Arrested or Under Investigation? Talk to an Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyer Before You Talk to Police.

It depends on the charge, how complex the evidence is and whether the case goes to trial. We'll explain our fee clearly, in writing, during your free and confidential consultation, before you decide anything. There are no surprises.

Stay calm and don't resist. Give your name, then clearly say you are using your right to remain silent and want a lawyer. Don't consent to searches, and don't discuss your case on jail phones, by text or on social media. Then call ANT Law Firm at (407) 777-8888 — we can talk with you or your family about bond and next steps right away.

As soon as possible — ideally before you talk to police. If a detective contacts you, you've been arrested or you have a court date, call now. Before charges are formally filed, a defense attorney can sometimes influence what the State files, or whether it files at all. Don't wait for your arraignment.

Sometimes, yes. Charges can be dropped or dismissed when evidence is suppressed after an illegal stop, search or interrogation, when the State can't prove an element of the offense, when new evidence helps you, or when you qualify for pretrial diversion. No honest lawyer can promise a dismissal, but the earlier we're involved, the more options you have.

Misdemeanors are punished by up to 60 days (second degree) or up to 1 year (first degree) in county jail. Felonies are punished by state prison: up to 5 years for a third-degree felony, 15 years for second degree, 30 years for first degree, up to life for a life felony, and life or death for a capital felony. The level of the charge shapes the sentence, the collateral consequences and the defense strategy.

Yes. A misdemeanor conviction in Florida is still a criminal record that shows up on background checks and can affect jobs, housing, professional licenses and immigration status. A criminal defense attorney can often negotiate a dismissal, diversion or a withhold of adjudication — which can keep a conviction off your record when the law allows it.

Often, if your case was dropped, dismissed or ended in an acquittal, or if you received a withhold of adjudication on an eligible offense. Some offenses can never be sealed, including DUI convictions, and you're generally limited to one sealing or expungement in your lifetime. Our attorneys can review your eligibility and handle the petition with FDLE and the court.

Florida's Stand Your Ground law (Fla. Stat. §§ 776.012 and 776.013) lets a person use force, including deadly force, without a duty to retreat when they reasonably believe it's necessary to prevent imminent death, great bodily harm or a forcible felony — as long as they were somewhere they had a right to be and weren't engaged in criminal activity. Under § 776.032, a successful claim gives immunity from prosecution, decided at a pretrial hearing where the State has the burden.

No — not without a lawyer. Officers are trained to get statements, and innocent people often say things that are misunderstood, taken out of context or used to fill holes in the State's case. Politely say you won't answer questions without an attorney, then call us. Talk to us before you talk to police.

Most criminal cases resolve before trial through a dismissal, a reduced charge, diversion or a negotiated plea. But the best resolutions usually come when the prosecutor knows your attorney is ready to try the case. We prepare every case for a jury, and the decision to go to trial is always yours.