Criminal Defense Attorney Florida

Ultimately, our role as criminal defense attorneys in Florida is to ensure that our clients facing criminal charges receive a fair trial and the best possible outcome. Our primary goal is to defend our clients and help them navigate the criminal justice system while protecting their rights, investigating the case, and building a strong defense strategy.

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Criminal Conviction

A criminal conviction can result in imprisonment, significant fines, loss of reputation, and other life-altering consequences, whether you are:

Issued a Notice to Appear
Issued a law enforcement citation
Placed under arrest
Facing a criminal indictment
Expecting to serve time in a federal prison or county jail
Subject to a criminal investigation, be prepared to protect your legal rights quickly.

You may only have a short window to fight your criminal charges successfully. The course of your criminal case and your rights will depend on your actions and your criminal defense attorney. The seasoned criminal defense attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett will work hard to have your charges dismissed or reduced. Our Florida criminal defense lawyers believe everyone deserves the best legal representation to protect their rights.

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Criminal Defense at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett

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Types of Criminal Cases We Can Help You With

The criminal defense attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett have helped clients in a wide range of case types, including:

Criminal Traffic Cases

Federal Criminal Defense

Unlicensed Contracting

If you have been arrested or are facing arrest, our attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett will evaluate the facts of your case and build a robust defense strategy to get your charges dropped or reduced. Do not accept the charges against you without putting up a fight!

Be Proactive and Protect Your Rights

When you are charged with a crime, do not let the Public Defender’s Office, State Attorney’s Office, or the Court system dictate your future. You have the right to obtain legal counsel at any stage. You need to know your rights and legal options. There are devastating potential consequences to criminal offenses in Florida, such as:

Mandatory jail time
Mandatory probation
Permanent criminal record
Suspension of driving privilege

The skillful Tampa criminal defense lawyers at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett can mount a powerful defense to protect your freedom. Our deep understanding of the criminal code and legal processes, vast resources, and years of courtroom experience allows us to obtain the most favorable outcomes possible for our clients.

Penalties in a Criminal Conviction in Florida

Many accused tragically delay getting legal counsel to save a few dollars. When you are wondering whether or not it makes sense to pay for legal representation, remember that the cost of hiring an attorney pale in comparison to the consequences of a criminal conviction.

As per Florida Statutes § 775.083, you may be expected to pay the following fines in addition to facing prison time for general criminal charges:

First-degree misdemeanor: $1,000
Third-degree felony: $5,000
First- or second-degree felony: $10,000
Life felony: $15,000

DUI fines and penalties are as follows:

DUI manslaughter/leaving the scene: Fines up to $10,000
DUI manslaughter: Fines up to $10,000 or more
Second DUI conviction: Fines of $1000 or more
First DUI misdemeanor: Fines of $500 or more

Depending on the type of charge and prior convictions, you may also face mandatory imprisonment if convicted of a DUI charge. You should consider the cost of convictions regarding jail time, fines, and other negative impacts on your life to determine whether working with a criminal defense attorney makes sense.

Role of a Florida Criminal Defense Attorney

The primary responsibility and function of a criminal defense attorney in Florida are to represent the criminally accused person passionately. With that said, there are several essential aspects to this role:

You need an attorney that counsels you and guides you toward taking all necessary and reasonable steps that you can use in your defense
The attorney should gather individual facts, review police reports, interview witnesses, subpoena documents, and research statutes and precedents
Your criminal defense attorney must have substantial experience examining witnesses at hearings, trials, and depositions
They should be capable enough to prepare compelling arguments

The role of a defense attorney doesn’t just end here. In some cases, they may also request the court to consider new interpretations of existing statutes and laws to support their client’s interests.

When Should You Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

You should retain the services of a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after getting charged with a crime or becoming the subject of a criminal investigation. Having an attorney on board right from the beginning will help you ensure a strong defense. Your attorney will guide you every step of the process and prevent you from inadvertently saying something that incriminates you.

Our Seasoned Criminal Defense Attorneys are Ready to Defend You

The tenacious and skilled criminal defense attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett understand the criminal justice process in Florida and its inherent players. Carlson Meissner & Hayslett is a leading criminal defense law firm that believes in providing each client with the undivided attention, vast resources, and passionate defense they deserve. We care about you and understand a conviction's impact on you and your family’s future. Our attorneys will work to have your charges dismissed or reduced as far as possible. To set up your free and confidential consultation, call us at 877-728-9653 or reach us online.