Florida Criminal Defense Attorneys
- What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do in Florida?
- Types of Cases Our Criminal Defense Law Firm Handles
- Areas We Serve
- What Should I Expect During the Criminal Legal Process in Florida?
- Why Choose Darling Law?
- Facing Criminal Charges? Schedule Your Free Consultation Today!
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
- Facing charges in Florida can be scary and overwhelming, especially when you don’t know what the outcome might be or how it will affect your life.
- The criminal justice system involves many steps, including an investigation, arrest, pretrial hearings, and plea-deal negotiations before settling or going to trial.
- Working with a knowledgeable and skilled Florida defense attorney is preferred because you will have an advocate who will listen to your side of the story and work to improve the outcome of your case.
Facing criminal charges in Florida can be an overwhelming and frightening experience, leaving you feeling vulnerable and uncertain about your future.
The weight of potential jail time, a criminal record, and the impact on your personal and professional life can be emotionally devastating. Without timely legal representation, you risk navigating a complex criminal justice system alone, which could result in severe consequences that affect you for years to come.
Our dedicated team at Darling Law is here to provide the legal representation you need, guiding you through every step of the criminal defense process.
“Andrew and his team have been a god send in a desperate time of help. The immediate action him and his team take is powerful and impressive. They truly take their time to care and understand for your situation. Do not hesitate to call. Veterans this is your go to lawyer, being Andrew is an Army vet himself he’s got your 6. Thank you very much for your help.”
What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do in Florida?
If you or a loved one face any misdemeanor or felony charges, Darling Law can help.
We offer full-spectrum criminal defense work, including:
- Adult and juvenile defense
- Felony, misdemeanor, municipal ordinance violations, and traffic infraction defense
- This includes everything from first-degree murder down to ‘disorderly conduct’ or driving without a license
We focus on cases that involve:
- Law enforcement officers (LEOs) behaving badly
- Any instances where the LEO is the alleged victim (Assault on a LEO, Battery on a LEO, etc.)
Our criminal defense lawyers have extensive experience in all kinds of cases, including DUI defense, drug crimes, sex crimes, criminal offenses relating to family law cases, and many other criminal practice areas.
Types of Cases Our Criminal Defense Law Firm Handles
The attorney-client relationship is significant to the attorneys at Darling Law. We will do everything possible to get you a favorable outcome in your criminal case. We represent people accused of federal crimes, felonies, misdemeanors, and violations of probation (VOPs).
- Arson
- Assault & aggravated assault
- Battery & aggravated battery
- Burglary Defenses
- Domestic violence
- Drug offenses
- DUI Defense and Representation
- Forgery & fraud offenses
- Homicide
- Kidnapping
- Robbery
- Sex offenses
- Traffic offenses
- Theft offenses
- Weapons offenses
- White collar crimes
- Violent crimes
- Sentencing
- Probation violations
Areas We Serve
The skilled lawyers at Darling Law serve many regions in Florida, including the following cities:
Our law firm also serves several Floridian Counties in different sections of the state:
- Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Highlands, Desoto, Hardee, Sarasota
- Citrus, Hernando, Sumter, Marion, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Brevard, Volusia
- Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, Bradford, Union, Levy, Alachua, Gilchrist
What Should I Expect During the Criminal Legal Process in Florida?
The criminal legal process in Florida involves several steps, beginning with a criminal investigation by law enforcement, which leads to an arrest if probable cause is found. If you face a criminal charge, you can expect the following steps to follow an arrest.
- Initial court hearing within 24 hours after the arrest
- A judge will determine if the State has probable cause to pursue charges
- If probable cause is sufficient, the judge will determine bail or no bail, and the amount
- An arraignment will be scheduled where the prosecutor will outline the charges and state potential statutory punishments
- Negotiations by your attorney for a dismissal of charges or a plea deal
- If no deal is reached, the case goes to a criminal trial
- Once a verdict is reached, there will be a sentencing
- Any post-trial legal issues, such as an appeal, take place (these are separate from what you hire your criminal defense attorney for)
If you are arrested, speaking with an attorney as soon as possible is in your best interest. Your attorney can immediately evaluate the case, gather any additional evidence, and begin to build your defense.
Why Choose Darling Law?
Clients often turn to Darling Law if they find themselves facing criminal charges. Our dedicated, compassionate, and caring attorneys are committed to providing their clients a better criminal defense experience. They will listen to your side of the story and maintain consistent contact with you throughout your case.
Our law firm is also known for its ability to strongly advocate for our clients’ best interests. If we cannot get a case dismissed or reach a satisfactory plea-deal, we are not afraid to take a case to trial. Our founder’s upbringing in poverty and military experience taught us the value of hard work, dedication, and serving others. These values are the foundation for what we do every day.
We will fight hard to preserve your rights!
Our Results
Darling Law is an aggressive law firm that works tirelessly to defend our client and protect their rights. Our track record of success demonstrates our commitment and ability to navigate the legal system.
- Our attorneys personally helped a client arrested for first-degree murder achieve a not-guilty verdict at trial. They were arrested for first-degree murder and charged with second-degree murder. They spent over 21 months or 652 days in jail only to be released the same night the jury came back not guilty.
- Our firm took a misdemeanor domestic violence case to trial in a rural county and achieved a not-guilty verdict. The client and their ex-wife were going through a divorce, and the ex-wife made up lies about the client. False allegations in domestic situations are all too common. In fighting for our client, we went to a jury trial, and the jury returned not guilty.
- Our lawyers advocated for a dismissal in a case where a young client was charged with 20 felonies. The state agreed to the dismissal, and the young person was allowed to complete some requirements and then left to serve our country in the Armed Forces. Our advocacy has kept this client’s future intact.
Testimonials
“Darling Law is top notch! Andrew Darling immediately got to work on my case from the minute I contacted him. He and Ashley from his firm were extremely professional and kept in constant contact with me which made me feel extremely comfortable with the process. They got my case dismissed in very timely manner and cause very little disturbance to my everyday life. I would definitely recommend Darling law to anyone looking for an attorney!”
“I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the outstanding service I received at Darling Law attorneys office. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to both the law and the well-being of your clients. I am truly grateful for the positive experience I have had with Darling Law. I highly recommend Darling Law attorneys office, they are life savers and they can help you with any legal matter. God bless this Law firm”
Facing Criminal Charges? Schedule Your Free Consultation Today!
Facing criminal charges is a frightening situation. The criminal defense lawyers at Darling Law are here for you. Our law firm is highly experienced in Florida criminal cases, and our trial lawyers are not afraid to take a case to court if we think it is in your best interest.
To schedule your free consultation and obtain legal advice, call Darling Law’s experienced criminal defense attorneys at (407) 329-8260 or fill out our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regardless of the type of charges, a reasonable criminal law attorney in Florida will meticulously go over the details of the prosecutor’s evidence. Building a strong defense involves research, experience, legal knowledge, and strategizing. When you search for attorneys, look for the following:
- Amount of experience with criminal law
- Success rates for defending clients
- Level of communication and how well they explain the legal aspects of your situation
- Whether they have trial experience
- Current availability or caseload
- Flat rate or hourly fees for costs
A good lawyer will be happy to answer any questions.
You should hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as you know of any criminal charges or investigations against you. Early legal representation can:
- Significantly impact the outcome of your defense case
- Protect your rights
- Implement effective defense strategies from the start
Even if you have yet to call an attorney, consulting with one later is better than not having any legal representation at all.
If you are arrested in the State of Florida, remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent; do not answer questions or sign any documents without an attorney present. It is crucial to request a lawyer immediately and avoid making any statements that could be used against you in court.
Upon arrest, you have the right to know the reason for your arrest, the right to remain silent, and the right to legal representation so you do not inadvertently incriminate yourself. You can also request to make a phone call to a lawyer or a public defender to receive legal services without police interference.
While it is legally possible to represent yourself in court in Florida “pro se,” it is highly discouraged due to the complexities of the court system, criminal laws, and legal procedures. Having an experienced attorney increases your chances of a favorable outcome by effectively navigating the legal system on your behalf and advocating in your best interests.
A plea bargain is an agreement between you and the prosecution where you plead guilty in exchange for reduced penalties or a more lenient sentence. This option can help avoid the uncertainties of a trial while potentially shortening the legal process and minimizing the consequences of a criminal conviction.
Yes, your case can be dismissed before trial through motions filed by your attorney or negotiations with the prosecutor. Your attorney may successfully argue for dismissal if insufficient evidence or procedural errors exist.
During a criminal trial, the prosecution and defense present their evidence and arguments before a judge or jury. The trial process includes jury selection, opening statements, witness testimonies, cross-examinations, and closing arguments. The judge or jury then decides on the verdict based on the evidence presented, and if the jury or judge finds the person guilty, sentencing will follow.
The Florida criminal justice system involves several stages: law enforcement investigation, arrest, arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial, and potential appeals. Each stage is governed by specific laws and procedures designed to protect the rights of individuals accused of crimes while ensuring justice is served.
Yes, in Florida, the value of the stolen property significantly affects the severity of the charge. If the value is less than $750, it is classified as petit theft, a misdemeanor. For property valued at $750 or more, it becomes grand theft, a felony, with penalties escalating as the value increases. For example, grand theft of property worth $20,000 or more can result in severe felony charges with harsher punishments, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. Prior theft convictions can also enhance penalties, regardless of the property’s value.
A criminal defense attorney can provide crucial assistance in a burglary case in Orlando, Florida, by protecting your rights and building a strong defense. First, they thoroughly analyze the prosecution’s evidence, such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and physical evidence, to identify weaknesses or inconsistencies. They may argue that the entry was lawful, the intent to commit a crime wasn’t present, or that you were misidentified as the perpetrator.
An attorney also negotiates with prosecutors to potentially reduce charges or penalties, such as downgrading burglary to trespassing. If the case proceeds to trial, they advocate on your behalf, presenting evidence and cross-examining witnesses to create reasonable doubt.
Additionally, they navigate local court procedures, guide you through plea bargains, and advise on potential alternatives like diversion programs. Their expertise ensures your case is handled effectively, aiming for reduced penalties, dismissed charges, or acquittal.
In Orlando, Florida, shoplifting and petit theft are closely related but have key distinctions:
Shoplifting specifically refers to theft from a retail store or business, typically involving acts such as concealing merchandise, altering price tags, or attempting to leave without paying. It is a form of petit theft but applies exclusively to retail settings. Shoplifting cases often include evidence like store surveillance footage, loss prevention officer reports, or recovered merchandise.
Petit theft, on the other hand, is a broader term under Florida law that applies to stealing property valued at less than $750, regardless of the location. This could involve theft from individuals, public areas, or businesses. While shoplifting falls under petit theft, petit theft can occur outside a retail context.
The penalties for both offenses are the same and depend on the value of the stolen property and the defendant’s prior criminal history. For property valued under $100, it’s a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. For property valued between $100 and $750, it’s a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
In summary, all shoplifting is petit theft, but not all petit theft is shoplifting, as it covers a wider range of theft scenarios.
Written By Andrew Darling
Andrew Darling is a dedicated attorney, husband, and father. He served in the U.S. Army, deploying to Iraq twice. He is the owner and lead attorney at Darling Law. He coaches youth football. His passion for coaching and mentorship have instilled in him a winning culture, which he brings to his legal practice.