Florida & New York Criminal Defense Lawyers

Fighting for Those Charged with Crimes (407) 269-8774

Whether you are accused of a misdemeanor or felony, hiring a defense attorney for your case is crucial. These are complicated matters with a lot at stake. Not understanding the laws or court rules or making a misstep at any point in your case could have adverse consequences. A lawyer can deliver the legal guidance you need and fight aggressively on your behalf.

At Sekou Clarke Law Group, we understand the seriousness of criminal charges, which is why our team expends the resources necessary to stand up for the people we help. Backed by extensive legal experience, our defense attorneys in Florida & New York have the knowledge and skills to pursue favorable outcomes in even the most complex cases.

To speak with a member of our team, please contact us at (407) 269-8774.

Criminal Charges and Penalties in Florida

Florida has various statutes concerning prohibited statutes in the state. Violating any of these laws can lead to criminal charges.

Examples of crimes in Florida include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assault: Threatening to harm another person and being able to do so.
• Battery: Actually making violent contact with another person or intentionally physically harming them.
• Domestic violence: Committing a crime against a family or household member, such as a spouse or relative by blood or marriage.
• Drug crimes: Unlawfully manufacturing, delivering, selling, or possessing controlled substances.
• DUI: Operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08 or higher or while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Sexual battery: Engaging in sexual conduct with another person without that individual’s voluntary consent.
• Theft: Taking another person’s property without permission and with the intent to deprive the individual of the object permanently or temporarily.

Depending on the conduct, you could be accused of committing a misdemeanor or felony. Misdemeanors are the less severe of the two, though they are still serious offenses. Felonies are acts that lead to great bodily harm to others, significant property damage, or other harsh consequences.

The potential conviction penalties are based on the level and classification of the alleged offense.

Below are some of the possible punishments:

• Second-degree misdemeanor:
  • Up to 60 days of incarceration and/or
  • Up to $500 in fines
• First-degree misdemeanor: 
  • Up to 1 year of incarceration and/or
  • Up to $1,000 in fines
• Third-degree felony: 
  • Up to 5 years of imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $5,000 in fines
• Second-degree felony:
  • Up to 15 years of imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $10,000 in fines
• First-degree felony:
  • Up to 30 years of imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $10,000 in fines

At Sekou Clarke Law Group, our Florida & New York criminal defense lawyers are prepared to stand up for individuals facing various charges. Invigorated by a challenge, we do not back down, even when facing tough opponents.

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help with Your Case

Remember that if you have been charged with a crime, you are considered innocent until or unless proven guilty. The prosecutor has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and they must present substantial evidence to convince a judge or jury.

An Florida & New York criminal defense attorney can build a case to cast doubt on the prosecutor’s arguments. They conduct their own investigation, analyze the facts, and research relevant case law and legal precedent.

Primarily, a criminal lawyer works to safeguard your rights. Even though you might have been accused of a crime, several protections are in place to facilitate a fair trial.

For example, you have the right to:

• Remain silent,
• Confront witnesses against you,
• Be free from unreasonable searches and seizures,
• Have your case heard by an impartial jury, and
• A speedy and public trial.

Your attorney can ensure that none of these rights are violated. If any are, your lawyer can file motions to address and remedy them. For instance, if law enforcement officials subjected you to an unlawful search, your attorney can ask the court to have certain pieces of evidence deemed inadmissible. Having evidence excluded could weaken the prosecutor’s arguments, making it difficult for them to meet their burden of proof.

In every case we handle, we examine all the details. Our comprehensive review allows us to build solid legal strategies and protect our clients from miscarriages of justice.

When to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Waste no time in retaining legal representation for your case. Even if law enforcement officials are still investigating, it’s a good time to contact a lawyer. At the early stages, your attorney can conduct a pre-file investigation and may be able to gather evidence showing that the prosecutor doesn’t have enough to bring charges.

Still, if you have already been charged, hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Florida & New York as soon as possible will give them ample time to build your legal strategy. Developing arguments takes considerable effort.

At Sekou Clarke Law Group, our team is ready to jump into action and start defending our clients.

Schedule a Consultation Today (407) 269-8774

If you have been charged with a crime, we are here to listen to your side of the story. By learning about the alleged incident from your perspective, we can better identify avenues that can be pursued to seek a favorable outcome on your behalf.

Please call our Florida & New York criminal defense attorneys at (407) 269-8774 or contact us online today.