CRIMINAL LAW
I represent clients in all types of criminal issues including but not limited to:
- Open Investigations
- Drug Crimes
- Theft Crimes
- Juvenile Crimes
- Weapons Crimes
- Sex Crimes
- Driving Under the Influence
- Boating Under the Influence
- Assault/Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Homicide/Manslaughter
I also serve our clients in the areas of:
- Bond Hearings
- Probation Violations
You can learn more about criminal law below. If you need legal advice or representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney, please contact me.
CRIMINAL LAW DEFINED
Criminal Law defines conduct prohibited by the State, Federal & Local agencies because it threatens and harms public safety and welfare. It also establishes the punishment to be imposed for violating these laws.
Substantive criminal laws define crimes and establishes punishments. In contrast, Criminal Procedure describes the process through which the criminal laws are enforced. For example, the law prohibiting murder is a substantive criminal law. The manner in which the government enforces this substantive law, through the gathering of evidence and prosecution, is generally considered a procedural matter.
FELONIES & MISDEMEANOARS
Crimes are usually categorized as Felonies or Misdemeanors based on their nature and the maximum punishment that can be imposed. A Felony involves serious misconduct that is punishable by imprisonment for more than a year up to death. Florida Law categorizes felonies and misdemeanors into various classes with varying degrees of punishment.
Crimes that do not amount to Felonies are Misdemeanors. A Misdemeanor is misconduct for which the law prescribes punishment of no more than a year in jail. Lesser offenses, such as traffic and parking infractions, are often called violations and are considered a part of criminal law.
DUIs are exceptions to the typical misdemeanor felony classification. DUIs can be classified from misdemeanor up to a felony depending the number, if any, of prior convictions, time between DUIs, if a crash is involved and injuries, if any.