What Sets Us Apart?
There are literally hundreds of attorneys available to represent criminal defendants in South Florida. Why should you seek The Tony Moss Firm, L.L.C., first?
Because, since 1991, Tony Moss has belonged to one of the Florida Bar’s most exclusive and respected societies—the death penalty defense bar. Capital murder prosecutions are the most complex and challenging cases of all, and belonging to this exclusive society requires such special dedication, experience, and judicial and peer review, that only a fraction of 1% of Florida’s 100,000-plus lawyers ever qualify for membership.
Tony prides himself on bringing that same dedication and experience to the defense of each and every client, regardless of the nature or severity of the allegation. This unique experience can make all the difference in your case–no matter what charges you may be facing.
How is this so?
Because no type of criminal case cultivates and sharpens a lawyer’s legal and human skills more than one in which human life has been lost, and the government in turn is seeking society’s permission to take the life of the accused. Thus, in both state and Federal courts, only attorneys who meet the most rigorous standards for experience and professionalism are entrusted with the representation of indigent clients in these cases.
In a death penalty prosecution, the power and resources of the government are especially immense. The capital client’s case will be investigated by the most experienced detectives and crime lab personnel. It will be prepared for trial by the most skilled prosecutors, who often handle murder cases and nothing else. Judges must go through specialized training before presiding over such cases. Of course, far too often, the influence of the news media will be pervasive. In such cases, the client’s life literally rests in the hands of his or her lawyer.
The capital defense attorney has to simultaneously prepare for two trials: one to decide whether the government has proven the client’s guilt, and (if so) a second one to decide punishment: either life imprisonment without parole, or death by lethal injection. For a sentencing trial, the attorney must be familiar with a variety of social trends and issues outside the law (e.g., poverty, educational failure, race, mental illness, exposure to domestic violence, cultural issues, etc.), and must thoroughly investigate those which may have in any way affected the client’s upbringing and development. The attorney must also identify and work with investigators, mitigation specialists, and a variety of experts in any relevant disciplines, in order to build the case for life.
Most of all, the attorney must possess the empathy to appreciate his client’s life story, the communications skills to make that story come alive to the jury, and the courage to face the same twelve angry jurors who have already found the client guilty, and to say to them that, despite the horror of his actions, the client is a human being, with a life worth saving. This is the most profound task a defense attorney can ever undertake on behalf of a client. As stated, fewer than a fraction of 1% of Florida’s approximately 100,000 lawyers are qualified to take on this kind of representation. Tony Moss is a proud member of that exclusive legal society.
Even those who are not facing the ultimate punishment deserve this kind of effective, client-centered assistance of counsel. The inherent virtue of liberty demands no less. Tony Moss stands ready to put those skills to work for you—no matter the nature of the charges or the possible consequences. Call him at 877-547-9407, or click Tony@TonyMossLaw.com to schedule a prompt consultation.
