Why Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys protecting your rights

There are several phases to criminal defense proceedings in Florida...

• Arrest or Notice to Appear: After a crime is allegedly observed or a criminal complaint is made, the alleged offender will be arrested and/or served with a notice to appear in Florida court.
• First Appearance in Florida: Within 24 hours of physical arrest and booking into jail, the alleged offender will be taken before a judge for his or her first appearance.
• Preliminary Hearing: This step is particularly critical when it comes to the evidence in your case, because the preliminary hearing is where the evidence against you can be thrown out, or your case can be dismissed altogether.
• Plea Bargaining: After your preliminary hearing is set and prima facie and probable cause are made, either your Pinellas County criminal defense lawyer or the district attorney may initiate plea bargaining.
• Arraignment: The arraignment hearing is the step where the defendant is formally read the nature of the charges against him or her, and then is formally asked to enter a plea.
• Trial and Sentencing: If you and your criminal defense attorney decide to move ahead with a trial, the next step will either be trial by judge or trial by jury. A not guilty verdict or dismissal, you are free to go. However, if found guilty, sentencing commences two weeks to 90 days from adjudication.