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Seminole County Criminal Lawyers

If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Seminole County, Florida, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney should be your first priority. The stakes are high and you need someone in your corner who knows the local courts, prosecutors and judges. A good Seminole County criminal lawyer can analyze the charges against you, build a strong defense, negotiate with the prosecution and represent you in court. They know how to protect your rights and fight to get charges reduced or dismissed. Don’t go it alone against the power of the government – get the experienced legal help you need.

Common Criminal Charges in Seminole County

Some of the most common criminal offenses charged in Seminole County include:

DUI/DWI
Drug crimes like possession, distribution, trafficking
Theft, burglary, robbery
Assault, battery, domestic violence
Weapons charges
Sex crimes
White collar crimes like fraud, embezzlement

A conviction on any criminal charge can result in huge fines, years in jail or prison, and a permanent criminal record that affects the rest of your life. Don’t take these charges lightly – get a Seminole County criminal defense lawyer on your side immediately.

Finding the Best Criminal Lawyer in Seminole County

There are many criminal defense attorneys and law firms to choose from in Seminole County. Here are some tips for finding the best one for your case:

Look for extensive experience defending clients accused of similar charges as yours. An attorney who mainly handles DUIs may not be the best choice for a complex white collar crime, for example.
Make sure they are familiar with Seminole County courts, judges, prosecutors and procedures.
Find someone who is aggressive in defending their clients yet cool under pressure. You want an attorney who won’t back down easily.
Choose a criminal lawyer with a track record of positive case results, whether that’s getting charges reduced or dismissed, avoiding jail time, or winning at trial.
Be sure they have time to devote to your case and won’t pass you off to less experienced associates.
Consider boutique criminal defense firms who concentrate on criminal law rather than large multi-practice firms.
Personality and communication style are also important. Make sure your attorney listens to you, answers your questions and makes you feel comfortable putting your future in their hands.

Investigating the Charges Against You

After you’ve hired a criminal defense attorney in Seminole County, one of the first things they will do is conduct their own thorough investigation into the accusations against you. This may include:

Interviewing any witnesses, including both prosecution and defense witnesses
Visiting the crime scene to look for evidence
Reviewing all evidence collected by police
Researching the background and reputation of any witnesses
Checking out the background of police officers involved
Looking into any possible investigative errors or constitutional violations

Your attorney needs to know every detail of your case inside and out to build the strongest defense. They may even hire outside private investigators or forensic experts if needed.

Fighting the Charges Against You

Once your Seminole County criminal defense attorney has completed their independent investigation, they have several options to start fighting the charges against you. Common strategies may include:

Filing motions – Your attorney can file motions asking the court to throw out evidence, dismiss charges or take other actions in your favor due to legal errors or constitutional rights violations.
Plea negotiations – Your lawyer can negotiate with the prosecution to get charges reduced or even dismissed in exchange for a guilty or no contest plea.
Diversion programs – For some first-time offenses, you may be eligible for a diversion program that results in charges being dismissed once completed.
Trial defense – If your case goes to trial, your attorney’s trial skills are extremely important as they cross-examine witnesses, present evidence and build reasonable doubt.

An experienced Seminole County criminal lawyer will know how to apply the optimal strategies for your unique situation. The end goal is getting charges reduced or dismissed so you can move on with your life.

Common Defenses in Seminole County Criminal Cases

Some of the most effective defenses your criminal defense attorney may use include:

Illegal search and seizure – If police violated your 4th Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure, evidence may be suppressed.
Miranda rights violations – If police didn’t read you your Miranda rights upon arrest, your statements may be inadmissible.
Insufficient evidence – If the prosecution lacks enough solid evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, charges can be dismissed.
Misidentification – Eyewitness misidentification is a common cause of wrongful convictions.
Self-defense – In assault, battery and some homicide cases, self-defense may justify your actions.
Alibi – An alibi showing you were somewhere else at the time of the crime can destroy the prosecution’s case.
Mental incompetence – Defendants found unable to understand court proceedings may have charges dismissed and be committed to mental health treatment instead of prison.

An experienced Seminole County criminal attorney will know how and when to effectively apply these defenses and others to fight your charges.

Considering a Plea Bargain

Over 90% of criminal cases end in a plea bargain rather than going to trial. Your attorney may negotiate a deal like:

Pleading to a lesser charge in exchange for having more serious charges dropped
Agreeing to participate in a diversion program to avoid a conviction
Receiving a lighter sentence recommendation from the prosecution

Your lawyer will discuss the pros and cons of any plea bargain offer and whether it’s in your best interests to accept it. The final decision is always up to you.

Preparing for Trial

If your case does go to trial, your Seminole County criminal defense attorney will handle all preparations including:

Filing pretrial motions objecting to evidence or witnesses
Interviewing and preparing witnesses to testify on your behalf
Selecting jurors favorable to your case
Crafting opening and closing arguments
Preparing you to take the stand if you choose to testify
Presenting evidence that supports your defense
Cross-examining prosecution witnesses to discredit their testimony

Their negotiation and trial skills along with experience before local judges and juries can make all the difference at this critical stage.

Getting Your Record Sealed or Expunged

If you are found not guilty or complete a diversion program, your Seminole County criminal defense attorney can petition the court to seal or expunge your record. This can help prevent your arrest and charges from negatively impacting things like job applications, housing applications, and school applications in the future. An experienced lawyer will know the proper procedures to ensure this happens smoothly.

Don’t Go It Alone – Hire a Seminole County Criminal Lawyer Today

Being arrested and charged with a crime in Seminole County is scary. But you don’t have to go through it alone. An experienced local criminal defense attorney can protect your rights, build a strong defense against your charges and give you the best chance of a positive outcome. Don’t leave your future to chance – schedule a consultation with a seasoned Seminole County criminal lawyer today.