Your Legal Bulldog - Court Process

Being charged with any criminal offense is a frightening experience. You need to know your rights under the law and act to protect them immediately.

You Need To Act Now!

Before memories fade, evidence is lost, witnesses disappear, and exculpatory evidence such a video tapes, and phone records are erased. Don't wait to get help from a lawyer. Don't wait until you are arrested or charged, call now. The longer your attorney has before trial, whether it is this law office, or another, the better and stronger your defense can be.

Perhaps more than any other area of law, experience is crucial for an attorney's representing individuals in criminal cases. The primary reason for this is because the penalties for incompetence in a criminal defense case may be particularly devastating to the client.

Florida Criminal Process

Process Options

Felony Flow Chart

Case Evaluation Request

Your Rights During An Arrest

If you have been accused of a crime, or a government agent wants to talk to you, you need to be talking to a lawyer FIRST. Know your rights and exercise them, it could save you a lot of trouble.

1.)	You have the Right to remain Silent – Keep your mouth Shut!
2.)	You have a right to have an attorney present during questioning – you need to say these words... “I want a Lawyer present, now.”
3.)	If you can't afford one, you request one to be appointed.

Remember, if the police are looking at you for a crime, you are not going to talk your way out of it, you need a lawyer.

Criminal Process Options

Jury Trial - The Jury trial is where the prosecution must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt before a jury of 6 or 12 in a felony case and a jury of 6 in a misdemeanor. The Jury can come back not guilty on all counts, or not guilty on some, and guilty on others, or if the option is given to them, they can find a person guilty of a lesser included offense.

Non-Jury Trial - This is a trial, but instead of 6 or 12 people from the community deciding the facts, only the Judge will decide the issue.

Plea Bargain - This process is between you and the prosecutor. The prosecutor will agree to either reduce the charges against you, or in cases where an individual has several counts or cases against him, the prosecutor may offer to dismiss some charges if you plead to others.

Sentence Plea with Prosecutor - This plea is where you and the prosecutor agree on a sentence if you plead guilty. The prosecutor agrees to the sentence, and if the judge does not follow that recommendation, you may be given the opportunity to withdraw your plea and go to trial.

Sentence Agreement With the Court- This plea is where you ask the judge for a specific sentence, and based on the information the judge has at that time, he can enter into an agreement on a sentence with you, if at the time of sentencing the judge can not follow the agreement, you will be allowed to withdraw your plea of guilty, provided that you did not violate any conditions of bond.

First Time Drug Offender - For first time drug offenders, will keep the conviction off of your record as long as you complete probation.

Youthful Offender - For first time offenders between the ages of 17 and 21 years old. This will keep the conviction off your record, so long as you complete probations. You must plead guilty to qualify for this program. It can't be used in driving offenses and capital crimes. This must be requested, and it does not have to be granted unless it is part of a Cobb's agreement.

Criminal Process Options - Printable Version

Disclaimer

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience. This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice, nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.