If you are facing criminal charges in Pinellas County, you should seek legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney. Regardless of your criminal charges, your future and liberty may be at stake.
At The Law Place, we have a team of criminal defense attorneys with over 75 years of combined experience. We have helped countless clients achieve favorable outcomes from their criminal cases. If you choose to be represented by one of our attorneys, you can feel rest assured knowing that your case is being dealt with reputably.
For your chance to talk to a good criminal defense attorney, schedule a free consultation with us today. A member of our team will answer your questions and offer you some honest and unbiased legal advice. Call us now at (941)-444-4444.
Criminal Law
Criminal law exists in Florida to protect the safety of its citizens by acting as a deterrent to people who consider committing criminal offenses. The law outlines the punishments that may be awarded for such crimes.
Many people who commit a criminal offense in Pinellas Park will be tried in either the County or State court. Sometimes, however, cases will be prosecuted by the federal government. It is highly uncommon for the federal government to involve itself with criminal charges. Still, they will if an offense has been committed across interstate lines or if they are involved.
If the federal government is involved in your case, do not worry. Our criminal defense lawyers have a vast amount of experience representing clients at the highest level. Your lawyer will work to build you a solid defense case to persuade the prosecutor of your innocence.
Felonies and Misdemeanors
In Florida, convictions are separated into two different categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Then, these charges are further split into degrees. For example, an offender could face a first-degree misdemeanor or a second-degree misdemeanor.
Out of the two charges, felony charges are punished more severely. Offenders charged with felonies can expect to serve lengthy jail time and pay hefty fines. Whereas most misdemeanor charges will result in offenders serving little to no jail time.
There are some additional noncriminal violations that can result in people receiving monetary fines in Pinellas County. For example, law enforcement officers frequently hand out traffic tickets and public nuisance citations.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day. Different Criminal Defense Cases
For every crime committed in Florida, there is a criminal case. Our criminal defense lawyers have worked to defend a wide variety of different cases in the past. No matter the criminal charge you are facing, our legal team can help you with your criminal defense needs. Below we have outlined some of the most common criminal defense cases we have represented.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience DUI
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a major offense in the Pinellas County area that is punished harshly. You can be arrested for DUI if a police officer believes your normal faculties are impaired or if you test to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher.
These are not the easiest cases to defend and that is why you must contact a Pinellas County criminal defense lawyer if you are being accused of DUI. A lawyer will investigate your case to gather and examine the evidence. Our criminal defense lawyers are not afraid to challenge law enforcement. If your lawyer believes that a police officer acted unlawfully, they will work to get your case dismissed. This is quite common in DUI cases.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers. Drug Crimes
More and more people in Pinellas County are facing criminal charges for drug-related offenses every year. These include the possession, sale, manufacturing, importation, and trafficking of drugs.
Regardless of your intent, if you are found to own a large number of drugs, you can be charged with drug trafficking. A conviction for drug trafficking carries very severe punishments. If you are found guilty, you can expect to serve years in jail.
Facing criminal charges for drug crimes can be frightening, but the sooner you contact criminal defense lawyers, the better. This is because you will allow your criminal lawyer a greater amount of time to investigate your case and build your defense strategy.
Violent Crimes
These crimes involve violence or the threat of violence. Some violent crimes include battery, child abuse, kidnapping, assault, homicide, and certain sex crimes. Depending on the extent of violence used and the circumstances of a case, an offender could be charged with either a misdemeanor or felony.
Criminal defense lawyers at The Law Place will do all they can to get your violent crime charge dismissed. If the evidence stacked against you looks too strong, a lawyer will work to get your charge reduced. For example, your criminal defense lawyer may persuade the prosecutor that you should recieve manslaughter charges instead of homicide charges. Our law firm will work to ensure that you achieve the best possible outcome from your case.
Sex Crimes
These are further offenses that the state of Florida takes very seriously. If convicted of a sex crime, your life will change forever. You will be required to register as a sex offender. This can have a huge impact on your life because you could be barred from entering certain locations and professions. Not only this, but you could face hefty jail sentences and fines.
These crimes include acts of sexual battery, sexual misconduct, possession of child pornography, and more. If you are being wrongfully accused, you should speak to criminal lawyers immediately. Don’t take the chance that you will be okay if you defend your own case. Defendants are far more successful in the courtroom if they have reputable criminal defense lawyers representing them.
White Collar Crimes
These crimes are very complex and are typically motivated by economics more than violence. Some white-collar crimes include acts of tax evasion, money laundering, insider trading, corporate misconduct, computer crimes, and more.
At The Law Place, we have a solid understanding of how the criminal justice system operates. We understand the complexities of these cases and can work to ensure that we are building the strongest defense strategies. Being the defendant in a criminal trial against a big corporation can be very scary, but we are here for you. Your attorney will present an aggressive defense case that protects both your interests and legal rights. Our legal team is not afraid to take on these big corporations and neither should you be.
Domestic Violence
Cases of domestic violence are personal and can be very upsetting. Domestic violent acts can include assault, battery, and stalking. These acts are committed by a person against a member of their family and/ or household.
Being wrongfully accused of domestic violence can be devastating, but our criminal defense attorneys are here to help. Your attorney will do all they can to prove your innocence. They will gather and examine relevant evidence, investigate relationships, and conduct interviews.
If you get convicted of domestic abuse, not only could you have to serve jail time, but you may have restraining orders placed against you. This can mean that you would be prevented from seeing the people closest to you. If you have been wrongfully accused, this isn’t fair. You must fight these accusations quickly and strongly.
Legal Criminal Defenses
Our criminal defense lawyers at The Law Place have defended many clients in Pinellas County. They will make different arguments of defense depending on the specific circumstances of a case. Below we have outlined some of the defenses that our team regularly uses in the interests of our clients.
Innocence
If you have been wrongfully accused of a crime, your attorney will argue for your innocence. In some cases, a person can face charges for a crime that doesn’t exist. This is frequently the case in alleged sex crime cases. For example, a person may be facing criminal charges for rape even though all actions involved in the case were consensual.
Trying to persuade a prosecutor of your innocence is not an easy task. You will be questioned a great deal and all it takes is a small slip-up for you to be convicted. This is why we strongly urge that you seek legal representation from reputable criminal defense lawyers if you’re innocent. They will defend your interests and fight on your behalf.
Alibi
Many people accused of crimes in Pinellas County can get their charges dropped once they provide alibis. An alibi can be presented once evidence highlights that you were not at the scene of the crime when the crime was committed. For example, you may have been wrongfully identified as the offender by a victim or witness, but you can prove that you’re innocent with an alibi.
Criminal defense lawyers will look at surveillance footage, and gather tickets, photographs, and more to present your alibi. Having a strong alibi is one of the easiest ways that you can get your criminal case dismissed.
Procedural Errors
In some criminal cases, the unlawful actions of law enforcement officers can result in cases being dropped. Every law enforcement official in the United States should abide by strict procedures and rules. If they act above and beyond their powers, they can be penalized themselves. Your attorney will examine your criminal investigation closely to determine whether the acts of all officials involved were lawful.
Most of the time, a member of law enforcement will be required to hold a warrant before they enter and search a property. If they searched your property unlawfully, your charges may be dropped. Furthermore, if an officer asks you to complete a breathalyzer test when they are not authorized to administer them, your case could also be dropped.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You
A criminal defense attorney at The Law Place can help you in multiple ways. We go above and beyond being just your legal representative. If you seek our help, your attorney will be a shoulder to lean on. They will be hugely supportive and aid you through the whole legal process. Below we have stated exactly how your attorney can help you:
- Offer you diligent criminal defense representation.
- Build you a solid defense strategy.
- Answer all of your questions.
- Help you navigate Florida’s complex criminal law.
- Help you secure a plea bargain.
- Fight persuasively for your case in court.
- Handle all of the legal negotiations and paperwork.
- Use their vast knowledge and working relationships with certain judges and prosecutors to aid your case.
Consequences of a Criminal Conviction
The most well-known and frightening consequences of a criminal conviction include jail time and monetary fines. There are additional consequences, however, that many Floridians are unaware of. To avoid these consequences, you need to hire an experienced attorney to back your case.
If convicted, you may also suffer the following:
- Difficulty achieving bank loans and mortgages.
- Damage to your reputation.
- Undue stress and upset caused to your loved ones.
- The inability to secure certain professional licenses.
- A permanent criminal record can impact your ability to travel and secure employment.
- Loss of your driving privileges or increased insurance rates.
Your Free Consultation
Seeking professional legal services if you are facing a conviction is the best thing you can do. When you contact The Law Place, you will be able to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. In this meeting, you can recieve some honest and unbiased advice.
An attorney will outline your possible legal options and suggest what they believe to be your best course of action. This discussion will be the perfect opportunity to ask any questions that you may have. An attorney answering your call will be more than happy to give you all the information you’re searching for.
Contact The Law Place Today!
If you are facing a criminal conviction in Pinellas Park, you must contact a reputable law firm quickly. Our team at The Law Place has all the experience and knowledge you need to fight your charges.
To schedule your free consultation, call us now at (941)-444-4444.
