Florida Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you have been arrested or you are facing any kind of criminal charges in Florida, it is critical to begin working with an experienced Florida criminal defense attorney on your case as soon as possible. The quicker you seek advice from a criminal defense lawyer in Florida who can begin strategizing to help you beat the charges you are facing, the better your chances at an acquittal or a dismissal of the charges. At Meldon Law, we have years of experience representing clients in a wide variety of criminal defense matters, and we can evaluate your case today.
- Gainesville
- Ocala
- Fort Lauderdale
- Broward County
- Palm Beach County
- Lake City
- Marion County
- Miami-Dade
Types of Criminal Defense Matters Our Attorneys Handle in Florida
At Meldon Law, our Florida criminal defense attorneys routinely represent clients in many different kinds of criminal defense matters in the state, including but not limited to the following:
- Assault;
- Domestic violence;
- Drug charges;
- DUI defense;
- Expungement;
- Federal offenses;
- Sex crimes; and
- Theft.
In Florida, criminal offenses can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies depending upon the alleged criminal act and the facts of the case. Some types of offenses are only charged as misdemeanors, while others are only charged as felonies. In many instances, a particular category of criminal offenses can result in either misdemeanor or felony charges depending upon the particular facts of the case or an existing criminal record. To be sure, many crimes can be charged as more serious offenses when they are second or subsequent offenses, as opposed to a first-time offense.
Why You Need a Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer On Your Side
You need a criminal defense attorney in Florida on your side to help you fight any charges you are facing, and you should hire a lawyer as soon as you are under investigation or have been arrested. You have rights under both state and federal law, and it is critical to have experienced counsel who can ensure that your rights are not violated.
Without a defense lawyer’s assistance on your case, it may be more difficult to obtain a dismissal or an acquittal, and you may be convicted of the offense with which you have been charged. Penalties for both misdemeanors and felonies are severe under Florida law and include the following:
- 2nd-degree misdemeanor: up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500;
- 1st-degree misdemeanor: up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000;
- 3rd-degree felony: up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000;
- 2nd-degree felony: up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000;
- 1st-degree felony: up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000;
- Life felony: prison sentence of life in prison and a fine of up to $15,000; and
- Capital felony: death sentence.
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Every Criminal Charge is a Serious Charge
Regardless of what the arrested for or what you were charged with, every criminal charge is a serious charge and we treat all of them that way. A conviction can carry with it jail or prison time, loss of employment, driver privileges, or your constitutional rights to vote or own a firearm. It is critical to recognize the serious impact a criminal arrest or conviction can have on your life and to take action by calling Meldon Law.
Have you been Questioned?
If you haven’t been charged with a criminal offense, but have been questioned by law enforcement or law enforcement wants to question you pertaining to an incident you have the right to have an attorney, though law enforcement may not need to inform you of your Miranda Warnings depending on the scenario you still enjoy the ability to have an attorney present if you wish before speaking with law enforcement. You also have the right not to speak with them and if you are not under arrest or being placed under arrest you have the right to ask if you are free to go and if so, you may leave. Our number one piece of advice is DON’T TALK and call Meldon Law.
Contact Our Florida Criminal Defense Attorneys Today
Timing is important in any criminal case. The sooner you call our office, the sooner we can begin to build a defense, speak with witnesses and gather mitigation evidence for your case. We will get to work immediately and begin looking into your case to identify any potential issues that may allow us to suppress evidence or arrest legal defenses.
One of our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Florida can begin working on a defense strategy for your case today. Contact Meldon Law to learn more about the services we provide to individuals facing criminal charges throughout the state of Florida.