Defending Yourself in Martin County, Florida

Martin County sits along Florida’s Treasure Coast, with the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Lake Okeechobee to the west. The county seat is Stuart, and other cities include Jensen Beach, Palm City, and Hobe Sound. Around 160,000 people call Martin County home.

But even in a small, quiet county like Martin, legal trouble can find you. Maybe you’re facing drug charges, or you’ve been accused of domestic violence. Perhaps you got into a bar fight, or made an honest mistake behind the wheel. Whatever the case, you need strong legal defense.

The prosecutors in Martin County don’t mess around. They’ll push hard for maximum penalties. So you need an aggressive defense lawyer in your corner, someone whose ready to fight tooth-and-nail for you. Let’s look at some of the best criminal defense attorneys in Martin County and how they can help you.

Drug Charges: Possession, Trafficking, Delivery, and More

Florida’s known for being tough on drug crimes. Even minor possession charges can lead to years behind bars. Trafficking and delivery felonies often bring mandatory minimum sentences.

So if you’re facing drug charges in Martin County, you need legal counsel ASAP. A skilled lawyer can review the evidence, spot any irregularities, and formulate a strong defense strategy. For example, they may argue the search leading to your arrest was improper, making key evidence inadmissible. Or they could negotiate with the DA for reduced charges or probation in lieu of prison time.

Attorney Christian Van Riper is one of the top drug crime lawyers in Stuart. He’s secured full dismissals for many clients facing drug possession charges. Christian also has extensive experience defending those accused of trafficking or delivering controlled substances. He works relentlessly to get charges reduced and mandatory minimums waived.

DUI Defense: Protecting Your License and Freedom

Few things disrupt your life like a DUI. You face heavy fines, license suspension, and possibly jail time. Even first-time offenders can receive up to 6 months behind bars in Florida. And a DUI conviction stays on your record for 75 years, impacting jobs, housing, and more.

But skilled DUI defense lawyers understand how to beat these charges. Often the traffic stop or field sobriety tests were unlawful. Breathalyzer results can be called into question. And many times, the accused simply wasn’t over the legal limit.

Attorney Kathryn Roegiers is one of the top DUI defense lawyers in Martin County. She digs deep into the details of each case, aggressively challenging dubious or contradictory evidence. Kathryn leverages her courtroom skills and legal knowledge to expose flaws in the prosecution’s argument. She’s secured full acquittals for numerous clients facing DUI charges.

Domestic Violence Charges: Protect Yourself and Your Future

Domestic disputes often lead to false or inflated accusations of violence. But even misdemeanor domestic battery charges can haunt you forever. They bring up to 1 year in jail plus 3 years probation. And domestic violence convictions prohibit you from owning firearms or working certain jobs.

Skilled criminal defense lawyers know how to beat bogus domestic violence charges. Often the “victim’s” story doesn’t add up or their injuries don’t match the alleged crime. Witness testimony and cell phone evidence frequently contradict accusations as well.

Attorney Arthur B. Brandt has decades of experience defending clients against domestic violence allegations in Martin County. He meticulously reviews police reports, interviews witnesses, and gathers exculpatory evidence. Arthur has secured dismissals for many clients in domestic battery cases by exposing inconsistencies and reasonable doubt. He also helps clients get restraining orders dropped when accusations are false or exaggerated.

Violent Crime Charges: Murder, Assault, Robbery and More

Few allegations are more frightening than violent felony charges like murder, sexual battery, or armed robbery. Just being accused jeopardizes your freedom, reputation, and future. So mounting a vigorous defense is critical.

Skilled criminal lawyers work relentlessly to undermine violent crime charges. Often the police investigation was sloppy or biased. Evidence can be secured to contradict the prosecutor’s theory of the case. Witness testimony can be discredited. And mitigating factors like self-defense or lack of criminal intent can be raised.

Attorney Christian Van Riper has successfully defended clients against serious violent crime charges including attempted murder, aggravated assault, and armed robbery. He’s not afraid to take cases to trial, fighting to exclude prejudicial evidence while presenting facts and testimony that create reasonable doubt. Christian has secured many full acquittals and dismissals for clients facing violent felony counts.

Staying Out of Jail is Just the Beginning

The best criminal defense lawyers don’t just aim to keep you out of jail. They work hard to mitigate consequences and secure the best possible outcome beyond a dismissal or acquittal. That means negotiating with prosecutors to reduce charges, minimize fines, and avoid probation. It also means sealing or expunging records whenever allowed, helping clients restore their reputations.

For example, Attorney Kathryn Roegiers has negotiated deals allowing many clients to enter pre-trial diversion programs, avoiding prosecution and criminal records. Attorney Arthur B. Brandt has successfully petitioned courts to seal records for past clients, helping them pass background checks and move on with life after their cases.

Don’t Gamble with Your Future—Hire the Best Criminal Defense

Facing criminal charges in Martin County can be scary. The prosecutors play hardball, and the penalties are severe even for misdemeanors. Instead of gambling with your future, contact a top local criminal defense attorney for help. The right lawyer can thoroughly analyze your case, build an aggressive defense, and give you the advantage you need to secure the best possible outcome. Your freedom, rights, and reputation are on the line, so don’t settle for less than the strongest legal defense.