Criminal Defense Attorneys in West Palm Beach

At Hutchinson & Huffman, P.A., we defend people across West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County who are facing misdemeanor and felony charges, and we serve clients across Martin and Broward counties as well. Our approach is straightforward: we listen, we dig into the facts, and we build a defense strategy shaped around your case and your goals. Rick Hutchinson handles his cases personally, so you work directly with your attorney, not a rotating cast of unfamiliar names.

If you or someone you love has been arrested or is under investigation, we are ready to help. Request a confidential consultation or call (561) 838-9793.

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Protects You

The criminal justice system is built to move forward with or without you understanding it. A defense lawyer's job is to make sure your rights are protected at every stage and that your side of the story is heard.

That can mean stepping in early, before charges are ever filed, when the right move at the right moment can change the direction of a case. It can mean challenging how evidence was gathered, questioning whether a stop or search was lawful, and holding the State Attorney to their burden of proof. And it can mean negotiating for a reduced charge or a lighter resolution when that serves your interests better than trial.

Many people believe they can explain their way out of a situation by talking to police without a lawyer. More often, that makes things harder. The safest step after an arrest, or the moment you learn you are being investigated, is to stay quiet and call an attorney.

We defend a wide range of criminal cases, from a first misdemeanor to a serious felony, including DUI defense, drug crimes, domestic violence charges, and expungement. Our criminal practice areas include:

• DUI defense, including first-time and repeat charges
• Drug crimes, from possession to trafficking
• Domestic violence charges
• Sex crimes and sex offense allegations
• Theft crimes, including petit theft, grand theft, and burglary
• White collar crimes, such as fraud and embezzlement
• Expungement and record sealing to clear an eligible record

Violent crimes, weapons charges, and probation violations are also part of our work. If you are not sure whether we handle your type of case, call and ask. We will give you a straight answer.

If you already have a qualifying charge or arrest on your record, see our guide on how to expunge a criminal record in Florida for the eligibility rules, the FDLE application, and what the court process involves.

What It Costs to Hire a Defense Lawyer

The honest answer is that it depends on your case. A matter resolved with a single hearing takes far less time than a complex case that goes to trial, and the fee reflects that. Rather than quote a number that would not fit your situation, we would rather talk with you first. Once we understand what you are facing, we can give you a clear and accurate picture of the cost, including the payment options we offer.

Why Clients Turn to Hutchinson & Huffman

Rick Hutchinson began his career as a public defender in Palm Beach County before moving into private practice. That background gave him years of hands-on familiarity with how the local courts, prosecutors, and judges actually work. With more than 25 years of experience defending clients in West Palm Beach, he brings a calm, strategic, and thorough approach to every case he takes.

The firm also handles federal criminal defense. Rick Hutchinson has served on the federal Criminal Justice Act panel — attorneys appointed by the federal courts to represent people charged with federal crimes — for more than 25 years, and he brings that same hands-on approach to clients facing federal charges.

Talk to a West Palm Beach Criminal Defense Attorney Today

A criminal charge can follow you for years, affecting your ability to get a job, rent a home, or move forward with your life. The sooner you have an attorney in your corner, the more we can do. Reach out for a confidential case review, and let us talk about your options.