Protect Your Rights with Our Criminal Defense Attorneys

You may have a number of thoughts, questions, and concerns immediately following your arrest. What are the chances of getting convicted? Is there any way to fight the charges? How will the case affect your career, finances, and family? If these are the questions that are keeping you up at night, contact our St. Petersburg criminal defense attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett right away. Our attorneys know how terrifying it is to face criminal charges in St. Pete. Our goal is to take some of this stress away by guiding you through the criminal court system, protecting your rights, and aggressively fighting for your freedom. If you’ve been charged with a crime, seek justice with our help. Discuss your case today by calling 727-616-1210 to schedule a free consultation with our lawyers.

Attorneys at Carlson Meissner Law Firm on Criminal Defense

Attorney J. Kevin Hayslett

Types of Criminal Defense Cases in St. Petersburg

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't try to fight your criminal charges alone. Turn to our knowledgeable St. Petersburg criminal defense attorneys, who have the legal experience you need to win your case.

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What Happens If A Police Officer Does Not Read Your Miranda Rights?

Most people in the U.S. believe that if a police officer does not read your Miranda Rights to you, your case will get dismissed. This is not a true statement. Your Miranda Rights only apply if the law enforcement officer asks you questions while you are in custody. This is called “custodial interrogation.” Basically, this means if you are in custody, in handcuffs, or not free to go, a police officer must read your Miranda Rights before they begin interrogating you. If they fail to read these rights, and you choose to answer their questions, your statements cannot be used against you. This is because you were not aware of your rights, including your right to remain silent, when answering the questions. Your case will not be dismissed, but your statements, which could be used as evidence against you, will not be admissible in your case. However, if you are arrested but not questioned, the fact that your Miranda Rights were not read to you will not impact the outcome of your case.

Handcuffed man walking with police.

Will You Face Jail Time If You’re Convicted Of A Crime in St. Pete?

The courts in Florida can impose a wide range of penalties on anyone who is convicted of a crime, including jail or prison time. Jail time is a possibility if you are convicted of a misdemeanor crime in St. Pete, whereas prison time is possible if you are convicted of a felony crime.

These aren’t the only penalties that you can face for a criminal conviction. In addition to jail or prison time, the court can also impose:

  • Fines
  • Mandatory completion of community service hours
  • Probation
  • Driver’s license suspension

The penalties that are imposed on you will depend on your prior criminal record and the severity of your crime.  Contact us today to see how our criminal defense lawyers in St. Petersburg can help.

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FAQ

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?

At an arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges filed by the State. They are also informed of their right to an attorney. If the accused can’t afford an attorney but wishes to be represented, the judge may appoint an attorney from the Public Defender's Office during the arraignment.

What happens after a person is arrested?

Once a person has been arrested, police will generally take them to jail. On some misdemeanors, police may instead provide a “Notice to Appear” with a court date and time. A warrant could be issued for your arrest if you do not appear in court on that date and time. It’s important to note that a “Notice to Appear” is considered an arrest, although you are not taken to jail, and the legal process begins.

What is the most important task of defense attorneys?

As defense attorneys, our most important task is to develop close relationships with our clients to identify their legal needs, provide counsel, and help them understand their legal options. We also conduct research, prepare legal documents, and perform other duties to ensure our clients receive the best and most personalized legal solutions.

How much does it cost?

Experienced Florida criminal defense attorneys will charge $4,000 to $5,000 per hour. For felony charges, they may charge an average of $3,500 to $10,000. The cost of legal services for first and second-degree felonies ranges from $35,000 to $100,000.

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

Florida police do not always have to read you your Miranda rights. Instead, the warning only applies if you’re in police custody and are being questioned.

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. Police officers are trained to obtain confessions, admissions, and inconsistencies. If you are innocent, they will use inconsistencies in your statements as evidence of guilt.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

The two crime classifications are categorized based on potential sentencing. A misdemeanor is a lesser offense than a felony and is punishable by up to one year in a county jail. A felony is a crime punishable by over one year in a federal prison facility.

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

You must hire a criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights regardless of what you plan on pleading. This is because the prosecution tries to bring the harshest penalties possible in criminal cases.

Is there a difference between probation and parole?

Parole in Florida happens while a person is still serving their sentence. Probation is a "post-release" condition that starts once a sentence for imprisonment is over.

What is the difference between a dismissal and an expungement?

An expungement occurs when an arrest record in a criminal case no longer exists. A dismissal is a court decision to dismiss a lawsuit without holding the defendant liable. The difference is that the case file and arrest records remain public with dismissal.

What Does A Criminal Attorney in St. Pete Do?

By hiring a criminal defense attorney, you are essentially investing in your future. If you hire our attorneys, we will:

  • Ensure you are treated fairly by the criminal justice system
  • Analyze your case to look for flaws and weaknesses
  • Gather evidence that can be used to weaken the state’s case against you
  • Help you understand your legal options and make the right decisions for your future
  • Represent you during all court hearings
  • Negotiate with the state in an effort to get your charges reduced or dismissed
  • Negotiate terms of a favorable plea deal
  • Present a strong, effective defense to a judge and jury

These are some of the many responsibilities that our team will take on when representing you. Our criminal defense attorneys will be your biggest allies in your fight for your freedom. Let us review your case and begin developing an effective defense strategy that we can use to reach the best possible outcome in your case.

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Book A Free Case Evaluation With Our St. Pete Criminal Lawyers Now

Every second matters when you are facing criminal charges. If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, seek legal representation from our criminal defense lawyers in St. Petersburg at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett as soon as possible. Together, our attorneys have more than 125 years of experience defending the rights of the accused.

We use our extensive experience and resources to aggressively protect our clients’ best interests and fight for their freedom. Let us review your case, explore your legal options, and explain how we can help during a free consultation with our team. To schedule a free consultation regarding your case, call our law firm at 727-616-1210.

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

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