1. NeJame Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 40+ years of experience and consistent 10/10 AVVO ratings
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes, federal crimes, white collar crimes
Background: NeJame Law has been protecting clients’ rights and interests since 1980. The attorneys have decades of litigation experience, board certifications, and successful track records. Among its numerous accolades, NeJame Law’s attorneys have received a consistent 10/10 legal review ratings from AVVO, the highest allowable. Moreover, they are also AV rated (the highest allowable for legal skills and ethics), by Martindale-Hubbell, the leading lawyer rating company. Additionally, their Google Review Ratings are among the highest from the public. NeJame Law has been voted as the Best Law Firm in Central Florida in the Orlando Business Journal Reader’s Poll on different occasions. The firm is comprised of accomplished and recognized attorneys, including its founder, Mark NeJame.
Location: Orlando, Florida
Contact: (407) 500-0000 | https://www.nejamelaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
2. Lindsey, Ferry & Parker, P.A.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with practice established since 1980 and Florida Super Lawyers recognition
Practice Areas: DUI, sex crimes, drug charges, violent crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: Lindsey, Ferry & Parker, P.A. is an established law firm committed to defending and protecting the rights of those facing state and federal criminal charges in Florida. The attorneys provide prompt, courteous and professional service to clients and their families and leave no stone unturned in the investigation of criminal cases. The firm is exclusively dedicated to criminal defense matters, including defending clients against drunk driving, sex crimes, drug charges, violent crimes and other felony and misdemeanor offenses. Warren Lindsey has decades of experience practicing criminal law in Florida courts. Mr. Lindsey has been selected for inclusion in Florida Super Lawyers from 2007 to 2022 and is AV Preeminent peer-review rated through Martindale-Hubbell. Matthew Ferry has established a reputation as a strong litigator in Florida’s state and federal courts.
Location: Orlando, Florida (Maitland office)
Contact: (407) 278-7692 | https://www.criminaldefenselawyersinorlando.com/
Consultation: Confidential consultation available
3. Fighter Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with two Board-Certified Trial Lawyers by the Florida Bar
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, domestic violence, theft, violent crimes, injunctions
Background: At Fighter Law, the mission is to Fight and Win for clients. The practice focuses on Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, Injunctions, Family Law and Estate Planning. The firm strives to get clients the best possible results in their case and to be the best law firm in Orlando. Located in downtown Orlando at 120 E. Robinson Street Orlando, Florida 32801. Thomas Fighter and Jessica Travis are both former prosecutors and now attorneys in private practice. They are both Board-Certified Trial Lawyers by the Florida Bar, which is the gold standard for lawyers in Florida. Attorney Thomas Fighter received The Justice Harry Lee Anstead Award for Florida Bar Board Certified Lawyer of the Year.
Location: 120 E. Robinson Street, Orlando, Florida 32801
Contact: (407) 753-7351 | https://www.fighterlaw.com/
Consultation: Consultation available
4. Katz & Phillips, P.A. (Orlando Criminal Team)
Focus Area: Criminal defense with two of only four Board Certified DUI Defense experts in Florida
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, sex crimes, violent crimes, federal crimes
Background: With the firm including two of only four Board Certified DUI Defense experts in the state of Florida, the expert team of legal professionals in Orlando is committed to safeguarding freedom and future. With a track record of success and a deep understanding of the intricacies of criminal law, the firm offers experience clients can trust to navigate even the most challenging legal battles. Katz & Phillips, P.A. is here to help when criminal charges are brought against you. If you have been accused of a crime, if the police want to talk with you, or if you’ve been indicted or arrested, now is the time to give Katz & Phillips, P.A. a call. The Orlando criminal defense attorneys will provide the benefit of decades of collective experience.
Location: Orlando, Florida (with additional offices in Port St. Lucie and St. Petersburg)
Contact: (321) 332-0430 | https://orlandocriminalteam.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
5. The Ladan Law Firm, P.A.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with experience since 2001 and former Assistant State Attorney background
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes, sex crimes
Background: Since 2001, The Ladan Law Firm has developed an impressive portfolio of experience and knowledge, all while earning an exceptional reputation in the legal community. Being prosecuted is stressful, so it’s in your best interest to seek out an experienced criminal defense attorney like Amir Ladan, founding partner of The Ladan Law Firm, P.A. Since 2001, Amir has represented individuals accused of criminal violations throughout Central Florida. With Amir on your side, you can rest easy knowing that you have an experienced criminal trial lawyer who will work tirelessly to defend you and to maintain your reputation and protect your future. Amir Ladan has worked within the legal community since 1998. From his days as an Assistant State Attorney to his ascent to one of the premier criminal defense lawyers in Central Florida, Amir uses his extensive courtroom experience to help his clients.
Location: 121 S Orange Ave #1420, Orlando, FL 32801
Contact: (407) 663-5717 | https://www.ladanlaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
Criminal Defense Laws in Florida
Felony Classifications
Florida classifies felonies into five categories:
Capital Felony: Includes first-degree murder and certain drug trafficking offenses. Penalty is death or life imprisonment without parole.
Life Felony: Includes certain sexual battery offenses and kidnapping. Penalty is life imprisonment or a term of years not exceeding life.
First-Degree Felony: Includes burglary with assault, carjacking, and aggravated battery. Penalty is up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 fine.
Second-Degree Felony: Includes robbery without a weapon, burglary of dwelling, and certain drug offenses. Penalty is up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 fine.
Third-Degree Felony: Includes grand theft, battery on law enforcement, and certain drug possession offenses. Penalty is up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 fine.
Misdemeanor Classifications
First-Degree Misdemeanor: Includes battery, petit theft (second offense), and DUI (first offense without aggravating factors). Maximum 1 year in county jail and $1,000 fine.
Second-Degree Misdemeanor: Includes petit theft (first offense) and disorderly conduct. Maximum 60 days in county jail and $500 fine.
Sealing and Expungement
Florida allows sealing and expungement of certain criminal records:
Sealing: Available for cases resulting in a withhold of adjudication (no conviction entered). Sealed records are not available to the public but can be accessed by certain agencies.
Expungement: Available for cases that were dismissed, resulted in acquittal, or where charges were never filed. Expunged records are destroyed or removed.
Ineligible Offenses: Certain offenses cannot be sealed or expunged, including sexual offenses, domestic violence, kidnapping, and child abuse.
Waiting Period: Generally must wait 10 years from completion of sentence for sealing.
DUI Laws
Florida DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .02% under 21). First offense carries up to 6 months jail (9 months with BAC over .15% or minor in vehicle), $500-$1,000 fine, and 180-day to 1-year license revocation. Second offense within 5 years carries up to 9 months jail (12 months with BAC over .15%), $1,000-$2,000 fine, and 5-year license revocation. Third offense within 10 years is a third-degree felony. Fourth offense (regardless of time) is a third-degree felony. Florida has implied consent; refusal results in 1-year license suspension (first refusal) or 18-month suspension (subsequent refusal).
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Orlando?
Criminal cases in Orlando are heard in the Orange County courts. Orange County Court handles misdemeanor cases, traffic violations, and certain civil matters. The Orange County Courthouse is located at 425 N. Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando. The Circuit Court of the Ninth Judicial Circuit handles felony cases and is located at the same courthouse complex. The Ninth Judicial Circuit includes Orange and Osceola Counties. The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida (Orlando Division) handles federal criminal cases. Having an Orlando criminal defense attorney familiar with these court systems, judges, and prosecutors provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What is a withhold of adjudication in Florida?
A withhold of adjudication is a disposition in Florida where the court finds sufficient evidence for conviction but withholds the formal adjudication of guilt. This means the defendant is not formally “convicted” even though they may be placed on probation or given other sanctions. The advantage of a withhold is that it is not a conviction for most purposes, which can help avoid some collateral consequences like loss of civil rights. Additionally, records with a withhold of adjudication may be eligible for sealing. However, a withhold still appears on background checks unless sealed, and certain offenses do not allow withholds. A Orlando criminal defense attorney can negotiate for a withhold of adjudication as an alternative to conviction.
What are the consequences of a felony conviction in Florida?
A felony conviction in Florida carries consequences beyond incarceration and fines. You lose the right to possess firearms under federal and Florida law. You lose the right to vote (voting rights can be restored through clemency or, for certain offenses, after completion of sentence under Amendment 4). You may be ineligible for certain professional licenses and may face difficulty finding employment and housing. For non-citizens, felony convictions can result in deportation and inadmissibility. Florida allows sealing of certain records with withholds of adjudication, but actual convictions generally cannot be sealed or expunged. A Orlando criminal defense attorney can evaluate strategies to avoid felony conviction or pursue record sealing where eligible.
What diversion programs are available in Orange County?
Orange County offers several diversion programs that allow eligible defendants to avoid conviction. Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) is available for first-time felony offenders and involves supervision, community service, and conditions. Misdemeanor Diversion is available for first-time misdemeanor offenders. Drug Court is available for defendants with substance abuse issues and involves intensive treatment and supervision. Veterans Treatment Court is available for veterans with service-related issues. Mental Health Court is available for defendants with mental health diagnoses. Successful completion of these programs results in dismissal of charges. A Orlando criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and apply for these programs.
What is Florida’s 10-20-Life law?
Florida’s 10-20-Life law imposes mandatory minimum sentences for certain crimes committed with firearms. If you possess a firearm during the commission of certain felonies, you face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison. If you discharge a firearm during the commission of certain felonies, you face a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison. If you shoot and injure or kill someone during the commission of certain felonies, you face a mandatory minimum of 25 years to life in prison. These mandatory minimums cannot be reduced by the judge and must be served day-for-day without early release. The law applies to a list of enumerated felonies including murder, sexual battery, robbery, burglary, kidnapping, and assault. A Orlando criminal defense attorney can evaluate whether 10-20-Life applies to your charges and develop defense strategies.