When facing misdemeanor or criminal charges, it is not the time to stint on legal representation. You will want an experienced, skilled, and aggressive defender. That is what you will find at Byrd & Gonzalez. A Tampa criminal defense lawyer at our firm understands how important and vital your defense strategy will be to you, your family, and your future. Our experience in criminal defense has resulted in the legal skills and knowledge needed when it comes to fighting for our clients. We pride ourselves on our top qualifications, client service, and dedication to success.
Below you will find information on specific topics which will lead you to further pages about that subject. Click on the highlighted topics to find out more about each type of criminal defense case and how our firm can help you.
Being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or driving while intoxicated is a serious matter. The state of Florida does not take this lightly, imposing fines, possible jail time, community service, probation, license suspension, and potential vehicle impoundment for those convicted. Click here to read more about DUI / DWI.
Have you been charged with drunk driving in or around Tampa, Florida?
In Florida, you can be charged with a DUI (driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol) or a DWI (driving while intoxicated) if you demonstrate impairment of normal faculties or if your blood alcohol concentration measures .08 or above on a breath test. The penalties are the same for either offense, regardless of how it is proven in court. Florida law states that DUI refers to alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or controlled substances. Thus, you can be in violation of the law by driving with any type of drug in your system, whether it is an illegal drug like marijuana or cocaine, a prescription medicine like Vicodin or Ambien, or an over-the-counter drug like cough medicine, allergy medicine, or sleep aids.
Many people believe that once they are arrested and charged with a DUI or DWI, they should merely give up and plead guilty. It is your constitutional right to fight such charges and have your day in court. An attorney experienced in handling DUI / DWI cases can develop a defense strategy that may result in reduced charges, a reduced sentence, or a case dismissal. DUI testing, police procedure, and other factors can be challenged. That is why you should consult with a Tampa criminal defense attorney at Byrd & Gonzalez as soon as possible. Our attorneys have the experience and legal skills needed that can increase your chances for a favorable outcome. We understand the enormous stress you may be under; having a focused and aggressive attorney by your side can make all the difference in your peace of mind and the impact such charges can have on your life.
Florida DUI Cases
A first conviction for DUI is punishable in Florida by fines of up to $1,000, mandatory 50 hours of community service, probation, up to 6 months in jail at the court's discretion, potential vehicle impoundment, driver's license suspension of 180 days to one year, and completion of a DUI school. Penalties are increased for those whose blood alcohol level measures .15 or higher or who were driving with a minor. Penalties also increase for second and third convictions. In the face of such harsh consequences, you should not delay in retaining our legal services.
Criminal charges involving drug possession or activity may be based on illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamines, the possession of drug paraphernalia, or the unauthorized use or sale of prescription medicines, such as Vicodin, Percocet, Xanax and other drugs. Depending on the charges and the quantity of drugs involved, you may be facing a misdemeanor or felony charge. Read more about drug crimes.
Drug crimes range from simple possession of marijuana to possession with intent to sell, as well as the manufacture, cultivation, transportation, distribution, and trafficking of controlled substances such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, club drugs, and more. Drug crimes also include the possession of drug paraphernalia such as pipes and bongs as well as the unauthorized use or sale of prescription drugs, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and other painkillers or narcotics. Drug crimes generally fall into one of three groups with increasing seriousness: possession, sales or distribution, and trafficking. Depending on which group your charges fall under, the nature and quantity of the drugs involved, and other factors, you may be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony with varying penalties.
Getting aggressive and competent legal representation in the face of drug charges is vital. If you are facing simple possession charges, you may be eligible for alternative sentencing options which could keep you out of jail. You can discuss your situation with a Tampa criminal defense attorney at Byrd & Gonzalez to get the competent legal advice you need and to learn what options may be available to you. Our attorneys have 55 years of combined legal experience; they know and understand all of the legal factors involved in drug crime cases and will work tirelessly to help you achieve the most positive outcome possible.
Florida Drug Crimes
You may be charged with drug trafficking if you are found with a specific quantity of any drug, such as more than 28 grams of cocaine. Upon conviction of a trafficking charge, you will be subject to a minimum mandatory sentence starting at three years in prison. Furthermore, if you are convicted of a drug crime, you will face the future with a permanent criminal record which can be accessed on a routine background check by future employers, landlords, and education institutions. These consequences point up the importance of hiring an accomplished attorney to aggressively fight the charges on your behalf.
A felony is a more serious criminal offense than a misdemeanor, generally punishable by more than a year in prison, fines, probation, possible restitution, and other consequences. Felony charges may stem from a wide variety of criminal offenses, including:
DUI / DWI, vehicular manslaughter
Drug crimes, including distribution, manufacture, and trafficking
Sex crimes, such as sexual assault, sexual battery, and rape
Domestic violence
Aggravated assault and battery
Armed robbery
Carjacking
Kidnapping
Murder and manslaughter
Arson
Terrorism
White collar crimes, such as various forms of fraud, bribery, extortion, embezzlement, money laundering, and more
Burglary and theft crimes
Juvenile crimes
Click here to read more about felonies.
Five categories of felonies exist under Florida law, which are third degree, second degree, first degree, life felony, and capital felony. These are categorized by the maximum penalty they carry upon a conviction. A third-degree felony is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines up of to $5,000. Second-degree felonies carry a penalty of up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. A first-degree felony carries a penalty of up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Life felonies are punishably by 40 years to life in prison and fines of up to $15,000. Capital felonies carry penalties of life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty. All of these felony convictions may also require restitution to victims.
Get Skilled Legal Help from a Tampa Felony Defense Attorney
Because of the serious nature of felony charges and the life-changing impact they can have on your future, you should retain the services of a legal professional who has the skills, knowledge, and commitment to your case that is needed. At Byrd & Gonzalez, you will find a Tampa criminal defense lawyer who will personally handle your case from start to finish, who will investigate thoroughly the charges against you, and who will work relentlessly to help you achieve the best possible result. Our attorneys have a combined 55 years of legal experience with proven results. That is the level of expertise you will want to ensure that your rights are protected and that your voice is heard. With so much at stake, you should not accept anything less.
A misdemeanor is generally punishable by up to one year in jail, fines, probation, community service, possible license suspension, restitution, or other consequences, such as anger management education or drug or alcohol evaluation, treatment, or education. A misdemeanor charge may be based on drunk driving, drug-impaired driving, other traffic crimes, drug possession, domestic violence, juvenile offenses, shoplifting or other theft or property crimes, lewd conduct, weapon charges, probation violations, and more. Click here to read more about misdemeanors.
Are you facing misdemeanor charges in or around Tampa?
Misdemeanors are criminal offenses that are more serious than an infraction and less serious than a felony. A misdemeanor is generally punishable by up to one year in jail, fines, probation, and other potential penalties, such as license suspension, anger management classes, alcohol or drug evaluation or treatment, or DUI school. Even though a misdemeanor may seem like a minor offense, you will have a permanent criminal record if convicted which can adversely affect your future in regards to job or career opportunities, housing, educational applications, or professional licenses. Anyone running a routine background check on you can have access to your criminal conviction.
Getting the legal representation you need to fight a misdemeanor is important. In Tampa and the surrounding Florida counties, you can find aggressive and accomplished legal help from the law firm of Byrd & Gonzalez. A Tampa criminal defense attorney at the firm can evaluate your situation, advise you on all of the legal factors, and help you make an informed decision about your options. Our firm is dedicated to providing the highest quality of legal representation to our clients. We have 55 years of combined legal experience along with outstanding qualifications and a dedication to service that sets us apart.
Florida Misdemeanor Cases
Misdemeanors include DUI and DWI, marijuana possession, assault, battery, shoplifting, domestic violence, criminal mischief, weapons violations, probation violations, burglary, trespassing, driving with a suspended license, disorderly conduct, loitering, resisting arrest, and more. Having experienced legal representation is a must if you wish to be effective in fighting the charges, which may result in a case dismissal or reduced penalties. Going it alone in any legal matter is not recommended as you will be facing a prosecutor who knows much more about the law and criminal justice procedure than you do. That is why we recommend that you consult with one of our attorneys who can provide the knowledge and legal abilities needed in any criminal matter.
