When Can a Juvenile Be Charged as an Adult in Florida?
A juvenile can be charged as an adult in Florida under certain circumstances, typically based on the child's age, the type of offense, and how prosecutors decide to handle the case. Being prosecuted in adult court can expose a juvenile to significantly harsher penalties and long-term consequences than proceedings in the...
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How to Seal or Expunge a Criminal Record in Florida
In Florida, sealing or expunging a criminal record may allow eligible individuals to limit who can see their criminal history. While not every arrest or conviction qualifies, clearing an eligible record can improve employment, housing, education, and professional licensing opportunities. A criminal defense attorney can determine whether you qualify and guide...
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Assault vs. Battery in Florida: What’s the Legal Difference?
In Florida, assault and battery are separate criminal offenses, even though people often use the terms interchangeably. Assault generally involves threats or actions that create fear of imminent harm, while battery involves actual physical contact. The distinction matters because the charges, penalties, and possible defenses can differ significantly depending on the...
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What Happens in the First 48 Hours After an Arrest?
An arrest moves fast. Within minutes, you are in custody. Within hours, you are booked, fingerprinted, and standing before a judge. In Florida, the first 48 hours after an arrest involve several critical steps — booking, a first appearance hearing, and a bond determination — and the decisions made during that window...
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How Quickly After an Arrest Do You Need to Contact an Attorney?
You should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after an arrest — before speaking to the police. In Florida, anything you say can be used against you from the moment of arrest. The earlier an attorney gets involved, the better protected your rights are during questioning, bail hearings, and...
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Florida’s Minimum Mandatory Sentences
Florida criminal law requires courts to impose minimum sentences in certain cases. The legislature has imposed minimum mandatory sentences for serious crimes or repeat violent offenders to ensure that offenders who commit the worst crimes serve significant time and to deter others from committing dangerous or violent crimes. Being charged with a...
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What Should You Tell Your Criminal Defense Attorney?
Talking to a criminal defense attorney can feel uncomfortable, especially when the facts aren’t flattering to your case. The good news is that Florida law protects most of what you tell your lawyer, and full honesty gives your defense the strongest footing right away.
Attorney-Client Privilege
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Short and Long-Term Consequences of Criminal Charges
Being charged with a crime in Orlando can be an overwhelming experience. You’ll face immediate consequences like bail hearings and arraignment—and you’ll likely face social and personal consequences, too. Here’s what you can expect, so that you’re better able to make informed decisions throughout the process.
Immediate Consequences...
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Is Hiring a Private Defense Attorney Really Worth It?
When you’re charged with a crime in Florida, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to hire a private defense attorney. The right choice depends on your charges, your financial situation, and how much personal attention you want your case to receive. Understanding what you’re paying for and what you...
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Top Questions to Ask Your Criminal Defense Attorney
Facing criminal charges can be a stressful, confusing, and overwhelming experience. From the moment you are arrested to the conclusion of your case, the decisions you make—and the legal representation you choose—can have lasting consequences on your freedom, record, and future. Selecting the right criminal defense attorney is crucial to building a...
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