Carlson Hayslett logo
Locations Available 24/7 727-219-2272

Criminal Defense Overview

Types of Criminal Cases Criminal Conviction Penalties How We Help Why Choose Carlson Meissner & Hayslett FAQs

Secure Your Rights and Freedom with Our Criminal Defense Attorneys in Clearwater, Florida?

Facing criminal charges is frightening. You may not know how to plead, prove your innocence, or fight for your freedom. Furthermore, the stress of not knowing what will happen in the future could be too much for you to bear. If you’re in this situation, the criminal defense attorneys in Clearwater at Carlson Hayslett, P.A. are here to help. A criminal case is a serious matter, so you need an attorney who you can trust to protect your best interests. Our lawyers are dedicated to defending your rights and fighting to secure your freedom. We know that this is one of the most challenging times in your life, and we are committed to helping you get through it. Schedule a free consultation with our team today to discuss your legal options.

Attorneys at Carlson Hayslett, P.A. on Criminal Defense

Attorney J. Kevin Hayslett

What Types of Criminal Cases Do We Handle?

Our criminal defense attorneys in Clearwater, Florida, are passionate about protecting the rights of the accused.

Our attorneys handle a wide range of criminal cases, including:

  • DUI
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes
  • Battery
  • Sex Crimes
  • Child Abuse
  • Violation of Probation
  • Traffic Violations
  • Felony Crimes
  • Misdemeanor Crimes
  • Federal Criminal Defense

Let us put our experience, resources, and knowledge to work for you.

Banner media

What Are the Penalties For A Criminal Conviction in Clearwater, FL?

The state of Florida is tough on crime. If you are accused of committing a crime, you could face a wide range of serious penalties. The penalties that you will face will vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the crime and whether or not you are a repeat offender. Some of the most common penalties imposed on offenders in Clearwater include:

  • Monetary fines
  • Probation
  • Lengthy jail or prison sentences
  • Mandatory completion of community service hours
  • Loss of driving privileges
  • Loss of professional licensing

These are not the only potential penalties of a criminal conviction. Having a criminal conviction on your record can also impact your ability to obtain employment or find housing in the future. This is why it’s so important to aggressively fight your charges with the help of our criminal defense attorneys in Clearwater, FL.

Handcuffed man walking with police.

Do You Need to Hire A Criminal Defense Lawyer For Misdemeanor Charges?

Many people assume that they don’t need to hire an attorney if they are only charged with a misdemeanor. But this is not the case. A misdemeanor is not as serious as a felony, but every misdemeanor crime in Florida still carries major legal penalties. Plus, even though it’s a misdemeanor, a conviction will still remain on your record and impact your future.

If you are charged with any crime—regardless of whether it is a misdemeanor or felony—it’s best to seek legal representation from our criminal defense lawyers in Clearwater as soon as possible. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that a misdemeanor criminal charge can be taken lightly.

Real Client Testimonial

This is a superb firm! They provided unexpected results in a professional manner! I will definitely use them again!

C.G.

Our lawyers are available 24/7 Talk to a lawyer now.

Book your free consultation today Call now

How Can Our Clearwater, Florida, Criminal Defense Attorneys Help?

If you hire our criminal defense lawyers in Clearwater, we will begin by thoroughly reviewing the details of your case to learn more about your unique situation. We will look for opportunities to challenge the way that evidence was collected, how you were questioned, the reliability of witnesses, and the legality of a search or traffic stop. Our goal is to find a way to weaken the state’s case against you.

We will work tirelessly to minimize the penalties that you face. Sometimes the best way to do this is to accept a plea deal. In these cases, we can aggressively negotiate with the prosecutor to help our clients obtain a favorable plea deal. If your case goes to trial, we will defend your rights in court and present a strong case that puts doubt in the jurors’ minds. No two criminal defense cases are the same, which is why we will create a custom defense strategy for your case. We will explore every possible avenue to beat your criminal charges, secure your freedom, and clear your name.

Banner media

Why Choose the Criminal Defense Lawyers at Carlson Hayslett, P.A. in Clearwater, FL? 

If you are facing criminal charges in Clearwater, Florida, the consequences can be serious and long-lasting. You need a defense team that understands the local legal system and knows how to protect your rights at every stage of the process. The criminal defense attorneys at Carlson Hayslett, P.A. bring more than 125 years of combined legal experience and a strategic, results-driven approach to defending individuals accused of misdemeanors and felonies throughout the Clearwater area.

At Carlson Hayslett, P.A., we provide a personalized, hands-on defense rooted in strong ethics and unwavering client advocacy. What sets our team apart includes:

  • Deep roots in the Tampa Bay and Clearwater legal communities
  • Extensive familiarity with local courts, prosecutors, and the judges who preside over criminal cases
  • Active leadership within the legal community, including involvement in the nomination of judges our clients now appear before
  • Recognition from respected legal organizations such as Super Lawyers, Florida Trial Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and the Clearwater Bar Association

When your freedom, reputation, and future are at stake, experience matters. Contact Carlson Hayslett, P.A. today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how our Clearwater criminal defense attorneys can help protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.

Casey K. Carlson
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating logo
FL Board Certified Attorney logo
AVVO Top-Rated 10.0 logo

Criminal Defense FAQs

What is an arraignment?

What happens after a person is arrested?

What is the most important task of defense attorneys?

How much does it cost?

When do the police have to advise me of my rights?

Is it okay to talk to the police if I am innocent of the charges?

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

Do I need to hire a criminal defense attorney if I plan on pleading guilty?

Is there a difference between probation and parole?

What is the difference between a dismissal and an expungement?

What is an arraignment?

Arraignment is the formal reading of a criminal charging document in the defendant's presence. This informs them of the charges against them. In response to arraignment, the accused may be expected to enter a plea, but this differs based on jurisdiction.

What happens after a person is arrested?

You’ll be taken into custody and informed of your Miranda rights before being questioned. Next, they’ll search you, and your items will be inventoried. You will then be booked, which refers to providing personal information and fingerprints before taking your photo. Next, you’ll be arraigned and enter your plea. You may be able to leave police custody if you’ve posted bail.

What is the most important task of defense attorneys?

Our job is to defend you with a fair case. We develop relationships with our clients to provide counsel and help them understand their legal options. In conducting research, preparing legal documents, and performing other duties, we ensure our clients receive the best representation per their constitutional rights.

How much does it cost?

How much a criminal defense lawyer in Clearwater costs depends on many factors, such as location and experience. The average cost for misdemeanor defense is $2500 to $8000, while the average cost for felony defense is $10,000 to $20,000.

When do the police have to advise me of my rights?

The police only have to inform you of your Miranda rights if you are 1. formally in custody and 2. are being interrogated. Police can use anything you say against you, even before you have heard your rights, if either of these conditions isn’t met.

Is it okay to talk to the police if I am innocent of the charges?

The best rule to follow when interacting with police is to remain silent until you consult an experienced defense lawyer. They can take something you say out of context, or something you forget to include may be considered a lie.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by no more than one year in jail. Crimes punishable by one year or longer in prison are generally felony offenses.

Do I need to hire a criminal defense attorney if I plan on pleading guilty?

You must hire a criminal defense attorney in Clearwater to protect your rights regardless of what you plan on pleading, as the prosecution seeks to bring the harshest penalties possible in criminal cases.

Is there a difference between probation and parole?

Probation is an alternative to prison, while parole is a shortened amount of time spent in prison. When you are sentenced to probation, you can suspend your jail time by following specific terms. Parole helps people complete their criminal sentence outside of jail if they have already completed a portion.

What is the difference between a dismissal and an expungement?

A dismissal can occur when a prosecutor drops your case, while an expungement is when your case is erased. The court records relating to your matter are destroyed, and you can truthfully state on job and loan applications that you have never been convicted of a criminal charge.

Woman leering at husband
Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence
Drug paraphernalia
Drug Crimes

Drug Crimes
Person writing on paper
Criminal Appeals

Criminal Appeals

Check Out These Criminal Defense Blogs

How Do Plea Bargains Work?

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?

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?

Other Case Types

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

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

This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Get Started
Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (727) 847-2737.
Contact Us