Gainesville Criminal Defense Lawyer
The city of Gainesville is keeping pace with Florida’s tough-on-crime stance. Local police officers have joined forces with county and state law enforcement agencies to break up drug rings, target drunk drivers, and capture child predators. So, if you commit a crime or have been accused of committing a crime, you will more than likely face incarceration if you do not put up an aggressive defense to prevent conviction.
The Value of Experienced Gainesville Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you want a Gainesville criminal defense attorney who is not afraid to take on law enforcement and prosecutors, turn to the law firm of Katz & Phillips, P.A. Our experienced legal team understands your dilemma and the worry and frustration that the criminal process brings on you and your family. This is why we are assertive in our advocacy efforts on behalf of our clients.
Criminal Offenses Charged under City Ordinances and State Laws
Gainesville City Commissioners are often approached by police officials to establish new laws that allow them to arrest individuals for different types of trending crimes occurring in the area, such as selling synthetic marijuana.
It’s the job of a criminal defense attorney to examine these new laws to determine how to challenge them when necessary and to fight for a client who has been charged under the ordinance.
Facing violation of a Gainesville city ordinance may appear to be a minor offense. However, leaving cases unresolved by failing to pay fines or failing to appear in court to answer misdemeanor charges can amount to a separate offense. (Chapter 1, General Provisions, Section 1-9, Gainesville Municipal Code) This can lead to an immediate arrest if you’re stopped by a Gainesville police officer for any reason. A criminal defense attorney can attempt to help you clear up these violations before your situation spirals out of control. It is important for you to handle all legal matters immediately to prevent minor incidents from causing a major disruption in your life.
If you have committed a serious crime in Gainesville that’s punishable by imprisonment, legal assistance is imperative since felony offenses are charged under Florida state laws. Charges are brought against such offense as:
- Aggravated assault
- Armed robbery
- Arson
- Burglary
- Carjacking
- Child abuse
- Home invasion robbery
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Sexual assault
- Using a weapon to commit a felony
Additionally, drug manufacturing, selling and possession of a controlled substance are serious crimes persistently pursued by police and doggedly prosecuted under Florida laws. Illegal possession of drugs such as cocaine, methadone, and heroin is considered a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. There are different classifications of drugs and the amount of those drugs found on a person at the time of arrest carry different criminal penalties. Because of the legal complications involving drug offenses, do not handle a drug charge on your own, whether misdemeanor or felony; schedule a consultation with an attorney.
UF Students, Residents at Risk Without Legal Advocate
Since Gainesville is home to the University of Florida (UF), students are periodically accused of underage drinking at parties, stopped for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) or investigated for other crimes. Not only are students facing legal problems in local and state court, depending on their charges, they may be at risk for suspension or expulsion from UF if these charges contribute to a violation of school regulations.
A criminal conviction can disrupt a student’s educational pursuit and a city resident’s personal and professional life, which is why you should have a Gainesville criminal lawyer as your advocate.
Your Defense Starts Here, Call Our Gainesville Criminal Defense Law Firm
If you have been charged with a crime, whether or not you committed the offense, let Katz & Phillips, P.A., help you. Contact us today to get a free legal consultation with our attorneys.