Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyers

What’s at Stake in Your Case: Criminal Penalties in Florida

In Florida, penalties depend on the specific charge, the alleged facts, your prior record, and applicable sentencing law. Even a first-time conviction can involve jail or prison time, probation, fines, driver’s license consequences, or required classes or treatment. The consequences can extend beyond the sentence imposed by the court.

A conviction can also affect:

• Employment and professional licensing
• Immigration status
• Housing applications and background checks
• Educational and scholarship opportunities
• Family law matters and future travel

We work to identify the issues that matter in each case, including the possible effect on a client’s record and future opportunities. For people who’ve already been convicted, we also handle appeals, expunctions, and other post-conviction matters when applicable. To see examples of some of our successes, visit our case results page.

Common Defenses in Criminal Cases

Not every case goes to trial, but every case deserves a careful defense strategy. We review the relevant law, available evidence, and your goals to evaluate the available paths forward. Whether a particular defense applies depends on the alleged conduct, the evidence, Florida law, and the stage of the case.

Depending on the facts, possible defenses may include:

• Alibi: Credible evidence that you were elsewhere when the alleged offense occurred
• Entrapment: A defense that may apply when law enforcement induced conduct that wouldn’t otherwise have occurred
• Duress or Necessity: Circumstances involving coercion or a claimed lack of a reasonable alternative
• Stand Your Ground: A statutory immunity issue that may apply when the facts support it
• Justifiable Use of Force: A defense involving the lawful use of non-deadly or deadly force
• Insanity: A defense that may require appropriate evaluation and testimony
• Independent Act: A defense that may apply when another person’s conduct went beyond what was reasonably contemplated

These defenses may be raised through a motion, negotiation, evidentiary hearing, or trial. We evaluate the procedural route that fits the facts and posture of the case.

Criminal Defense Across Orlando-Area Courts

Florida criminal law is statewide, but court schedules, prosecutors, judges, and local procedures can affect how a case progresses. We regularly handle criminal matters throughout the Greater Orlando Area and also serve clients in Brevard and Volusia counties. Orlando-area cases often fall within the Ninth Judicial Circuit, which serves Orange and Osceola counties.

Our team has represented clients since 2012 and has handled thousands of cases. Attorney Jessica Ann Travis is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in criminal trial law. That background helps us give clients practical information about court dates, criminal discovery, bond and release conditions, and the options that may be available in their cases.

Arrested or Under Investigation in Orlando? Start Here.

If law enforcement wants to question you, you’ve been arrested, or you learn about a warrant or pending charge, take steps to protect your rights before discussing the facts. The first stage of a case may involve custody, release conditions, court dates, and information that needs to be preserved.

After an arrest or during an investigation:

1. Remain silent about the allegations. You can provide basic identifying information, but you don’t need to explain, apologize, or answer questions about the incident before speaking with our lawyers.
2. Request counsel. State clearly that you want to speak with a lawyer before answering questions.
3. Preserve relevant information. Don’t destroy, alter, or conceal potential evidence. Save relevant messages, photos, documents, or information about possible witnesses.
4. Gather case details. Note any court date, arrest paperwork, warrant information, release conditions, and the names of involved agencies or facilities.

We offer consultations for arrests, investigations, criminal charges, warrants, bond matters, and related defense needs. If a family member is in custody, we can communicate with the client or concerned family member about beginning the defense process. Having the person’s full name, date of birth, facility information, and known case details can help start that conversation.

Speak With Our Criminal Defense Attorneys in Orlando Today

A free consultation gives you an opportunity to explain what has happened, identify immediate concerns, and understand what information may be needed to evaluate the next step. Virtual consultations are available, and we provide support in English and Spanish.

Payment plans are available. Whether you’re facing a new accusation or need help with a post-conviction matter, our team can discuss your situation and the defense process.

Call (407) 574-7576 to request a free consultation at Fighter Law.