Pinellas County Criminal Defense Lawyers

We aim to deliver the highest quality legal representation to those accused of crimes in the Pinellas County area. We represent clients charged with Pinellas County crimes in State and Federal Court, including:

• White Collar Crime, like Fraud & Financial Crimes, Bank Fraud, Tax Fraud, Insurance Fraud, and Money Laundering in State and Federal Court
• Serious Felonies, including Sex Crimes, Rape, Sexual Assault and Sexual Battery; Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, Child Abuse, Possession of Child Pornography, as well as Capital Murder and Manslaughter. We also represent clients charged with firearm and gun-related crimes.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) cases involving serious bodily injury or death are usually charged as DUI Manslaughter.

Understanding Prison and Jail Times for Criminal Charges in Florida

In Florida, imprisonment length varies by offense, aggravating factors, and criminal history.

Types of Criminal Charges

1. Infractions
   These minor violations are typically punishable by fines and do not result in incarceration.
2. Misdemeanors
   Considered less severe than felonies, these offenses still carry penalties that vary based on severity. Examples include simple assault, disorderly conduct, and petty theft.
   • First-Degree Misdemeanor:
     Punishable by up to 1 year in jail or probation, along with fines up to $1,000.
   • Second-Degree Misdemeanor:
     Carries a potential sentence of up to 60 days in jail or 6 months of probation, with fines reaching $500.
3. Felonies
   Serious offenses that result in more significant consequences. This category includes crimes such as drug trafficking, aggravated assault, and homicide.
   • First-Degree Felony:
     Imprisonment for up to 30 years, with fines up to $10,000.
   • Second-Degree Felony:
     Up to 15 years in prison, and fines may also reach $10,000.
   • Third-Degree Felony:
     A sentence of up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $5,000.
   • Life Felony:
     Life imprisonment with fines up to $15,000.
   • Capital Felony:
     Punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty.

By classifying offenses into these categories, Florida ensures that penalties are proportionate to the crime’s severity. Understanding these distinctions can help navigate the complexities of Florida’s legal system.

Why Choose Whittel and Melton?

Whittel & Melton’s success and reputation are based on an established track record of high-quality legal work performed by well-prepared lawyers who are devoted to their clients.

Because serious crimes demand the best defense, you need seasoned attorneys. With nearly 60 years of combined criminal law experience, our Pinellas County Criminal Defense team has experience negotiating favorable plea agreements for our clients. We are also skilled litigators who zealously advocate our client’s cases to a jury.

Our St. Petersburg criminal defense team includes lawyers and a support staff of legal assistants, paralegals, and private investigators who are committed to exceeding our clients’ needs. We create a unique strategy to address the particular circumstances of each case—you never receive “cookie-cutter” representation from our firm.

How Much Is a Retainer Fee for a Criminal Lawyer in Pinellas County?

Typical criminal defense representation in Pinellas County from qualified and experienced attorney generally start in the $5,000 range for the lowest level charge and can grow to over $100,000 in the most serious of criminal matters. Many factors come in to play when pricing a case. Some of the cost certainly depends on the quality of lawyer assigned to the matter. For example, the same case, same work and same effort expended by a young 3 or 4 year lawyer as opposed to a 20-year experienced, former prosecutor, Florida Board Certified trial lawyer is going to obviously be different. Other factors to consider would be the actual trial experience of the attorney you are speaking to and any unique challenges the case may present – example: Media attention, professional license issues etc.

The other most important matter to consider for pricing is the filed or arrest charge itself and the challenges presented in mounting a proper defense. The more serious the potential consequences, the more serious the subject matter, and the more serious the allegation, the more resources the defendant will always require. Similarly, the complexities of a criminal charge, financial issues, scientific issues, and computer issues can all be factors in the fee involved.

What Does a Defendant Attorney Do?

The two most important skills for a criminal defendant in Pinellas County, St Petersburg, Clearwater or otherwise is (1) do not make your case worse! Do not get on social media, do not speak to people about your file, do not attempt to discuss the matter with witnesses, etc. and (2) be a good listener. Your attorney, the judge and even what you might hear or read in your discovery. Be an active listener and offer suggestions to your attorney.

What Happens If a Criminal Case Goes to Trial?

When a criminal case proceeds to trial, it’s vital to have skilled legal representation on your side. Your legal team will advocate for you with both integrity and vigor. Here’s what you can generally expect during the trial process:

1. Building a Strong Defense:
   • Preparation is Key: Your lawyers will meticulously prepare by gathering robust evidence and credible testimonies to bolster your defense and challenge the prosecution’s case.
2. Presentation of the Case:
   • Structured Arguments: In court, your attorneys will present a clear and strategic narrative, showcasing evidence that supports your innocence or mitigates circumstances.
3. Ethical Advocacy:
   • Maintaining Integrity: Expect your legal team to follow ethical guidelines, ensuring your rights are respected while passionately defending your case.
4. Examining Evidence:
   • Critical Analysis: Both the defense and prosecution will scrutinize evidence and interview witnesses, highlighting strengths and exposing weaknesses in each other’s cases.
5. Jury Interaction:
   • Engaging Persuasion: Your attorneys will communicate persuasively with the jury, aiming to cast doubts on the opposition and underscore your defense.

Throughout this intense process, the objective is to convincingly cast your situation in a favorable light, aiming for a verdict that supports your defense.

Can My Lawyer Talk to the Victim?

Generally speaking, Yes, it would be possible for your criminal defense lawyer contact the alleged victim in a case. More likely, however, a lawyer will use an investigator for contact like this. Even more likely, in Florida, is a deposition might occur where the victim can speak under oath to both the State Attorney and your criminal defense attorney.

How Do I Know if My Lawyer Is Good?

One of the luxuries of NOT being a defendant in the criminal justice system is we get to see all the defendants and all of the lawyers involved. As a defendant unfortunately you only have ONE opportunity to hire the right attorney for you. For the most part a defendant knows if they have the right attorney if they feel as though they are getting their best opportunity to represent their best self before the court. More objectively a criminal defense attorney’s resume, trial experience, experience in that specific jurisdiction or court house, experience with that specific charge, and opportunity for your lawyer to spend time on your case based on his/her caseload (are they over loaded with cases, often this is the largest impediment for a public defender).

If you, or a friend or family member, has been charged with a Federal crime or State crime in Pinellas County, Florida, including St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs or Clearwater, please call us to make an appointment for a free consultation, toll free at 866-608-5529, or locally at (727) 823-0000 so that we can meet with you to discuss your case and the defenses available to you.

We are available to our clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

REPRESENTING CLIENTS CHARGED WITH PINELLAS COUNTY CRIMES AND FEDERAL CHARGES

Whittel & Melton represents clients throughout Pinellas County, including those charged with crimes in the Bellaire, Bellair Beach, Bellair Bluffs, Bellair Shore, Clearwater, Dunedin, Gulfport, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Kenneth City, Largo, Madeira Beach, North Redington Beach, Oldsmar, Pinellas Park, Redington Beach, Redington Shores, Safety Harbor, Seminole, South Pasadena, St. Pete Beach, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs and Treasure Island.

PINELLAS COUNTY CRIMINAL DEFENSE RESOURCES

Below is a potential list of helpful information in your or your loved one’s Pinellas County Criminal Defense case. Of course, for existing clients – all information and conversations must take place with our office first.

BE VERY CAREFUL when or if you contact any state or government agency – any conversation may be recorded or transcribed for law enforcement to use against you.

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office

Pinellas County Clerk of Courts

City of St. Petersburg

Pinellas County State Attorney’s Office

St. Petersburg Police Department

Pinellas County Government

Largo Police Department

Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections

City of Tarpon Springs

Pinellas County Judicial Services

City of Treasure Island

Pinellas County Juvenile Justice