What Does Board Certification Means and Do I Care?

Tampa criminal lawyer Joe Bodiford is 1 of about 350 attorneys in Florida (out of over 75,000) to have this distinction. That puts him in the 1/2 of 1% category!

Selecting an attorney during a difficult time can seem intimidating. You need an attorney who is a Specialist in his field. One with the experience and expertise to handle every aspect of your case, and that can handle anything that comes your way. You attorney is your advocate, your defender, and your shield against state and federal prosecution. How can you be sure your criminal attorney is an expert in his field? Hire an attorney that The Florida Bar considers an Expert in Criminal Law.

Under the Supreme Court of Florida, The Florida Bar has set up an extensive standard for attorneys wishing to be recognized as a Specialist with expertise in Criminal Trial Law. This rigorous standard includes a minimum of trial experience, minimum years in practice, peer review by other attorneys, continuing legal education, and a difficult exam that demonstrates his special competence in criminal trial law.

Only Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyers are allowed to advertise that they are “Specialists” or are “Experts” in their field. There is no higher level of recognition granted by The Florida Bar than to bestow Board Certification on an attorney.

If you read advertising or visit an attorney stating he/she is an “Expert” or a “Specialist”, ask if the attorney is actually Board Certified in his/her specialty. If not, he/she does it without the permission of The Florida Bar and he/she is falsely advertising.

Joe Bodiford is a Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer. He is a recognized by The Florida Bar as a Specialist and Expert in Criminal Law. Be sure the attorney you hire is held to this exacting standard.

If you need the assistance of a Tampa criminal attorney or Florida appeals lawyer, please contact our law firm to set up a consultation.