Criminal Law in Orlando

If you have been arrested in Orlando, there are certain procedures that must be followed per state law. The process can take weeks or months, leaving you anxious and wondering what will happen to you. You can alleviate some of this worry by hiring an Orlando criminal lawyer to protect your interests. He or she will not be able to guarantee that your case can be won, but you will be able to learn about what defensive strategies are available to you and what penalties you face.

From years of experience, a qualified Orlando criminal lawyer can tell you what to expect from the process and explain the pros and cons of pursuing the courses of action that are available to you, taking some of the uncertainty out of the situation. With a plan in mind, you can start to work towards winning your case or getting the charges reduced.

Before you go to criminal trial, you should understand your rights. It’s even better to get the help of a criminal lawyer before you are charged, so you can protect yourself from being charged with a crime in the first place. So even if you are just being questioned or considered a person of interest in a case right now, understanding the process can make a big difference in the outcome of your trial if you are eventually charged.

What Areas Do Criminal Lawyers Handle?

If you have been arrested and charged with a crime – any crime – you need an Orlando criminal lawyer. The types of cases criminal lawyers handle include burglary, domestic violence, DOMV injunctions, weapons and firearms charges, sexual battery and rape, lewd and lascivious behavior, assault and battery, DUI, forgery, drug cases, and more.

For most crimes, there are different “levels” you can be charged with. For example, in the assault and battery category, here are a few of the charges that can be brought against you: assault, aggravated assault, battery, felony battery, and aggravated battery. Each of these crimes has its own specific definition as well as related penalties. For example, an assault charge can be brought if you just threaten someone and is a second degree misdemeanor, while an aggravated assault occurs when someone uses a deadly weapon without the intent to kill and is considered a third degree felony.

One of the most common crimes in Florida is a DUI, or driving under the influence charge. The penalties you face depend a lot on how many past DUI convictions you have and what your level of intoxication was at the time of arrest. But even if you failed a breathalyzer test, there are many strategies available for your defense, especially since it is possible that the test results were inaccurate due to improper machine calibration, incorrect usage of the device, or your own body’s physiology.

No matter what your situation, it is in your best interest to hire a qualified Orlando criminal lawyer to represent you and work towards the best possible outcome.

Orlando Police Department

When you are charged with a crime, such as assault, drug possession, or a DUI, in the city of Orlando, you will be taken to the Orlando Police Department to be booked. Where you are taken depends on where the arresting office is stationed, not where you live. It can be beneficial to be familiar with the location of the police departments throughout the state of Florida. Remember, it is your right to have an attorney present when you are questioned by police, so lawyer up before answering.

Orlando Police Department 

100 South Hughey Avenue

Orlando, FL

Phone: (407) 246-2470

Web: cityoforlando.net

Learn about the location of other Florida police departments here.

Courthouses

When you stand trial, you will head to the Florida State Circuit Court closest to where your arrest happened. You can find a list of all the Florida Circuit Courts here. If you were arrested in Orlando, or anywhere else in Orlando County, you will likely be headed to the Orange County Courthouse.

Orange County Courthouse
425 N. Orange Ave., Suite 320
Orlando, FL 32802
Phone: (407) 836-2054 (Domestic Relations Division)
Web: http://orangeclerk.orangecountyfl.net

Most cases stop there, but if you file an appeal of the verdict that is given at your trial, your case will go to a District Court. There are five District Courts in Florida, but if your case was heard in the Orange County Courthouse or any court in the 9^th Circuit, you will be headed to the Fifth District Court of Appeal in Daytona Beach.

Fifth District Court of Appeal
300 South Beach Street
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Phone: (386) 255-8600

Fax: (386) 947-1562

Web: http://www.5dca.org/

If your case is then appealed again, you will go to the state’s highest court, the Florida Supreme Court.

Supreme Court of Florida

500 South Duval Street

Tallahassee, FL

Phone: (850) 488-0125

Web: floridasupremecourt.org

If you are facing criminal charges, let us help you. Contact our offices now to talk to a qualified Orlando criminal lawyer.