St. Petersburg Criminal Lawyer
If you have recently been arrested, or are under investigation for a crime, the worst thing you can do for yourself is to talk to the police without an attorney present. Due to recent changes in Florida law, police officers have the right to openly mislead or outright lie to you during an interrogation. In fact, they may use this tactic against you, your children, and your other family members. While arrested individuals have the right to remain silent, officers frequently infringe upon this right, attempting to coerce the individual into speaking. Interrogation can last hour upon hour, during which the police will attempt to wear their suspects down into accidentally saying something incriminating. Whether you have been arrested before, or this is the first time, it is imperative that you reach out to an experienced St. Petersburg criminal lawyer now. The attorneys at the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely can help you beat the charges set against you, or have them drastically reduced.
Having a Misdemeanor or Felony Record Can Ruin Your Life
From misdemeanors to serious felonies, all defendants need an experienced attorney on their side. Even being charged for small crimes, such as petty theft, can result in the loss of your job, large fines, jail time, and even the loss of certain rights. A felony can result in your loss of right to own a gun, or to vote. Under Amendment Four to the Florida constitution, for which Floridians overwhelmingly voted in favor of back in 2018, the voting rights of felons should be restored once they finish serving their time. However, an appellate judge ordered that felons must pay all legal fees, fines, and restitution before these rights are restored, according to the Associated Press. As such, even if you do not go to prison, or you spend a minimal time behind bars, your life and future prospects can be stripped away if you are convicted.
Types of Criminal Offenses We Handle
- Misdemeanors;
- Felonies;
- Theft Crimes;
- Drug Possession;
- Property Crimes;
- DUI;
- Public Intoxication;
- Weapons Charges;
- Assault / Battery; and
- Aiding & Abetting.
Defending Your Rights
As a defendant, you have certain rights. The first right you should employ is your right to remain silent. You do not have to speak to the police, regardless of what they say, and you should invoke this right until you have a lawyer at your side. The next right of yours is that of the presumption of innocence. You are innocent until proven guilty. You also have the right to due process. Despite these rights, the criminal justice system has been warped in recent decades, according to the American Bar Association, as laws allow for almost zero transparency, allow prosecutors to hide evidence during negotiations, lock up defendants and separate them from their families in order to coerce them into taking plea deals, impose minimum mandatory sentences (also to pressure defendants into pleading). As such, you are up against a lot as it is, which is why an attorney is absolutely necessary.
Contact the St. Petersburg Law Offices of Steven G. Lavely
Whether police are questioning you, your car or home has been searched, or you have been arrested for a crime, call (941) 747-7994 today to talk to St. Petersburg criminal defense attorney Steven G. Lavely. We can help you avoid jail time, and will work tirelessly to defend your rights and have the charges against you dropped or significantly reduced.
