When one needs the help of a civil or criminal Tampa lawyer the individual can call the state bar association and speak with the person who is in charge or attorney referrals. A personal injury attorney represents people in civil lawsuits, for instance when a person has been injured in a car accident. A criminal attorney represents people who, for instance, have been charged with drunk driving.An attorney is committed to zealously represent his client to the best of his ability. The lawyer is held to the attorney client privilege and must keep all conversations with the client confidential. The attorney is an agent of his client and must act in the clients interest at all times.