No two cases are the same.

Often times a client or potential new client will compare the facts of their case with a friend's case or a case in the news.  The client will say their friend had the exact same charge and got this result and they want the same result or a better result.  I always tell them, "No two cases are the same!" 

There are so many variables that define and make up a criminal case. While the charge may be the same, the specific facts of each case will have a significant impact on how a case is handled and the resulting disposition of each case.  The factual distinctions are usually very subtle and may seem unimportant to you or a non-criminal attorney.  But these subtleties in facts can and will distinguish one case from another.  For example, it may be something as subtle as in a DUI case, whether a driver swerved and touched the lane marker twice versus three times that may significantly impact the entire case. 

Other variables that distinguish each case can include: the officer involved, the thoroughness of the investigation, the prosecutor assigned to the case, the presiding Judge, the client's own history, and of course, the defense attorney handling the case.  

The client's background is a significant variable in how a case is handled.  Does the client have a prior criminal history?  If so, for what and how recent?  Did the client make statements to the police?  

Having the right defense attorney often makes a huge difference on the ultimate outcome of your case.  An expert defense attorney will have the knowledge and understanding to identify the facts that help and harm a specific case.  A confident and experienced defense attorney will be able to explain and discuss with the client all the probable outcomes of the case and prepare the client for the legal system.  An aggressive attorney will argue and advocate for the best results for the client.  

I am that defense attorney.  I have been in the state and federal courtrooms of Tampa Bay for the past 15+ years and handled all types of cases from misdemeanor open container to felony manslaughter and everything in between.  I am Board Certified by the Florida Bar and an expert in criminal trial law.  If you have questions about an arrest, call me.  I can help.

My Firm, My Style.

I treat my clients the way I would want to be treated if I was arrested or accused of committing a crime. It's why I answer my own phone at all hours of the day.  There is no secretary or paralegal to take messages.  It is just me.  

If my client has a question or problem, they can call and speak with me anytime. That’s what I’d expect and that's the service I'd want from my attorney.

Oftentimes my clients prefer to TEXT or email me. This works great for me as well as I can often  text or email when I am otherwise unable to talk on the phone.

But at times it is best and necessary to communicate the old-fashioned way, in person.  By meeting face to face with my clients, I can really discuss the issues surrounding their case, the consequences, and what are the best available options for them. 

WHY DO I REPRESENT THE CRIMINALLY ACCUSED?

First and foremost, many of my clients are in fact NOT GUILTY of the crime they are alleged to have committed.  This fact cannot be overstated. Just because the police have arrested a person and the State Attorney's Office has filed formal charges, it does not mean the prosecutors are correct.  Rather, it could mean - based on the "limited" evidence they have at the time - the State believes there is sufficient  evidence to arrest and formally charge a person.   

Often times after my full and careful review of ALL the facts in the case, reviewing all the participants involved with their biases, motives, history and characteristics, and after a detailed review of the law, it becomes clear that my client should not have been arrested and that no formal charges should be filed or if filed, the charges should be immediately dropped.  It is very very rewarding to me, and of course to my clients and their families, when I am able to show the State that the charges are not legally warranted and they agree to immediately drop the charges.

As residents of the State of Florida and the United States, we have rights provided to us by both the Florida and United States Constitutions.  Specifically, we all have the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.  It is very important that law enforcement strictly abide by and follow these laws which protect us all.  At times, my clients have had their "rights" violated by law enforcement.  It is my responsibility to my client and to our community as a whole to not let these violations  go unchecked but rather address these violations in a court of law and make sure my clients' rights and the community's rights are properly respected and protected.

Yes, sometimes my clients are in fact guilty; they did commit a crime, and they do need to be punished.  However, sometimes what a prosecutor or a Judge feels is an appropriate sentence is not what I feel is a fair and appropriate sentence in this particular case.  By learning everything about my client and how they came to be in my office, I can better advocate for him/her and explain why my sentencing recommendation is more appropriate.  Often times my client's childhood, medical issues, employment, child-care responsibilities, substance abuse dependency, and other factors are very relevant and important in arriving at a fair case resolution and sentence.  

Finally, just because a person is accused of committing a crime or actually commits a crime does not necessarily make them a bad or horrible person.  My clients are usually first time (and never again) offenders who made a mistake or bad choice.  I truly enjoy helping them AND their family members through the often stressful, scary, and embarrassing legal process.

I am always truly honored and proud when a former client refers a family member or friend to me to help out in their time of need.  I do not take this trust lightly.    

As always, I will work hard, be honest, and give my clients the honest straightforward answers they deserve.