Criminal Defense Lawyer in Bradenton, FL

Criminal Defense Lawyers Fighting For Your Freedom

Domestic Violence Drug Crimes Criminal Appeals

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

Real Client Testimonial

Absolutely amazing experience! The team at Carlson Meissner Hayslett, P.A. is professional, knowledgeable, and truly cares about their clients. They guided me every step of the way and got the results I hoped for. Highly recommended!

E.M.

Schedule A Consultation

941-289-0504 Contact Us

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:

DUI
Drug Crimes
Domestic Violence
Federal Criminal Defense

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.

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.

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

Facing criminal charges in Bradenton can be overwhelming, with potential consequences that affect your freedom, career, and future. You need a defense team with deep local knowledge and the experience to navigate the Manatee County court system effectively. The criminal defense attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett bring more than 125 years of combined legal experience and a focused, strategic approach to defending clients against misdemeanor and felony charges throughout the Bradenton area.

Carlson Meissner & Hayslett offers a personalized, hands-on defense backed by strong ethics and a genuine commitment to client care. Our firm is distinguished by:

Longstanding roots in the Bradenton and greater Tampa Bay legal communities
Thorough familiarity with Manatee County courts, prosecutors, and the judges who handle criminal cases
Active leadership within the legal community, including participation in the nomination of judges our clients rely on in court
Recognition from respected legal organizations such as Super Lawyers, Florida Trial Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and local bar associations

When your future is on the line, having the right defense matters. Contact Carlson Meissner & Hayslett today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how our Bradenton criminal defense attorneys can help protect your rights and pursue the strongest possible defense.

Other Case Types

Personal Injury DUI Social Security Disability Workers Compensation Premises Liability Car Accidents Motorcycle Accidents Truck Accidents

Check Out These Criminal Defense Blogs

How Do Plea Bargains Work?

Many people assume that if they are charged with a crime in Florida, their case will go to trial, where a jury will decide their fate. But in reality, most criminal cases are not resolved by trial verdicts, but rather through plea bargains, which are also known as plea deals or plea agreements.

Read more about How Do Plea Bargains Work?

Am I Guilty of Making Criminal Threats?

Some people assume that making a threat against someone isn’t a crime unless they follow through with the threat. But that’s not the case. There are several statutes in the state of Florida that prohibit making threats toward others.

Read more about Am I Guilty of Making Criminal Threats?