Criminal Defense Overview

Aggressive Criminal Defense Attorneys Fighting for Justice

If you’ve been accused of committing a crime, your freedom is on the line. The outcome of your criminal case could affect the rest of your life, which is why you should never take this type of situation lightly. You need an attorney to advocate for you and fight on your behalf. If you’re facing criminal charges, seek legal representation from the criminal defense attorneys in Bradenton at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett. Our attorneys believe that every defendant is entitled to the strongest possible legal defense. We know how the consequences of a conviction can impact your life, which is why we will work tirelessly to help you avoid this outcome. We are committed to protecting your rights and aggressively fighting for your freedom. Take the first step towards seeking justice by scheduling a free consultation with our team. To schedule your consultation, call 941-289-0504 now.

Attorneys at Carlson Meissner Law Firm on Criminal Defense

Attorney J. Kevin Hayslett

Types of Criminal Defense Cases

Since 1971, our attorneys have represented clients facing many different types of criminal charges. Some of our attorneys' many practice areas include:

  • Violation of Probation
  • Battery
  • Sex Crimes
  • Arson
  • Felony Crimes
  • Misdemeanor Crimes

Don' try to fight your criminal charges alone. Turn to our knowledgeable Bradenton criminal defense attorneys, who have the legal experience you need to win your case.

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What Should I Do If I’ve Been Arrested in Bradenton?

No one ever plans on being arrested, but it’s important to know what you should do in the event that you are taken into custody by law enforcement officers in Bradenton. If you’re arrested, it’s in your best interest to exercise your right to remain silent. Don’t try to explain what happened or proclaim your innocence to the police. Anything that you say may be taken out of context and used against you later on. Do not answer any questions, either. If the police try to interrogate you, exercise your right to legal counsel. Remain silent and contact our criminal defense lawyers in Bradenton for help as soon as possible. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin defending your rights and working to reach the best possible outcome in your case. Do not make any major decisions—such as what plea to enter—without speaking to our attorneys about your case first.

Man with hands handcuffed behind his back.

What Penalties Will I Face If I’m Convicted Of A Crime in Florida?

Every criminal charge in Bradenton carries serious legal penalties. The penalties that you will face will vary depending on many factors, including the classification of the crime and your prior criminal record.

But some of the penalties that the court could impose on you for a conviction include:

  • Probation
  • Jail or prison time
  • Fines
  • Community service
  • Restitution
  • Suspension of driving privileges

The only way to avoid these penalties is to aggressively fight your charges and clear your name with the help of our attorneys.

How Can A Criminal Defense Attorney in Bradenton Help Me?

The stakes are high in a criminal case. Hiring a criminal defense attorney is the best way to increase your chances of securing your freedom. At Carlson Meissner & Hayslett, our attorneys will handle every aspect of your criminal case, including:

  • Protecting your rights throughout the entire legal process
  • Representing you at all court hearings
  • Helping you understand the charges you face, the potential penalties, and your legal options
  • Carefully analyzing your case to identify weaknesses
  • Conducting an investigation to gather our own evidence that can be used to weaken the state’s case against you
  • Aggressively negotiating the terms of a plea deal
  • Defending you in court in front of a judge and jury if your case goes to trial
  • Implementing an effective defense strategy that pokes holes in the prosecution’s case, questions the reliability of witnesses, and puts doubt in the jurors’ minds.

We know what it takes to reach a favorable resolution in your case. Let us be the biggest ally in your fight for justice.

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Schedule A Free Consultation With Our Bradenton Criminal Defense Lawyers Today

Are you facing criminal charges? Don’t waste another minute—seek legal representation from the criminal defense lawyers in Bradenton at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett as soon as possible. Our team of attorneys has over 125 years of combined experience. This extensive experience—combined with our vast resources—allows us to help clients in a wide range of criminal cases. We know what it takes to reach the best possible outcome in your case. Let us put our resources and experience to work for you. To schedule a free consultation regarding your case, call 941-289-0504 or fill out the form on this website.

Why Choose the Bradenton Criminal Defense Lawyers at Carlson Meissner & Haylsett?

If you’re facing criminal charges in Bradenton, your freedom, reputation, and future may be on the line. Prosecutors move quickly, and the consequences of a conviction can be severe. The criminal defense attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett bring decades of combined experience to every case and know how to challenge evidence, protect your rights, and build a strong defense from the very start.

At Carlson Meissner & Hayslett, we provide a personalized, hands-on defense strategy grounded in integrity and dedicated client advocacy. Here’s what sets our firm apart:

  • Our attorneys have deep roots in the Tampa Bay area and are actively involved in local communities and organizations.
  • We are local defense lawyers—not a national, cookie-cutter firm—who understand the courts, judges, and prosecutors in the region.
  • Our firm has played a role in nominating judges our clients rely on during critical legal moments.
  • We maintain a close-knit, family-like firm culture that directly impacts the care, preparation, and attention each client receives.

To schedule a confidential consultation regarding your criminal defense case in Bradenton, please call us or complete our contact form.

Casey K. Carlson

Free Case Evaluation Contact us today to learn how we can help you navigate your legal concerns.

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