Know First Florida Lawyer Charged With Extortion

In addition to raising eyebrows among many Americans, a recent criminal case involving a Florida attorney has questioned the righteousness and honesty of legal professionals. Read on to find out the whole story.

William Dean, a lawyer from North Miami Beach, was accused of attempting to extort approximately $800,000 USD from DeAndre Baker, a former NFL player, in exchange for his clients changing their testimony. Baker was the victim of Dean's scheme. Dean was apprehended on November 15, 2020, representing three men who had accused two NFL players of assault and robbery in Florida. On the same day, the New York Giants player's charges were dropped.

The football players were allegedly robbed at gunpoint by four men on May 13, 2020, according to the Broward County state attorney. Three of the men later changed their statements, and the fourth man denied answering the prosecutor's questions at accident attorney free consultation.

William A. Dean, a lawyer who is 50 years old and the managing partner of Ford, Dean & Rotundo, P.A. in Florida, was indicted on Monday, November 15, in Broward County, for allegedly demanding payments from three of his clients in exchange for having them alter their testimony or cease cooperating with prosecutors. A representative at Ford, Dean & Rotundo informed the caller that Mr. Dean was not available for communication. The line was cut off after more calls asking the company to comment on Mr. Dean's arrest.

An incident that took place in May 2020 in Miramar, Florida, led to the extortion charges. Witnesses said that three men at a cookout robbed people at gunpoint of $70,000 USD in cash and jewelry. The three men were identified by the witnesses as Quinton Dunbar, a player for the Seattle Seahawks, DeAndre Baker, a player for the New York Giants, and an unidentified man wearing a red mask. The Miami Herald reports that Dunbar's charges were dropped in August 2020.

The New York Giants selected DeAndre Baker, 23, with the 30th overall pick in the 2019 National Football League Draft. He was charged with armed robbery and aggravated assault on August 5, 2020. The team let Baker go in September 2020, and Broward County prosecutors dropped all charges against him on November 15, 2020. The spokesperson for the New York Giants declined to discuss Mr. Baker's situation. Quinton Dunbar, 28, continues to play for his Seattle team, but on November 13, 2020, the team announced that Dunbar would be out with a knee injury.

As the three men who had initially accused Baker changed their statements or became completely uncooperative, the case began to unravel. After it was discovered that Dean was attempting to extort money from Baker, Dean was invested in August 2020. According to Assistant State Attorney Paul R. Valcore, the claimed victims and witnesses lost their credibility as a result of their lack of cooperation. Mr. Valcore went on to say that one of the accusers even refused to answer questions, which led to his subsequent contempt of court conviction.

According to the Broward County Sheriff's Office, Dean wanted Baker to pay over $266,000 to each of his clients in exchange for having them alter their testimony or refuse to cooperate with prosecutors, as stated by the investing officials. Bradford Cohen, Baker's attorney, claimed that his client had been the target of extortion, and that the arrested lawyer had actually sought $1.5 million. However, Mr. Cohen claims that no money has ever been transferred. He also wants the NFL to investigate this matter and give the case more time to develop before deciding whether or not to suspend the player.

Lessons to Take Away from the Case It is generally recommended that you immediately contact an attorney who specializes in the kind of case you are involved in if you are drawn into a legal procedure or a legal action has been taken against you (especially when you need to prove your innocence).

However, a crucial point to keep in mind is the importance of verifying a lawyer's credibility before hiring them to handle your case. The story above makes it clear why this is so important: even the so-called guardians of the law, justice, and legal rights cannot be trusted blindly.

So, how can you make sure that the lawyer you hire is a real one who will help you righteously through the legal process? When choosing a lawyer to best represent your interests in and out of court, there are a number of considerations to make.

Things to Think About When Choosing an Attorney The following is a list of seven things to think about that will help you choose the right lawyer:

Identify Your Legal Issue and Speak with an Expert: You ought to be well-versed in your legal situation. Because there are numerous subspecialties and specializations within the field of law, it is helpful to know which kind of attorney can best comprehend, handle, and resolve your issue. Always hire an expert to solve your legal problems. Specialist lawyers are aware of the most recent legal developments and the particular legal nuances of your case. This information is crucial because it could mean the difference between losing the case and winning it.

Ensure that the attorney has the necessary experience: It's another important thing to think about. A lawyer with a track record of success in cases similar to yours should be your choice. The length of practice, the number of cases handled thus far, and the outcomes of previous cases are all examples of this. In addition, an attorney's awareness of the other party, legal acumen, risk assessment skills, ability to develop infallible strategies, and ability to guide you through the complexities of legal procedures are all important. Consider looking at the legal firm's website to learn more about the scope and duration of their work.

The attorney ought to communicate effectively: Lawyers are expected to communicate effectively with you, the opposition party, and jurors in addition to you. He should be able to communicate with the community in a way that is understandable, and he should be aware that it might not be necessary or cost-effective to communicate too much.

Take into account the Lawyer's Professionalism: Professionalism transcends individuality. It is expected of a professional lawyer to:

Provide you with a suitable alternative for resolving the dispute Adhere to all applicable laws, be punctual, and remain well-prepared whenever necessary. Work to protect your rights and interests. Work economically and efficiently. Carry out follow-ups appropriately and promptly. Gather References on the Lawyer: You should request client references from the shortlisted lawyers so that you can consult with them. Investigate the lawyers' reputation in detail by contacting other trustworthy sources. You can get information about their past and any disciplinary actions taken against them from online sources and bar associations. Because hiring a lawyer is a crucial step toward the success of your legal case, you shouldn't rush through this reference check process.

Analyze the Lawyer's Support System and Resources: Select a law firm with sufficient resources to support your case. Make sure the company has a system for retrieving information that could save you time and money. Also, check to see if they have helpful extras like newsletters, informative websites, and publications for client education.

Inquire about Fees and Similar Arrangements: Any lawyer will undoubtedly cost money. In order to avoid any misunderstandings in the future, you should first ask the legal firm to explain their billing policies and procedures. Alternative payment methods and contingency plans are becoming increasingly popular, despite the fact that the majority of lawyers charge by the hour.

Also, find out what other possible costs, like postage, specialist services, travel, and copying, are. Never base your decision on hiring an attorney solely on cost. Together with the law firm or attorney, sign an Engagement Letter outlining the billing arrangement and other aspects of the professional relationship.

In light of the preceding extortion case, it is essential to have a seasoned attorney with a clean record and excellent reputation on your side to legally represent you. We sincerely hope that these hints will assist you in selecting the right lawyer.