I am an experienced Seminole County criminal defense lawyer and former Seminole County prosecutor who defends all Seminole County felony, misdemeanor, juvenile and DUI charges. I grew up in Seminole County and since leaving the Seminole County State Attorney’s Office in 1999, I have devoted my entire law practice to criminal defense. Hiring a Seminole County criminal defense lawyer familiar with the judges, police officers and prosecutors in Seminole County is essential. Once hired, I will:
- Collect and review all government evidence;
- Determine the lawfulness of your arrest;
- Find flaws in the police officer’s investigation;
- Identify all possible defenses;
- Qualify you for a pretrial diversion program;
- Start negotiating with the prosecutor before your first court date, and
- Do whatever is necessary to avoid a criminal conviction.
I am a Former Seminole County Prosecutor
I grew up in Seminole County and worked at the Seminole County State Attorney’s Office with many of the same prosecutors that work there today. Seminole County prosecutes criminal cases different than Orange County or anywhere else in Florida and I am familiar with those differences. Pretrial diversion for Seminole County misdemeanor cases are approved before arraignment, the only county that does it this way. Seminole County felony cases go through three different assistant state attorneys, and felony pretrial diversion (which is called PTI – pretrial intervention) in Seminole County is offered after the intake attorney makes a filing decision, but before the trial attorney proceeds with the case. This is also different than other counties. I am familiar with all four felony judges, all five misdemeanor judges, and all four assistant state prosecutors as I only practice criminal law.
Early Representation: How I can help you Today
There is a window of opportunity between an arrest and the filing of formal charges. In most criminal cases the best opportunity to have charges dropped or reduced is prior to the State Attorney filing formal charges. The charging decision can be influenced by providing the State important factors often overlooked by the arresting officer.
Once retained, I will start to work on your criminal case before the Seminole County State Attorney’s Office files formal charges. This pre-filing representation gives my clients the opportunity to influence the State Attorney’s filing decision and, in some cases, avoid being formally charged with the crime for which they were arrested. I will explore all your options for a successful solution to your case, with an emphasis on alternatives to a life-long criminal record. Hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer remains the most effective way to defend yourself against an unjust prosecution.
FROM DISMISSAL TO EXPUNGEMENT: MY GOALS FOR YOUR CASE
During a free consultation, I will consider whether the following options are available to you. My goal is to do whatever is necessary to avoid a felony battery conviction.
Dismissing Your Charge
I can file a ‘Motion to Dismiss’ when there is insufficient evidence to support your criminal charges or when the court lacks proper jurisdiction to hear the case. Speedy trial and statute of limitations defenses can also lead to a complete dismissal.
Excluding Evidence
I can file a pretrial ‘Motion to Suppress’ where evidence may have been illegally obtained. This shifts the burden to the prosecutor to establish in court that all evidence was lawfully obtained. I challenge the State’s case at every stage of the police officer’s investigation (stop, detention, search, arrest, etc.).
Pretrial Diversion
I can apply for your participation in a pretrial diversion program. Your successful completion of the program will result in a dismissal of all charges.
Avoiding a Conviction
I can negotiate with the prosecutor and the court in an effort to secure a withhold of adjudication. This final disposition allows you to avoid a formal conviction.
Seeking a Reduced Sentence
I can present the court with background information and mitigating evidence that may result in a reduced sentence.
Expunging Your Record
After your case is resolved, I can petition the court to seal or expunge all public records relating to your arrest and prosecution. This includes your police report and entire court file. Expunging your record will require the clerk to physically destroy your entire court file and allows you to lawfully say that you have ever been arrested or charged with the crime. Only a select few government entities are entitled to sealed and expunged records
Seminole County Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are facing criminal charges in Seminole County then call me at 407-740-7275 to discuss your case. I offer a free consultation so that I can learn about you, learn about your case and determine how I can help.
I am an experienced Seminole County criminal defense lawyer and former Seminole County prosecutor who defends all Seminole County felony, misdemeanor, juvenile and DUI charges. I grew up in Seminole County and since leaving the Seminole County State Attorney’s Office in 1999, I have devoted my entire law practice to criminal defense. Hiring a Seminole County criminal defense lawyer familiar with the judges, police officers and prosecutors in Seminole County is essential. Once hired, I will:
- Collect and review all government evidence;
- Determine the lawfulness of your arrest;
- Find flaws in the police officer’s investigation;
- Identify all possible defenses;
- Qualify you for a pretrial diversion program;
- Start negotiating with the prosecutor before your first court date, and
- Do whatever is necessary to avoid a criminal conviction.
I am a Former Seminole County Prosecutor
I grew up in Seminole County and worked at the Seminole County State Attorney’s Office with many of the same prosecutors that work there today. Seminole County prosecutes criminal cases different than Orange County or anywhere else in Florida and I am familiar with those differences. Pretrial diversion for Seminole County misdemeanor cases are approved before arraignment, the only county that does it this way. Seminole County felony cases go through three different assistant state attorneys, and felony pretrial diversion (which is called PTI – pretrial intervention) in Seminole County is offered after the intake attorney makes a filing decision, but before the trial attorney proceeds with the case. This is also different than other counties. I am familiar with all four felony judges, all five misdemeanor judges, and all four assistant state prosecutors as I only practice criminal law.
Early Representation: How I can help you Today
There is a window of opportunity between an arrest and the filing of formal charges. In most criminal cases the best opportunity to have charges dropped or reduced is prior to the State Attorney filing formal charges. The charging decision can be influenced by providing the State important factors often overlooked by the arresting officer.
Once retained, I will start to work on your criminal case before the Seminole County State Attorney’s Office files formal charges. This pre-filing representation gives my clients the opportunity to influence the State Attorney’s filing decision and, in some cases, avoid being formally charged with the crime for which they were arrested. I will explore all your options for a successful solution to your case, with an emphasis on alternatives to a life-long criminal record. Hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer remains the most effective way to defend yourself against an unjust prosecution.
FROM DISMISSAL TO EXPUNGEMENT: MY GOALS FOR YOUR CASE
During a free consultation, I will consider whether the following options are available to you. My goal is to do whatever is necessary to avoid a felony battery conviction.
Dismissing Your Charge
I can file a ‘Motion to Dismiss’ when there is insufficient evidence to support your criminal charges or when the court lacks proper jurisdiction to hear the case. Speedy trial and statute of limitations defenses can also lead to a complete dismissal.
Excluding Evidence
I can file a pretrial ‘Motion to Suppress’ where evidence may have been illegally obtained. This shifts the burden to the prosecutor to establish in court that all evidence was lawfully obtained. I challenge the State’s case at every stage of the police officer’s investigation (stop, detention, search, arrest, etc.).
Pretrial Diversion
I can apply for your participation in a pretrial diversion program. Your successful completion of the program will result in a dismissal of all charges.
Avoiding a Conviction
I can negotiate with the prosecutor and the court in an effort to secure a withhold of adjudication. This final disposition allows you to avoid a formal conviction.
Seeking a Reduced Sentence
I can present the court with background information and mitigating evidence that may result in a reduced sentence.
Expunging Your Record
After your case is resolved, I can petition the court to seal or expunge all public records relating to your arrest and prosecution. This includes your police report and entire court file. Expunging your record will require the clerk to physically destroy your entire court file and allows you to lawfully say that you have ever been arrested or charged with the crime. Only a select few government entities are entitled to sealed and expunged records
Seminole County Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are facing criminal charges in Seminole County then call me at 407-740-7275 to discuss your case. I offer a free consultation so that I can learn about you, learn about your case and determine how I can help.
