jury trials.
• Appear regularly in state and/or federal courts, as applicable.
• Maintain consistent and compassionate communication with clients and their families.
• Collaborate with investigators, experts, paralegals, and other members of the defense team.
• Maintain detailed case files, deadlines, and court calendars.
• Stay current on developments in criminal law, DUI science, forensic evidence, and relevant procedural law.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active license and good standing with the applicable state bar.
• Demonstrated commitment to practicing criminal defense exclusively or primarily.
• Strong interest or experience in DUI and/or sex-crime defense.
• Excellent written, oral, analytical, and courtroom advocacy skills.
• Ability to independently manage a significant caseload.
• Strong attention to detail and case-management skills.
• Ability to handle highly sensitive, confidential, and emotionally challenging cases with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong negotiation skills and a willingness to take cases to trial when appropriate.
• A client-centered approach and genuine commitment to protecting constitutional rights.

Preferred Qualifications

• Jury trial experience.
• Experience handling felony cases.
• Experience with DUI/DWI litigation and forensic evidence.
• Experience conducting evidentiary hearings and arguing suppression motions.
• Familiarity with expert witnesses, toxicology, forensic testing, digital evidence, or related investigative disciplines.
• Membership in relevant criminal-defense organizations or advanced criminal-defense training.

Join us if you’re eager to make an impact through energetic advocacy while leveraging your comprehensive legal expertise. We’re committed to supporting your professional growth as you champion justice for our clients every day.