Being convicted of a felony in Florida means forfeiting a large number of rights. Even after your time is paid, you’ll find your right to vote, own a firearm, and other freedoms to be stripped from you. Perhaps most serious, you might also find that getting a job after your term is up can be a challenging task. Led by a former prosecutor, the attorneys at Piotrowski Law understand not only how these cases work, but also how severe these penalties can be. Fighting to protect your rights is important to us, which is where Withholding of Adjudication can be a powerful ally.

The Meaning for Withholding of Adjudication

The first thing to understand with Withholding of Adjudication is that for this to become an option the court will have had to find you guilty. This means that for the purposes of the court, you are found to have committed the crime. However, when a judge opts for this sentence, it means that you are never formally convicted. In this way, you retain full rights and you can go into a job application in the future and mark “no” on whether you were ever convicted of a felony. Furthermore, you can have your criminal record sealed or expunged, which makes withholding of adjudication a great option for first-time offenders.

The Downside of Withholding Adjudication

In most cases, this sort of motion is reserved for first-time offenders. However, it is important to understand that just because you had Adjudication Withheld does not mean you are completely clear. Instead, this judgment will still appear on a background check, which means employers can still find that you were tried for this case. More important to those who have adjudication withheld, the court will have a record of this verdict. And, should you find yourself accused of a related crime in the future, they can often use this previous case as grounds to levy a more severe penalty in the future.

Working With A Miami Attorney

Regardless of what crime you are accused of, your best defense in any situation is to retain the expertise of an experienced trial attorney. With the right legal representation, you can determine whether a Withholding of Adjudication is possible and preferable in your situation and therefore secure the best result. While no one can guarantee a particular outcome in a legal trial, the right attorney can ensure you have the absolute best representation and achieve the best possible outcome.

As a former prosecutor, Chad Piotrowski understands the motives and strategies employed the prosecution. In this way, he brings a unique and powerful strategy of his own to criminal defense law. When you need the best defense, look no further than Piotrowski Law to ensure you get the legal representation you deserve. Rated as a top 100 trail lawyer, you are in good hands. Give us a call today at (305) 204-5000 to get started on your defense.