State Criminal Defense Attorney in Miami, FL

Many people charged with a crime have no prior criminal history. Their arrest is often the result of a one-time mistake. A decision to get behind the wheel after a few drinks or an intense argument, which escalates to a fight, can result in serious criminal charges in Miami. Unfortunately, a simple lapse in judgment can negatively affect your freedom, your reputation, and your future.

Individuals facing repeat criminal charges in Miami face even more severe consequences, including lengthy prison sentences. Whether you have been charged with a first time or repeat criminal offense, you need to be as prepared as possible when it comes time to defend your rights in court. Therefore, it’s important to seek the assistance of an experienced Miami criminal defense lawyer now to avoid serious criminal penalties.

Rights Of Defendants In Florida

According to the United States Constitution, a person who is facing criminal charges – irrespective of the nature or seriousness of the crime they are accused of committing – has the right to defend themselves to the fullest extent.

Your rights as a defendant in Florida include:

• The right to legal representation
• The right to remain silent in the presence of police officers (to avoid self-incrimination)
• The right to a fair trial
• The right to a jury trial
• The right to produce evidence to defend yourself against the charges you are facing

Perhaps the most important right you enjoy as a defendant in Florida is the right to have legal representation. With an experienced criminal defense lawyer by your side, you can significantly improve your chances of:

• Having the charges against you dismissed
• Getting acquitted
• Receiving the lowest sentence possible

At Piotrowski Law, we firmly believe that every person – irrespective of their background, criminal record, and the charges they are facing – deserves the chance to defend themselves. Our founder – Chad Piotrowski – is not only a leading criminal defense lawyer, but is also a former prosecutor who knows how the Florida criminal justice system works. He will fight tirelessly to protect your rights, make sure you get a fair trial, and do everything in his capacity to have the charges against you dismissed or reduced to the highest possible extent.

Consequences Of A Misdemeanor Or Felony Conviction In Florida

Getting convicted of a crime in Florida can have long-term consequences. A felony conviction, in particular, can have serious, life-altering consequences. Aside from the fact that you will have to pay a hefty fine and serve time in prison, a felony conviction can curtail your civil rights to a great extent.

For example, as a convicted felon, you will not be able to vote, possess firearms, serve on a jury, or hold public office. In some counties, you might not be able to apply for or renew professional licenses – particularly related to real estate and insurance.

Apart from this, as any criminal defense lawyer can tell you, the social stigma associated with a felony conviction can have a negative impact on your personal, social, and professional life and make it incredibly hard for you to lead a normal life.

How A Miami Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You

Depending on the charges against you and various other factors, your attorney might use one or more of the following strategies to defend you.

• You were defending yourself
• You have an alibi to prove that you were not at the scene of crime or you did not commit the crime
• You were entrapped and induced by a government official to commit the crime
• You were not aware of the nature or presence of the substances you were caught with (if you are accused of drug possession)
• The evidence against you was obtained in an unlawful manner

If your criminal defense lawyer believes that it might not be possible to have your charges dismissed or to get you acquitted, they might negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges to the highest extent possible.

For instance, a third degree felony might be reduced to a first degree misdemeanor – especially if you are a first-time offender.