Florida Criminal Defense Attorney
Protecting Your Rights, Freedom & Future
When you stand accused of a crime, the state is looking to take away your personal freedom, civil rights, and foreclose opportunities in the future. With so much at stake, our system requires that they prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused person did, in fact, commit the crime. But without a determined, experienced criminal defense lawyer in your corner, meeting that high burden becomes little more than a minor hurdle.
Instead of frantically searching for things like "criminal defense lawyer near me," turn to the criminal defense attorney Floridians trust when their liberty is on the line. Call Fenderson Law Firm today for a free consultation regarding your case. We understand the pressure, fear, and confusion you're feeling at this moment and will fight to preserve your rights.
Our Criminal Defense Attorney Practice Areas
Florida’s criminal justice system encompasses a vast array of potential crimes that can land a defendant in prison or jail. But Fenderson Law Firm is here to help those accused of crimes like these:
DUI/DWI
Drug Crimes
Domestic Violence
Theft & Fraud
Violent Crimes
Juvenile Crimes
Weapons Charges
Probation Violations
The Florida Criminal Process Explained
While there are some protections in place for defendants, many may not realize when those rights are violated. That’s why finding and hiring an experienced Florida criminal defense lawyer early can best preserve your rights and freedom.
In a typical criminal case, the state follows this criminal procedure:
Arrest, Indictment, or Information
First Appearance
Arraignment
Discovery
Plea Negotiations
Trial
Sentencing
Why a Trusted Criminal Defense Lawyer Matters
Facing a criminal conviction is daunting. Just being accused of a criminal offense in Florida can create potential consequences that include:
- Jail or Prison Time: Even misdemeanor offenses can result in jail time of 60 days, while capital and life felonies can result in the death penalty or a life sentence.
- Crippling Fines and Court Costs: For certain offenses, fines can cost as much as $15,000 for the convicted person. Permanent Criminal Record: A charge and conviction will show up on background checks, making even the most mundane tasks more difficult.
- Loss of Professional Licenses: People convicted of certain offenses can lose the professional licenses they relied on for their livelihoods, making moving forward impossible.
- Employment and Housing Challenges: Employers and Landlords can legally discriminate based on criminal history in many instances.
- Loss of Civil Rights: Many people convicted of felonies lose their voting rights and for some, they also lose their right to possess and purchase firearms.
- Immigration Consequences: Criminal offenses can result in the accused being put into deportation proceedings—even for seemingly minor offenses.
- Damage to Personal Relationships: Just being accused of crimes can fracture relationships between friends and family.
How Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Fight For You
At Fenderson Law Firm, we fight to get our clients' side of the story heard. That starts by listening to our clients from the very first consultation. In our years as criminal defense attorneys, we make sure we understand what happened and immediately start searching for evidence to corroborate those facts.
We also step in to shield our clients from prosecutors who might attempt to pressure or intimidate them into unfair negotiated pleas. And should the case go to trial, we stay prepared to mount a vigorous defense to preserve as much of our client's freedom and liberty as possible.
Florida-Specific Criminal Defense Laws
Florida criminal defendants often find themselves at a disadvantage thanks to numerous laws and practices meant to treat those accused harshly. Some examples include:
- Florida's Strict Penalties: Florida has a reputation for harsh sentencing schemes that can result in decades spent behind bars.
- Florida RICO Act: This law allows prosecutors to get longer, harsher sentences for defendants based on an argument that they were involved in criminal enterprises.
- 10-20-Life Law: Fl. Statutes 775.087 enable prosecutors to enhance the charges depending on whether and how a firearm was used during the commission of a felony.
- Withholding of Adjudication: Withholding of adjudication allows some defendants accused of felonies to avoid potential prison time and the loss of civil rights. Speak with your criminal defense attorney early in the process to explore this pathway.
