St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Lawyer
Are you being charged with a criminal offense? By working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer, you greatly reduce your chances of being punished for something that you did not do, or facing a punishment that does not fit the crime. For example, simply having 20 grams or less of cannabis in your possession, which is a first degree misdemeanor, can end with a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a fine of $1,000. We will not let the criminal justice system take advantage of your situation. The sooner you seek legal counsel, the sooner we can set to work on building a case in your defense and wiping your slate clean. Our St. Petersburg criminal defense lawyers are experienced in all of the following varieties of criminal defense cases:
- Juvenile offenses;
- Theft of property valued at $250 or less;
- Assault;
- Battery;
- Traffic violations;
- DUI;
- Probation violation; and
- All misdemeanor charges.
Juvenile Offenses
Juvenile offenses vary in terms of severity. Some of the most common types of juvenile offenses that we deal with are skipping school, ungovernability, possession of alcohol or tobacco, curfew violations, graffiti, and running away. However, juvenile offenses can often fall under the penalties of adult crimes depending on the age of the defendant and the alleged crime. For example, assault, burglary, and possession of illegal drugs can create a lasting criminal record that will follow a young person throughout the rest of their lives. Often, punishment such as juvenile detention is not the answer.
Petit Theft
Theft of property valued under $300, termed petit theft, is a misdemeanor crime in Florida, which can come with a jail sentence and hefty fines. Specifically, if the property is valued below $100, the crime is a misdemeanor in the second degree. If the property is over $100 but less than $300 it is punishable as a first degree misdemeanor, according to Florida statutes 812.014.
Assault and Battery
Assault and battery charges come with very severe penalties, including serious prison time, depending on the severity of the alleged assault and the physical and psychological damage that it created. If you have been charged with assault or battery, contact us immediately for legal representation.
Traffic Violations and DUI
If you have been charged with a traffic violation, including a DUI, your license and right to drive may be at stake, not to mention a possibly very large increase in your insurance premiums. We will help you to prove what really happened out on the road and to decrease the charges you face.
Probation Violations
Clients who have violated their probation risk fines, community service, counseling, rehabilitation, an increased probation period, new charges, and jail time. We will help you to prove to the court that an increased probation or spending the remaining probation period in jail is not the right course of action.
Let Our St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
No matter the alleged offense, call St. Petersburg criminal defense lawyers of Barbas, Nuñez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian today at 1-800-227-2275 if you have been charged with any criminal offense. We are eager to assist you today.
