Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 5:30pm
- 49 N. East Avenue, Suite C Sarasota, FL 34237
Protecting Futures. Guiding Youth. Defending Rights.In Florida, juvenile delinquency law exists to balance accountability with rehabilitation for minors accused of criminal offenses. Unlike the adult criminal justice system, juvenile law emphasizes second chances, aiming to steer young individuals away from a life of crime and toward a productive future.
Our firm provides aggressive, compassionate, and strategic legal representation for juveniles facing criminal charges. We understand that one mistake shouldn’t define a child’s life. From misdemeanors and school-related offenses to serious felonies, we defend our clients with the goal of minimizing long-term consequences such as detention, probation, or the creation of a permanent criminal record.
We help families navigate:
Whether your child is facing a first-time offense or a more serious charge, we fight to protect their rights and future at every stage of the process. Our team brings deep knowledge of Florida’s juvenile justice system, relationships with local programs, and a commitment to client-focused outcomes.
Because every child deserves a second chance. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor in Florida, it’s important to take the situation seriously. While misdemeanors are considered less severe than felonies, a conviction can still result in jail time, probation, fines, and a permanent criminal record that can impact your job, housing, and future opportunities.
As experienced Florida misdemeanor defense attorneys, we represent individuals facing a wide range of misdemeanor charges, including:
Florida Misdemeanor Classifications
Florida divides misdemeanors into two categories:
First-Time Offenders and Diversion Programs
If this is your first offense, you may qualify for a pre-trial diversion program or withhold of adjudication, which can allow you to avoid a conviction altogether. We evaluate every legal option available to minimize or eliminate the impact of the charge on your life. In Sarasota or Manatee counties, this might mean exploring Drug Court, Health Care Court, Comprehensive Treatment Court, or many of the available alternative and/or diversion programs.
Personalized Defense
Every arrest comes with its own set of facts – none more important than the individual that was arrested. Defending against a criminal charge takes more than knowledge of the law – it also means knowing your client. We are dedicated advocates who not only know the Florida criminal court system, but also get to know the needs and considerations of our clients. This way, we can fight tirelessly to protect your future and provide you the resources and opportunity to make it the best future possible.
Call Today for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a misdemeanor in Florida, don’t wait. Early intervention can make all the difference. Call now for a free, confidential consultation and let’s start building your defense today.
DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
Protecting Your License and Your Freedom
If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida, the consequences can be swift and severe. From losing your driver’s license to facing jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record, a DUI charge can affect every aspect of your life. Our experienced Florida DUI defense lawyers understand what’s at stake – and we’re here to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
DUI Charges in Florida: What You Need to Know
Under Florida law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher—or while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. You can be charged with DUI even if your BAC is below the legal limit if law enforcement believes your ability to drive is impaired.
DUI Penalties in Florida
DUI penalties depend on several factors, including your BAC level, prior offenses, whether there was an accident or injury, and whether a minor was in the vehicle. Potential consequences include:
| Type of Offense | Fines | Jail Sentence | Probation | License Revocation | Vehicle Impoundment | Ignition Interlock | Other Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Offense (BAC < 0.15) | $500 – $1,000 | Up to 6 months | Up to 1 year | 180 days – 1 year | 10 days | Discretionary | 50 hours community service, DUI school, evaluation |
| First Offense (BAC ≥ 0.15 or minor) | $1,000 – $2,000 | Up to 9 months | Up to 1 year | 180 days – 1 year | 10 days | 6 months (mandatory) | Community service, DUI school, evaluation |
| Second Offense (within 5 years) | $1,000 – $2,000 | 10 days – 9 months | Up to 1 year | Min. 5 years | 30 days | 1 year min | DUI school, evaluation |
| Third Offense (within 10 years) | $2,000 – $5,000 | 30 days – 12 months (felony possible) | Up to 1 year | Min. 10 years | 90 days | 2 years min | DUI school, evaluation |
| Fourth Offense+ | $2,000 – $5,000 | Up to 5 years (felony) | Up to 5 years | Permanent | 90 days | 5 years min | DUI school, evaluation |
DMV Hearings and License Suspension
In Florida, you only have >10 days from the date of your arrest to request a formal review hearing with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to fight the automatic suspension of your license. We represent clients at these administrative hearings to help preserve driving privileges and secure hardship licenses when available.
Defending Against DUI Charges
We take a strategic, detail-oriented approach to DUI defense. Common DUI defense strategies include:
First-Time DUI Offenders and Diversion
If this is your first DUI and there were no aggravating circumstances, you may qualify for a DUI diversion program (examples include DETER and DUI Court). These programs can lead to reduced penalties or even dismissal of charges. We’ll evaluate your eligibility and guide you through the process.
Get the Defense You Deserve
Whether this is your first DUI or a repeat offense, we provide aggressive, experienced legal representation designed to protect your license, limit the consequences, and defend your rights at every stage of the case. We understand how overwhelming a DUI charge can be—and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor in Florida, it’s important to take the situation seriously. While misdemeanors are considered less severe than felonies, a conviction can still result in jail time, probation, fines, and a permanent criminal record that can impact your job, housing, and future opportunities.
As experienced Florida misdemeanor defense attorneys, we represent individuals facing a wide range of misdemeanor charges, including:
Florida Misdemeanor Classifications
Florida divides misdemeanors into two categories:
First-Time Offenders and Diversion Programs
If this is your first offense, you may qualify for a pre-trial diversion program or withhold of adjudication, which can allow you to avoid a conviction altogether. We evaluate every legal option available to minimize or eliminate the impact of the charge on your life. In Sarasota or Manatee counties, this might mean exploring Drug Court, Health Care Court, Comprehensive Treatment Court, or many of the available alternative and/or diversion programs.
Personalized Defense
Every arrest comes with its own set of facts – none more important than the individual that was arrested. Defending against a criminal charge takes more than knowledge of the law – it also means knowing your client. We are dedicated advocates who not only know the Florida criminal court system, but also get to know the needs and considerations of our clients. This way, we can fight tirelessly to protect your future and provide you the resources and opportunity to make it the best future possible.
Call Today for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a misdemeanor in Florida, don’t wait. Early intervention can make all the difference. Call now for a free, confidential consultation and let’s start building your defense today.
DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
Protecting Your License and Your Freedom
If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida, the consequences can be swift and severe. From losing your driver’s license to facing jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record, a DUI charge can affect every aspect of your life. Our experienced Florida DUI defense lawyers understand what’s at stake – and we’re here to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
DUI Charges in Florida: What You Need to Know
Under Florida law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher—or while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. You can be charged with DUI even if your BAC is below the legal limit if law enforcement believes your ability to drive is impaired.
DUI Penalties in Florida
DUI penalties depend on several factors, including your BAC level, prior offenses, whether there was an accident or injury, and whether a minor was in the vehicle. Potential consequences include:
Florida DUI Penalty Chart
| Type of Offense | Fines | Jail Sentence | Probation | License Revocation | Vehicle Impoundment | Ignition Interlock | Other Penalties |
| First Offense (BAC < 0.15) | $500 – $1,000 | Up to 6 months | Up to 1 year | 180 days – 1 year | 10 days | Not required (court’s discretion) |
|
| First Offense (BAC ≥ 0.15 or minor in vehicle) | $1,000 – $2,000 | Up to 9 months | Up to 1 year | 180 days – 1 year | 10 days | 6 months (mandatory) |
|
| Second Offense (within 5 years of prior) | $1,000 – $2,000 | 10 days – 9 months | Up to 1 year | Minimum 5 years | 30 days | 1 year minimum (court may extend) |
|
| Second Offense (within 5 years, BAC ≥ 0.15 or minor in vehicle) | $2,000 – $4,000 | 10 days – 12 months | Up to 1 year | Minimum 5 years | 30 days | 1 year minimum (court may extend) |
|
| Second Offense (outside 5 years of prior) | $1,000 – $2,000 | Up to 9 months | Up to 1 year | 180 days – 1 year | 10 days | 1 year minimum (court may extend) |
|
| Second Offense (outside 5 years, BAC ≥ 0.15 or minor in vehicle) | $2,000 – $4,000 | Up to 12 months | Up to 1 year | 180 days – 1 year | 10 days | 1 year minimum (court may extend) |
|
| Third Offense (within 10 years of prior) | $2,000 – $5,000 | 30 days – 12 months (could be charged as a felony) | Up to 1 year | Minimum 10 years | 90 days | 2 years minimum |
|
| Third Offense (within 10 years, BAC ≥ 0.15 or minor in vehicle) | $4,000 – $5,000 | 30 days – 12 months (could be charged as a felony) | Up to 1 year | Minimum 10 years | 90 days | 2 years minimum |
|
| Fourth Offense or Greater | $2,000 – $5,000 | 1 day – 5 years (third-degree felony) | Up to 5 years | Permanent revocation | 90 days | 5 years minimum |
|
| Fourth Offense or Greater (BAC ≥ 0.15 or minor in vehicle) | $2,000 – $5,000 | 1 day – 5 years (third-degree felony) | Up to 5 years | Permanent revocation | 90 days | 5 years minimum |
|
DMV Hearings and License Suspension
In Florida, you only have 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a formal review hearing with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to fight the automatic suspension of your license. We represent clients at these administrative hearings to help preserve driving privileges and secure hardship licenses when available.
Defending Against DUI Charges
We take a strategic, detail-oriented approach to DUI defense. Common DUI defense strategies include:
First-Time DUI Offenders and Diversion
If this is your first DUI and there were no aggravating circumstances, you may qualify for a DUI diversion program (examples include DETER and DUI Court). These programs can lead to reduced penalties or even dismissal of charges. We’ll evaluate your eligibility and guide you through the process.
Get the Defense You Deserve
Whether this is your first DUI or a repeat offense, we provide aggressive, experienced legal representation designed to protect your license, limit the consequences, and defend your rights at every stage of the case. We understand how overwhelming a DUI charge can be—and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Facing a felony charge in Florida is a serious matter that demands immediate, experienced legal representation. Felonies carry severe penalties — including long-term imprisonment, heavy fines, loss of civil rights (like voting and firearm ownership), and a permanent criminal record that can follow you for life and wreak havoc along the way.
As seasoned defense attorneys, we provide effective, strategic legal representation for individuals charged with all levels of felony offenses. We understand what’s at stake, and we fight relentlessly to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.
Types of Felony Charges We Defend
We represent clients in a wide range of felony cases, including:
Florida Felony Classifications
Florida categorizes felonies into five levels:
Building a Strong Defense
A felony conviction can devastate every area of your life. That’s why we take a proactive approach from day one — investigating every detail of your case, challenging illegal searches, suppressing evidence, and negotiating aggressively with prosecutors. If trial is the best path forward, we’ll be prepared to fight in court to seek a full acquittal.
Possible Defense Strategies
Your Rights Deserve a Fierce Defender
With years of experience in Florida criminal courts, we know how to navigate the complex system and fight back against aggressive prosecution. Most importantly, we provide every client with focused, honest legal counsel and relentless defense.
Call Now – Time Is Critical
If you’ve been charged with a felony or believe you’re under investigation, don’t delay. The earlier you involve a defense attorney, the more options you have. Call today for a free and confidential consultation.
Violations of Probation
A violation of probation (VOP) charge in Florida is a serious matter that can lead to immediate arrest, denial of bond, and the possibility of serving the full sentence you originally avoided. If you’ve been accused of violating probation — whether through a missed appointment, failed drug test, new arrest, or any technical issue — you need a knowledgeable and aggressive Florida VOP attorney in your corner.
Our firm focuses on protecting the rights of individuals facing probation violations across the state of Florida. We understand how the system works, from dealing with probation officers to challenging evidence in court. Unlike regular criminal charges, VOP cases don’t require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, which makes it critical to have an experienced defense lawyer by your side.
We take immediate action to fight for bond, gather favorable evidence, and push for the best possible outcome — whether that means dismissal, reinstatement, or a negotiated resolution that keeps you out of jail.
Don’t face a VOP hearing alone. Call today for a free consultation.
Bond Hearings and First Appearances
If you or a loved one has been arrested in Florida, a bond hearing is often the first critical step in the legal process. This often takes place at first appearances, which occurs within 24 hours of an arrest. At first appearances, an individual who has just been arrested and booked into jail will be brought to face the judge who will determine their freedom during the pendency of the case. Our seasoned attorneys represent clients at this early but essential stage to fight for their release from custody.
At a bond hearing, whether at first appearances or at a later point in your case, the court determines whether a person can be released from jail and under what conditions. We often advocate for reduced bond amounts, release on recognizance (ROR), supervised release (SPR) when necessary or beneficial, or non-monetary conditions whenever possible.
We understand the urgency of these hearings and work quickly to present compelling arguments regarding your ties to the community, employment status, lack of flight risk, and minimal threat to public safety. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, having an experienced lawyer at your bond hearing can mean the difference between waiting for trial behind bars or preparing your defense from home.
If someone you care about has been arrested, contact us immediately for fast and aggressive legal help.
Expungements
A criminal record can follow you for life — affecting your employment, housing, education, and even your reputation. The good news? In many cases, Florida law allows eligible individuals to seal or expunge their criminal records. As experienced Florida expungement attorneys, we help clients navigate this process from start to finish, so they can leave the past behind and move forward with a clean slate.
What Is Expungement in Florida?
Expungement is the legal process of eliminating your criminal record so that it’s no longer accessible to the public. In most cases, this means your arrest or charge will no longer appear on background checks, giving you the fresh start you deserve.
If you’re not eligible for expungement, you may still qualify for record sealing, which makes the record confidential and inaccessible to most employers and agencies.
Benefits of Expunging or Sealing Your Record
Are You Eligible for Expungement or Sealing?
You may qualify for expungement or sealing in Florida if:
Important: You can only expunge or seal one offense in your lifetime in Florida, and you must have no prior convictions on your record, including misdemeanors.
Some offenses — like sexual battery, violent crimes, and certain firearms violations — under Florida law.
How the Process Works
Why Work with a Florida Expungement Attorney?
The expungement process can be complex and time-consuming, especially if your case involves old charges or missing documentation. We handle everything for you — ensuring your petition is complete, accurate, and supported by the proper legal arguments to increase your chances of success.
Ready for a Fresh Start? Call Today.
Your past shouldn’t define your future. If you’re ready to clear your name and take back control of your life, contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll help you understand your options and guide you through every step of the expungement or sealing process.
Let’s clean up your record — and give you the second chance you deserve.
Call us for a free and confidential consultation.
49 N. East Avenue, Suite C
Sarasota, FL 34237
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