Thousands of criminal cases are filed and tried in the state of Florida every month. According to OSCA’s Statistical Reference, Guide to Florida’s Trial Court, out of over 170 thousand criminal fillings in 2015 over 89 percent resulted in a guilty verdict. In Orlando alone, over 73 percent of criminal filings were faced with a final charge of guilty. When facing a criminal charge, it is important to seek counsel from an experienced Orlando criminal defense lawyer in order to reduce the risk of a disastrous outcome. Below are the three most commonly filed criminal defense cases for which every qualified criminal defense attorney in Orlando should be prepared.
Crimes Against Property in Orlando
Any criminal act resulting in the taking of destruction of another person’s property is defined under Florida statute as a crime against property. Last year crimes against property, such as burglary, theft, and fraud, accounted for 53 percent of criminal filings in Florida. While not always considered as serious as an assault or violent crime, these can sometimes include felony charges with serious life altering consequences. Even a misdemeanor theft charge on your record can affect your ability to get a job or pass a background check. Employers look for signs of dishonesty in your past, and will quickly deny you work regardless of the circumstances. Anything from vandalism to arson could potentially disrupt your ability to rent a nice home or get affordable insurance. An accomplished Orlando criminal lawyer will understand the severity of such a charge and fight for a better outcome.
Orlando Drug Crime
The illegal production, sale or manufacture of any controlled substance can result in a very serious offense. Drug crime made up over 26 percent of criminal filings in Florida for 2015. If you are arrested for a drug crime in Florida, you can possibly be prosecuted for that same substance in a federal court as well, risking much heavier charges. Laws regarding drug crimes are vastly complex, resulting in many who fail to completely understand their charge or their rights regarding such an arrest. Search and seizure laws are a crucial priority in many cases, and regardless of the circumstances, your rights can still be protected. Florida drug court offers rehabilitation programs which provide the opportunity to have a drug charge completely wiped from your record. Always seek counsel with an Orlando criminal defense attorney right away to ensure the best possible results.
Crime Against Persons in Orlando
Over 17 percent of criminal filings in Florida, last year involved crimes against persons such as assault, rape, and domestic violence. While not always considered a violent crime, these charges are indeed serious because individuals are directly involved and have a right to pursue charges. Counsel from a knowledgeable Orlando criminal lawyer is important because even when an injury to another is only threatened or perceived, that is often enough to merit criminal charges. Such a verdict can lead to restraining orders, heavy fines, and permanent changes to your record. Employers are quick to turn away applicants with any negative history that may become a liability to the business.
Violent Crimes
While violent crimes made for less than 3 percent of criminal filings in Florida last year, the charge is no less serious. To have a history of criminal violence on your record is to have every aspect of your home, work, and family life affected. All of the above listed criminal defense charges will be greatly exacerbated if there is even a perceived element of bodily harm. Just the threat of criminal violence is enough to warrant an arrest and a guilty verdict if the potential to carry out the act exists, regardless of your actual intention. Having a weapon on your person, even though legally obtained and within your rights to carry, can result in a violent crime charge.
Free Orlando Criminal Case Evaluation
Many people facing criminal charges fail to realize that the vast intricacies and complexity of the legal system are a double edged sword. While there may be a tendency to feel overwhelmed by the weight and confusion, every person is protected by numerous rights under the law. A better understanding of these rights can prevent otherwise innocent people from struggling with the consequences of an unfair charge. By hiring the aid of a qualified Orlando criminal defense attorney, details, and premises that were previously overlooked can mean the difference between disaster and salvation. Because most criminal filings in Florida fall into the same few categories, an experienced criminal lawyer will be well versed in every aspect, able to competently and thoroughly handle your case.
