Contact Us About Your Florida Criminal Charge
Criminal Law
The challenges of life can sometimes lead an individual into the crosshairs of law enforcement. Freedom may be at stake, as well as personal finances and your reputation. Mateer & Harbert’s criminal defense attorneys have served as prosecutors and public defenders. We are well versed in Florida law and the legal environment where these challenges are resolved. The guidance and counsel of a criminal defense attorney after an arrest are critical. You have constitutional rights the state cannot rebuke, and Mateer & Harbert can protect them. If you are dealing with trained police and prosecutors, it only makes sense to have an equally skilled professional. If your freedom is at stake or you are involved in a criminal charge, contact Mateer & Harbert for assistance with your criminal defense.
Florida Felonies and Misdemeanors
State laws must follow the constitution, even in newly drafted legislature. A felony in Florida is a serious crime and a charge that may be punishable by death or imprisonment for more than a year. Fines can reach up to $15,000. Felonies are divided into different classes with different degrees of punishment. In Florida, a misdemeanor is a form of misconduct. The law enforces a penalty of one year or less in prison, plus a fine of up to $1,000. Non-criminal violations are offenses such as traffic violations and public nuisance.
Florida DUI Laws
Anyone driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be charged with a DUI. An impairment of rational faculties or unlawful blood/breath alcohol level of .08 or above is considered for a DUI. If you have been arrested for a DUI in Florida, your license is immediately suspended on an arrest for DUI. At this point, you only have ten days to protect your driver’s license. At the end of 10 days, your license will be entirely suspended, suspended with work privileges, or reinstated. First-time offenders have some options in the 10-day window. They can request an administrative hearing to determine if the law enforcement officer had probable cause to arrest you for DUI. You may receive a 42-day ” hardship ” license, or a 30-90 day waiting period if you lose the hearing, to obtain a hardship license. Another option is to forfeit your right to a review hearing in exchange for an immediate business purpose license. For a first-time offender, this license will be for the six to twelve-month suspension. Previously convicted DUI drivers are not eligible for a hardship license and may only have the option to request an administrative hearing. An experienced Florida DUI attorney can help determine your situation and your rights to find a way to a good solution.
We Handle All Types of Florida Criminal Cases
The experienced and skillful lawyers at Mateer & Harbert have handled state and federal felony and misdemeanor charges. Our attorneys handle crimes such as DUI, DUI Manslaughter, DUI Serious Bodily injury, drug crimes, drug trafficking, drug sales, drug purchase, and drug cultivation. We handle sex crimes, violent crimes, white-collar crimes, and all traffic violations and tickets.
Choose Mateer & Harbert for Your Criminal Defense
We are confident that we can best represent you in your criminal case. Attorney Matthew J. Brown is a former prosecutor with vast experience in criminal law. Attorney Donald R. Henderson is an AV Pre-eminent attorney. His peers give this award for the highest level of professional excellence. He is a highly experienced professional attorney with many years in criminal law practice. At Mateer & Harbert, our attorneys are passionate about the law and committed to our clients. We strive for excellence and positive legal solutions for our clients. For more information regarding our criminal law practice, contact: Phone (407) 425-9044 | Fax (407) 423-2016