Criminal Defense Lawyers in Orlando

Offering Aggressive Defense Strategies

If you are facing criminal charges, having a criminal defense lawyer on your side is the best way to protect your freedom. Being charged with a crime can be overwhelming and stressful, leaving you with many emotions to process. Whether you already have a criminal record or this is your first offense, you may face jail time, hefty fines, and other penalties. Fortunately, with a criminal attorney from our team on your side, you can reduce or even remove the charges against you.

While it is always an option to represent yourself in a criminal case, our team recommends trusting an experienced criminal lawyer instead. A member of our team has knowledge of the legal industry, having worked on cases that involve both state and federal criminal charges. We can examine the evidence against you and negotiate with prosecutors to secure a plea deal if possible. If your case goes to trial, we will build an aggressive defense strategy to protect you before a judge.

The criminal justice system is harsh on criminals, even if it is your first offense. If you have been charged with a crime, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact our team at Alain Rivas & Associates, P.A., by calling 407-934-0324.

What Kind of Cases Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help With?

Generally, any criminal case that involves criminal charges is one we can assist you with. Whether you are facing felony or misdemeanor charges in state or federal court, our team has the knowledge and the experience to help you.

Below are some of the cases our team has experience with:

• Traffic violations
• Immigration
• Drug crimes
• Gun crimes
• DUI defense
• Domestic violence defense
• Drug trafficking
• Juvenile crime
• Assault

If you are facing charges for a crime not on the list above, contact our office today. We are confident we can help you with any criminal offense you have been charged with. We always aim to get your case dismissed or the charges you are facing reduced. For more information, call our law firm today.

What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do?

In criminal law, a criminal defense attorney stays by your side every step of the way. A member of our team will begin by examining the evidence against you to determine the best legal path forward. After that, we will walk you through the legal system, providing guidance and answering questions the whole time.

As your criminal defense attorney, a member of our team will take the following steps:

Investigating the Evidence

Prosecutors must use evidence, such as photos, videos, and forensics, to build a case against you. Our team will begin by investigating all of the evidence the court is planning to use against you. Then, we can start building a defense case based on that evidence.

Developing a Legal Strategy

Your criminal case is unique, just like you. After meeting with you and investigating the evidence against you, our team will devise a legal strategy to reduce or remove the charges against you. This could involve meeting with prosecutors to negotiate a plea deal or building a defense case to present before a judge.

Negotiating with Prosecutors

The prosecution is the team that will be building a case against you. For some criminal charges, prosecutors are open to reducing or removing penalties if an offender pleads guilty or assists in another criminal case. Our team will meet with the prosecution to determine if this strategy is viable for you.

Representing You in Court

If your case goes to trial, you will need legal representation to defend yourself. Our team will build a legal defense case to share your side of the story before a judge. We always aim to get your charges dismissed or a plea of not guilty in court.

Submitting an Appeal

If you are convicted of a crime, that is not the end of the road. Our team will work with you after your conviction to submit an appeal on your behalf. If a judge finds that your trial was unfair in some way, there is a chance you could be awarded a new trial with a new verdict.

What Are the Potential Consequences of a Criminal Conviction?

In most criminal cases, jail time and fines are real possibilities. Your specific penalties will depend on the nature of the crime and whether you have a previous criminal record. In Florida, if you are convicted of a first or second-degree felony, you can be ordered to pay up to $10,000 in fines. Third-degree felonies carry fines of $5,000, and first-degree misdemeanors have fines of up to $1,000.

If you are being tried in a federal case, a judge may use federal sentencing guidelines to determine how long you will stay in jail. These guidelines factor in the nature of the charge, your role in the crime, and your previous criminal history.

For DUI convictions, which are very common in Florida, penalties range from $500 to $10,000. For a first DUI misdemeanor, you can be ordered to pay up to $500. The penalty increases to $1,000 or more for a second DUI conviction. If you are convicted of DUI manslaughter or leaving the scene of the crime, you may face fines of up to $10,000.

When is the Best Time to Hire a Defense Attorney?

No matter what criminal charges you are facing, the best time to hire a criminal defense lawyer is as soon as you learn you are being investigated for a crime. While it can be tempting to talk to police officers without an attorney present, law enforcement officers do not have your best interests in mind. There is a very real possibility that an interview with the cops could be used as evidence against you in court, even if you don’t admit guilt or fault.

You always have the right to consult an attorney before or during police questioning, and it is always recommended you use that right. If you have already talked to the police or if you have been arrested, it’s not too late to hire a defense attorney. Contact our law office today for more information.

Should I Consult a Criminal Defense Attorney?

When facing criminal charges, your freedom and your reputation could be on the line. Using a public defender or representing yourself are options, but they are unlikely to protect you from paying hefty fines or going to jail. Whether it is your first offense or you have a criminal record already, working with an experienced team of criminal defense attorneys is the best way to protect your rights.
Our team at Alain Rivas & Associates, P.A., has over 27 years of experience in the criminal defense industry. We are dedicated to protecting our clients and getting them the outcomes they deserve. For a free consultation, contact our office today by calling 407-934-0324.