Criminal
Defense

Know Your Rights

Immediately following any allegation of or arrest for a crime committed in Fort Walton Beach, Navarre, Crestview, Milton, or any of the surrounding areas, it’simportant to seek the guidance of an experienced Florida Criminal Law attorney who can help you achieve your best possible outcome.

For over 20 years, Criminal Defense attorney Stephen J. Ryan has fought to defend and preserve the rights of countless clients across Northwest Florida. A criminal charge, or even a mere accusation, should be faced head-on and requires a fast response, and that’s why our firm provides free consultations on all criminal matters.

While this website contains a lot of helpful information on many areas of Criminal Law, there simply is no substitute for the counsel of a knowledgeable attorney who understands the complexities of Criminal Law. If you have been this is the caption text charge with or are being subjected to a criminal investigation, contact our office to schedule a free consultation and begin developing your best defense strategy today.

Know Your Rights

If you’re facing the loss of freedom, property, or reputation as the result of a criminal investigation or charges, it’s important to know the rights and protections you’re entitled to under Florida and federal law. You should immediately contact an attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced in the complexities of the criminal law system. Attorney Stephen J. Ryan provides free consultations on criminal matters.

Criminal Charges In Florida

DUI (Drunk Driving)

Florida’s DUI laws are some of the most severe in the United States. Penalties may include jail time, fines, and community service, as well as administrative penalties, such as suspension or revocation of the driver’s license. The process can seem overwhelming, but it’s important to keep in mind that being arrested for DUI does not guarantee that you will be convicted.

Domestic Violence

Acts such as battery or assault may result in criminal charges under Florida’s Domestic Violence statute where the accused and victim are spouses, family members, or are currently or have ever resided together as a family. Criminal Domestic Violence charges may also arise between parties who were never married but share a child in common. Penalties may include substantial jail time and permanent injunctions (i.e. restraining orders).

Drug Charges

Felony or misdemeanor drug convictions can result in jail time and/or hefty fines, but such convictions can also have an ongoing effect on other areas of a person’s life, such as the ability to find employment. Charges may range from simple possession to intent to sell or deliver controlled substances, and penalties for convictions can vary based on many factors, such as the amount of the substance involved or for repeat offenses.

Violent Crimes (e.g. assault, battery)

Florida has harsh penalties for crimes involving violence, such as battery, assault, aggravated assault or battery, battery on law enforcement, kidnapping, or sexual battery. In addition to criminal punishments of jail time and fines, having a criminal record can have an ongoing negative impact on a person’s ability to ever thrive as a member of society. Fortunately, having the guidance of an experienced Criminal Defense attorney before or immediately after charges are filed can increase the likelihood of achieving a more favorable outcome.

Crimes Against Property (e.g. Theft, Shoplifting, Trespassing)

The severity of the Florida’s penalties for crimes such as theft, shoplifting, or trespassing is often underestimated and comes as a surprise to alleged offenders. It’s important to seek the advice of an experience attorney who understands the complexities of Florida’s legal system and will fight to achieve the best possible outcome.