Key Largo Criminal Defense Attorneys

Lawyers Defending Against Misdemeanors, Felonies, and Federal Crimes in Key Largo, Florida

When a person has been arrested and accused of a crime, it is easy for them to feel overwhelmed. They may not fully understand the nature of the accusations they are facing, and they may be unsure about whether they should talk to police officers or what steps they can take to protect their rights. They will likely be concerned about a jail sentence or other penalties they may face, but they may not know what steps they can take to defend against a conviction.

Because of the many legal issues that can arise in criminal cases and the harsh consequences that a person can face if they are convicted, legal representation is crucial from the very beginning of a case. At Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, our lawyers can provide the legal help clients need to address criminal charges. We will advise clients on their best options for defense, and we will develop strategies to help them address the charges they are facing, avoid criminal convictions, and put these situations behind them.

Drug Crimes

Because of concerns about drug addiction, overdoses, and other safety issues, law enforcement officials in Florida will take steps to investigate and arrest people who are suspected of offenses related to controlled substances. Drug crimes may range from misdemeanor offenses related to drug possession to high-level felonies involving drug trafficking.

Our attorneys have the experience needed to help clients defend against drug charges. We can determine whether the evidence in these cases was obtained through illegal searches by law enforcement, and we can advise clients on their options for receiving probation and drug treatment or taking steps to secure a dismissal or acquittal.

Violent Crimes

Offenses involving injuries, threats, or other forms of violence are taken seriously by law enforcement. Violent crime charges may include assault or battery, including in cases where arguments, fights, or other conflicts involve allegations of threats, physical contact, or intentional injuries. Some offenses may be classified as domestic violence, and people may need to respond to restraining orders in addition to defending against criminal charges. Some of the most serious charges involve accusations of homicide, including murder or manslaughter.

Our lawyers can provide guidance on the best ways to defend against accusations of violent crimes. We can review what happened in a situation and defend against claims that a person acted with the intent to harm someone else. We will work to avoid convictions and limit the penalties that may affect a person's life and family relationships.

Sex Crimes

People who have been accused of engaging in sex acts without consent can be charged with serious sex crimes. Many of these cases involve allegations of rape or sexual battery in which a person may be charged with engaging in nonconsensual sexual activity. Charges involving child sex crimes, including child pornography or child sexual abuse, can be especially serious due to the harm that these offenses can cause to children.

Because cases involving sex crimes may involve complex digital evidence, accusations made by alleged victims, and the possibility of sex offender registration, legal representation by an experienced attorney can be essential. Our lawyers can take steps to protect clients' rights in these situations, helping them address serious allegations and defend against convictions.

Property Crimes

Certain types of criminal charges may involve claims that a person has taken or damaged someone else's property. While property crimes may not involve direct physical harm to people, they are still treated seriously, and the penalties will often be based on the value of the property involved in a case. Our attorneys can help clients address charges of theft, burglary, robbery, arson, and more.

DUI

As police officers take steps to crack down on people who put public safety at risk by driving while intoxicated, they may arrest people who they believe have been drinking alcohol or using drugs. Charges of driving under the influence can lead to multiple types of serious penalties, including the loss of a driver's license, large fines, increased insurance rates, substance abuse treatment, probation, and possible jail time. Our lawyers can provide the legal help clients need when addressing DUI charges, including in cases involving first-time DUI, multiple DUI, felony DUI, or underage DUI.

Traffic Violations

Our attorneys can also help people who have been charged with violations of traffic laws, which may result in traffic tickets or criminal charges. We can help clients determine the best ways to handle traffic violations such as speeding, reckless driving, or hit and run, and we will work to defend against penalties such as the suspension of a driver's license, fines, or jail sentences.

Gun Crimes

Many people in Florida own and use firearms, and they could face criminal charges without realizing that they have violated the state's weapons laws. Gun crimes may include concealed weapons violations, carrying a firearm in a school, discharging a gun in a dangerous manner, or possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Our lawyers can help clients address these charges and protect their right to bear arms.

Federal Crimes

Certain types of crimes may be prosecuted in federal courts, and in these cases, defendants will need to understand their rights, the procedures that will be followed, and their options for defense. Our attorneys have the experience needed to help clients defend against federal crimes, including federal drug crimes, federal sex crimes, immigration crimes, federal weapons crimes, and money laundering.

Boating Violations

People in Key Largo and throughout the Florida Keys often spend time on the water, and there are some situations where they may be charged with boating violations. Our lawyers can help clients determine how to address fishing and FWC violations, marine violations, charges of reckless operation of a vessel, or other violations that could affect their boating or fishing licenses or result in criminal charges.

Juvenile Crimes

When a minor is accused of a crime and arrested, their case will typically be handled in the juvenile court system. These matters are often treated differently than adult criminal charges, and diversion programs, probation, treatment, and rehabilitation may be used to help address the causes of delinquent activity and help a minor avoid long-term penalties. Our attorneys can provide representation for children who have been charged with juvenile crimes, working to protect their rights and minimize the impact that these cases may have on their futures.

Appeals

When a person has been convicted of a crime, they may be able to challenge the decisions made in their case by filing an appeal. They may address errors that occurred during a trial that led to a wrongful conviction, or they may argue that their sentence was overly harsh. Our lawyers have experience handling criminal appeals, and we can help ensure that clients take the right steps to challenge a conviction or sentence while protecting their rights.

Expungement and Record Sealing

In certain cases, people may be able to take steps to clear their criminal records through expungement. This option may be available when the charges against a person were dismissed, when they were acquitted, or in other situations that did not result in a conviction. In other situations, record sealing may be available, and it will prevent certain records related to convictions from being publicly accessible. Our attorneys can help clients understand their options for clearing their criminal records, and we work to ensure that they will be able to complete the expungement or record sealing process correctly.

Contact Our Key Largo, FL Criminal Defense Lawyers

At Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, we can provide the legal help clients need to defend against criminal charges. Contact our Key Largo, Florida criminal law attorneys at 305-324-7888 to arrange a free consultation today.