After being arrested, the consequences that follow can extend beyond legal matters. Facing accusations or charges of criminal activity can be devastating, not only to your record but also to your livelihood and relationships. Your family, your job, your friends—that is what is important. Don’t allow one fault to upend your life for months or even years. Hire a Sarasota criminal defense lawyer today to get the justice you deserve in a timely fashion.
Atlas Defense Law is dedicated to personalized, compassionate legal counsel. Our team understands the many anxieties associated with criminal offenses, especially for those who are not accustomed to being in a courtroom. With assistance from Attorney Benjamin Abdulnour, your case will receive undivided attention and the full breadth of his legal knowledge.
Benjamin Abdulnour, Esq., is an accomplished litigator whose skills are indispensable to any case. He has represented clients in Florida since the beginning of his career, providing him with unique insight into the state’s complex legislation and the local courts’ tendencies in criminal cases. Abdulnour not only serves his community in court but also as President of the Lee County Legal Aid Society, which provides free legal services to those in need.
Drug-related charges in Florida can carry heavy penalties depending on the drug and amount involved. However, it is not uncommon for first-time offenders to receive some leniency from courts. The four major drug charges in Florida are possession of paraphernalia, simple possession, distribution, and trafficking.
If you are facing drug charges in Florida, you are not alone. In 2023, the U.S. Sentencing Commission found that one-third of all crimes committed in Florida were drug-related offenses. Even if you have not yet been charged but believe yourself to be under investigation, seeking legal counsel can help mitigate potential damage.
A DUI in Florida is applicable when the driver’s BAC registers above 0.08. A first-time DUI can still result in up to six months in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, and loss of license for six months to a year.
However, with the right representation, you may be able to reduce or avoid these circumstances. Breathalyzers and field sobriety tests can be faulty or administered improperly, which a criminal defense attorney can evaluate. In 2021, Sarasota County experienced 95 DUIs in March alone, a nearly 40% increase from 2020.
Minor traffic violations, such as improperly turning or running a red light, are not serious offenses. Reckless driving, excessive speeding, and drag racing, on the other hand, can result in jail time and hefty fines. Sarasota has already experienced 1,126 vehicle accidents this year, with 230 being hit-and-run cases along busy streets such as Fruitville Road and South Tamiami Trail.
In these cases, hiring a lawyer can be beneficial to your driving record.
Charges regarding firearms and weapons can range greatly in severity depending on the violation in Florida. Common charges include, but are not limited to: unlawful concealed carry, brandishing a firearm, discharge of a firearm in public, and possession of a firearm by a convict or minor. These crimes are not dealt with lightly, and even those with no prior criminal record are subjected to strict sentencing.
Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible is crucial to the success of your case. Having a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side provides you with a strong advocate throughout the duration of your case. Even if charges have not yet been pressed, a lawyer can also be pertinent if you believe you are under a current criminal investigation.
Atlas Defense Law is prepared to handle your case with diligence, no matter the issue. From domestic violence to expungement, our team is ready to tailor a defense to your case’s individual needs.
The cost of a criminal defense lawyer in Sarasota is dependent on several aspects of the case. The complexity of the crime, the charges involved, and your attorney’s experience all affect the final cost. Some lawyers may charge hourly or a flat fee for their services rendered. To receive a quote, contact our office for a free consultation at your earliest convenience.
In Florida, some criminal records are eligible to be sealed or expunged. However, this is only an option in specific scenarios. Some ways you may be eligible for expungement are if you are found not guilty, the charges were incurred as a juvenile, or if you were a victim of human trafficking when you committed the crimes. A criminal defense attorney will be able to evaluate your record and help you seek expungement if possible.
The first appearance or arraignment is the first court appearance after an arrest. This typically takes place within a few days of the arrest. During an arraignment, the defendant is made aware of all charges against them as well as the conditions for bond. Then counsel will be appointed if necessary and further court dates arranged.
Probation violations are serious offenses as they are synonymous with disobeying court orders. The court is not lenient with probation violations, and they can result in a return to prison. These violations are either considered substantive or technical. Technical violations are less consequential, including not keeping a job or missing meetings. Substantive violations are new charges accrued while on probation. An example of this is driving on a suspended license after a DUI.
Attorney Benjamin Abdulnour answers every call to his office personally, so do not hesitate to contact us with any of your criminal defense needs. Your representation matters. Hire a criminal defense lawyer from Atlas Defense Law today. Don’t hesitate to request a free consultation today.
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