Criminal Defense Attorneys Serving Tampa

Every criminal charge is serious and can harm your reputation, cost you financially, limit your future opportunities and, worst of all, take away your freedom. At Escobar, Michaels & Associates, we take every case seriously and so do our clients. If you have been arrested in the Tampa area, talk to our criminal defense attorneys.
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If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, the time to call a criminal defense attorney is now. As soon as you retain our services, we will bring together a team of lawyers, investigators and any other necessary experts. Our investigation will begin immediately. We help with:
- Drug cases: While some states take a more humane approach to drug sentencing, the war against drugs rages on in Florida.
- DUI defense: In an overzealous effort to protect the public, some police and highway patrol officers become overly aggressive in traffic stops, leading to violations of constitutional rights.
- Domestic violence assault: If police are called to your home during a domestic disturbance, someone will likely be arrested — rightly or wrongly.
- White collar offenses: Our lawyers defend people accused of crimes ranging from check forgery to sophisticated financial fraud.
- Sex crimes: Being charged with or even just investigated for a sex offense can be devastating, even if a conviction does not result.
- Theft crimes: Even misdemeanor theft-related offenses are considered “crimes of dishonesty” that can affect you for the rest of your life.
- Weapons offenses: When a gun is involved in a crime, prosecutors go after the most severe charges and harshest penalties they can.
- Assault and homicide: When someone is injured or killed, it does not mean that a crime has been committed. Self-defense, mental illness or an accident may be the cause.
- Bonds: Getting you out of jail and keeping you out of jail is our first priority if you have been arrested.
- Appeals: If your first lawyer or the judge got it wrong, we can help you appeal the verdict or the sentence.
What Are Your Rights If You Are Stopped By Law Enforcement?
As a U.S. citizen, you have rights that protect you during encounters with law enforcement. Here is a breakdown of three critical rights and how to exercise them safely.
- Right to remain silent: Only provide your name, address and date of birth to avoid self-incrimination.
- Right to refuse searches: Politely decline requests for a search: They may search anyway, but a refusal can protect your rights in court later.
- Right to legal representation: If arrested, ask for a lawyer and do not answer questions until they are by your side.
Exercising your rights, especially the right to silence, can help you avoid accidentally worsening your situation.
What Should You Do If You Have Been Charged With A Crime?
Your conduct will remain under scrutiny after formal charges. This guide can teach you what to do (and not to do).
Do:
- Stay calm and cooperate without escalating matters
- Immediately ask for a defense attorney
- Remain silent and make no statements until your lawyer arrives
Do not:
- Resist, argue or behave aggressively
- Discuss your case with anyone but your lawyer
- Allow posts or status updates about your situation on social media
Your calm, cooperative conduct helps to show you are a responsible citizen – your silence helps prevent careless statements from harming your case. Along with evidence in your favor, your attorney can use your cooperative behavior as a part of your defense.
What Are The Benefits Of Hiring A Private Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Representation by a private defense attorney can lead to a more comprehensive defense strategy. Some of the specific advantages typically include:
- Individualized attention: They often have smaller caseloads than public defenders, allowing them to devote more time and attention to you.
- Experience and knowledge: Many receive additional education in specific areas of criminal law, providing a more tailored and robust defense.
- Access to resources: They have greater access to resources, such as private investigators and expert witnesses, which can strengthen your defense.
Private attorneys can also be more flexible and available to meet with you and go over your case carefully. In turn, your odds of thoroughly preparing for your journey through the Florida criminal justice system may increase substantially.
Speak With An Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately
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No matter what the charges are against you, our criminal defense law firm has the experience, aggressive determination and creative innovation to find a way to resolve the case that is in your best interests. That includes doing our own investigation and forensics work, challenging the evidence, exploring sentencing options, looking for mitigating circumstances, finding cause to reduce the charges, taking advantage of every weakness in our opponent’s case and telling your story to a jury. When you are serious about the legal matter you are facing and you want a team of aggressive lawyers on your side, contact Escobar, Michaels & Associates. Find out why clients have counted on our attorneys since 1986. Call 813-513-0274.