Orlando Criminal Lawyer

If you have been arrested for a crime in Florida, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer working on your side. The Baez Law Firm has successfully defended misdemeanor and felony cases in Orlando. Contact our Orlando criminal lawyer to schedule your free case consultation today. We are experienced in a wide range of criminal defense practice areas, and have received national recognition for our superior legal services.

Notably, lawyer Jose Baez has personally handled high profile cases, such as successfully defending Casey Anthony against a murder charge for the death of her two-year-old daughter, Caylee. In what Geraldo Rivera described as the legal upset of the century, Jose Baez got Casey Anthony acquitted on the charge of first-degree murder.

Our firm will provide you with an aggressive and innovative defense, which includes our own forensic testing. Unlike other criminal defense firms, we are able to do what others are not: we can provide our own forensic scientific analyses that could lead to crucial evidence in your favor. Rather than assuming that you are guilty and pressuring you into take a plea bargain – as many public defenders will do – we examine all avenues of defense in order to provide you with the best defense possible, and serve you as we would serve a member of our own family. As with all other areas of practice, our Orlando criminal defense lawyers are available 24/7 to get to work on your case and begin providing you with the best criminal defense that Florida has to offer. We have lawyers on our team who are fluent in Spanish if you are not comfortable conversing in English.

Understanding the Orlando Criminal Defense Landscape

Navigating the criminal justice system in Orlando, Florida, can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. Between state-specific statutes, intricate legal procedures, and the complexities of local law enforcement operations, individuals charged with criminal offenses may find themselves feeling overwhelmed. Securing the guidance of a skilled Orlando criminal attorney is often an indispensable first step, as it can help clarify the charges you face, evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s case, and outline possible avenues toward a favorable resolution.

Areas of Criminal Defense Our Orlando Criminal Lawyers Are Skilled In

Our Orlando criminal lawyers have experience representing defendants in a wide array of criminal case types. While we recognize that no two cases are the same, we do believe that being exposed to multiple case types provides us with a sound foundation of what to expect during the criminal process, moves the prosecution may make, and more.

Orlando’s status as a tourist hotspot and thriving urban center means a broad spectrum of criminal offenses emerge in its courts. While any number of infractions can lead to legal consequences, certain categories of crimes surface more frequently in the region:

Drug-Related Offenses: These encompass a wide array of activities, from the simple possession of small amounts of marijuana to more serious charges like the distribution of controlled substances, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and even illegal use of prescription medications. Convictions can lead to fines, probation, mandatory treatment programs, or, in more severe cases, lengthy prison terms.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Orlando’s bustling nightlife and tourist-driven economy sometimes give rise to DUI incidents. Whether it involves alcohol, controlled substances, or prescription drugs, driving while impaired can result in driver’s license suspension, court-imposed fines, mandatory attendance in DUI school, the installation of ignition interlock devices, and potential jail time.
Property Crimes: Offenses against property are relatively common and can include petty theft, shoplifting, burglary, robbery, and grand theft. The severity of these crimes often depends on the value of the stolen property, the nature of the victim, and any use of force or threat. These convictions may lead to restitution payments, probation, or time behind bars.
Fraud and White-Collar Offenses: White-collar crimes—such as identity theft, credit card fraud, mail fraud, healthcare fraud, and embezzlement—are not uncommon in an economically diverse area like Orlando. Such offenses, often involving sophisticated financial schemes, can trigger substantial fines, lengthy imprisonment, and the forfeiture of illicit gains.
Sex Crimes: Charges ranging from sexual assault and battery to the possession of unlawful sexual material can carry severe legal and social consequences. A conviction may lead to extensive incarceration, mandatory registration as a sex offender, restrictions on residence and employment, and ongoing reporting requirements.
Violent Crimes: Assault, aggravated battery, homicide, manslaughter, and domestic violence are vigorously prosecuted in Orlando. Penalties can be life-altering, involving decades or even life sentences in prison, steep fines, and long-term parole or probation.
Gang-Related and Organized Crimes: Given Orlando’s growth, law enforcement agencies remain vigilant about gang activity, organized narcotics distribution, and other conspiratorial criminal conduct. Convictions for these offenses are often severe, reflecting the gravity of violence, community harm, and large-scale illegal operations.

Penalties: Understanding the Consequences

The penalties for criminal offenses in Orlando vary considerably, shaped by the gravity of the charge, your past criminal record, and any aggravating or mitigating factors. Misdemeanor convictions typically yield outcomes like modest fines, community service, probationary periods, or short stays in county jail. More serious felony convictions can lead to extended prison sentences, substantial fines, mandatory counseling or treatment programs, and other lifelong consequences, including challenges finding employment and securing housing. A felony record can also limit eligibility for professional licenses and certain government benefits.

In some instances, a well-prepared defense can persuade the court to consider alternative sentencing options such as pretrial diversion, deferred prosecution agreements, or specialized treatment courts (like drug court or mental health court). These alternative pathways may reduce penalties and provide opportunities for rehabilitation rather than purely punitive measures.

What to Do If You Are Arrested

If law enforcement officials apprehend you, it is crucial to remain calm, respectful, and aware of your rights:

Exercise Your Right to Silence: Politely decline to answer any substantive questions until you have consulted with an attorney. Anything you say could potentially be used against you.
Request Legal Counsel: Promptly ask for a criminal defense lawyer. Early intervention by a legal professional can help prevent missteps that might weaken your defense.
Do Not Resist Arrest: Physically resisting, arguing, or fleeing from law enforcement may complicate your situation and lead to additional charges.

By following these steps, you help preserve the integrity of your defense from the very start.

The Importance of a Knowledgeable Orlando Defense Attorney

An experienced Orlando defense attorney is more than just a courtroom advocate. They serve as your guide throughout a complicated and emotionally taxing process. Your lawyer may:

Investigate and Gather Evidence: By examining police reports, interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, and consulting with experts, your attorney can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Challenge Unlawful Procedures: If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights—such as conducting an illegal search or failing to issue proper Miranda warnings—a skilled defense lawyer can seek to have evidence suppressed or charges reduced.
Negotiate with Prosecutors: A favorable plea agreement can sometimes be reached when the prosecution sees the strength and credibility of your defense. Reducing charges or penalties can drastically improve long-term outcomes.
Protect Your Future: Beyond the immediate case, an attorney can advise you on measures to mitigate collateral consequences and assist with record expungement or sealing if applicable.

All Criminal Defendants are Innocent until Proven Guilty

The foundation of our criminal justice system rests on the premise that all persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Due to the advent of social media, people are often accused of crimes, these accusations go viral, and people are presumed to be guilty even before they walk into court. We will ensure that the jury understands that you are innocent until proven guilty.

Guilt Must be Proven Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

The prosecutor must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt requires a high threshold of proof. This means more than just having a “hunch” that you committed a crime. The jury must find truth in the charges, and you have many constitutional rights and protections to help you defend against those charges. With your life and liberty at stake, you need the experience and confidence of The Baez Law Firm on your side. We will help to gather evidence that can be used to demonstrate your innocence, as well as refute evidence and claims of guilt presented by the prosecution.

Protecting Your Future

If you are not sure whether or not you need an lawyer, trust us – you do. Without an lawyer, you are putting yourself at greater risk of being convicted of the crime for which you have been accused, and receiving the harshest penalties permitted by the law. While we cannot guarantee that you will be released and the charges against you will be dropped – or that a trial will result in a verdict of innocent – we can guarantee that we will work hard on your behalf, and that your constitutional rights during the criminal procedure will be upheld. If any courtroom or juror misconduct occurs, or if your rights to a fair trial are infringed upon, we will jump into action immediately.

A criminal conviction is not the same thing as being charged with a crime. While the latter still provides hope for the future, a criminal conviction can result in huge fines that leave you financially destitute, years’ worth of prison time, strict probationary periods, and more. A conviction will also appear on your criminal record, potentially impairing your ability to find employment or housing in the future.

A Law Firm That Cares About You

Who you call after you have been charged with a crime is one of the most important decisions that you will ever make. You do not want just anyone handling your case; you want an lawyer who actually cares about your life and your outcome. At The Baez Law Firm, our criminal defense lawyers will always prioritize your needs and make sure that you understand the criminal process. We will also do everything that we can to reduce the chances of you being convicted or mitigate potentially harsh sentencing.

Serving Throughout Orlando

Baldwin Park
College Park
Winter Park
Thornton Park
Audubon Park
Lake Eola Heights
Colonialtown North
Lake Como
Delaney Park
Conway
Milk District
South Eola
Rose Isle
Lawsona/Fern Creek
Ivanhoe Village

After Arrest, Contact An Orlando Criminal Lawyer

When you are arrested, the most important call you will make is to your lawyer. Only an experienced Orlando criminal defense lawyer can advise you on your rights and the next steps. Do not take your chances by going at it alone. If you have been arrested in Central Florida from Orlando to Tampa, or anywhere in the state of Florida, you should call The Baez Law Firm at 800-588-BAEZ. The initial consultation is free, and we are available 24/7.

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