After an arrest, you have the right to remain silent, and you have the right to an attorney. These Miranda rights are more than dialogue in police movies and television dramas. They are guarantees of the U.S. Constitution. Exercise your rights immediately by requesting a lawyer and declining to talk to police until your attorney arrives to advise you. The attorneys at Largey Law are prepared to defend you.
What Warrants Criminal Defense?
Largey Law was founded by former public defenders who believe in the rights of all people to be treated fairly by the criminal justice system. We offer aggressive defense to a variety of charges, such as:
We are available to protect your interests, even if you are arrested after normal business hours or on a weekend. Our criminal defense attorneys make jail visits and maintain offices across the state. We give you straightforward advice about your options and the potential outcomes. Throughout your case, we answer your questions honestly and promptly.
How Does the Criminal Justice Case Process Work?
The U.S. Constitution, the Florida Constitution, the Florida Statutes and the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure govern various aspects of your arrest and prosecution. The speedy trial rule requires that a trial must begin within 90 days of an arrest for a misdemeanor offense and 175 days for a felony charge. You may file a demand for speedy trial, which would bring your case to trial within 60 days of the arrest.
Generally, your case is handled in these stages:
- Arrest — Law enforcement must have probable cause to arrest you.
- First appearance — Within 24 hours of your arrest, a judge decides whether or not to set bond.
- Arraignment — You are given the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty to the charges.
- Discovery — Our skilled criminal defense lawyers investigate your charges and gather evidence through police reports, subpoenas, depositions, expert witness consultation and forensic testing. The prosecution must give you access to the evidence it has collected in your case, including exculpatory evidence.
- Plea negotiations — If beneficial to you, our attorneys negotiate for a lighter sentence or a lesser charge. For example, a DUI charge might be reduced in exchange for a guilty plea to a reckless driving charge.
- Pretrial motions and hearings — Typically, the defense and prosecution file numerous motions, and the judge holds hearings at which each side argues for its position. For example, we might file a motion asking the court to exclude evidence that was obtained without a proper warrant.
- Trial — A criminal trial consists of an opening statement by each side, the direct and cross-examination of witnesses and the presentation of physical evidence. The state has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty of the specific crime with which you are charged. Every crime has multiple legal elements — such as the commission of the act and the intent to commit the act — and the state has the burden of proving each and every element.
- Sentencing hearing — If you are adjudicated guilty through a plea or a verdict, the judge sentences you at a hearing.
Juvenile cases are subject to different rules than adult cases. Also, you may have the opportunity to enter special court programs for certain types of cases, such as first-time drug crimes.
Reach Out to Our Mount Dora Criminal Defense Attorneys for Dedicated Assistance
Learn about your options and rights at a free consultation with Largey Law. Call us or contact the firm online to start planning your defense. Because arrests occur at all hours, we offer weekend and evening appointments and can meet with you in your home or at the jail. Se habla Español.
