1. The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 39 years experience serving St. Lucie County
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, theft, assault, domestic violence, felonies, white collar crimes, personal injury
Background: Individuals accused of a crime can find themselves at the mercy of an imperfect legal system that does not always respect the rights of the accused. That’s why it is essential to retain the services of a qualified, experienced Port St. Lucie criminal defense attorney as soon as you are arrested or under investigation for a crime. Only a capable criminal Port St. Lucie lawyer who is familiar with the process of fighting criminal cases in court and has a history representing the criminally accused possesses the necessary qualifications to stand up and fight for your rights and your livelihood. For individuals in St. Lucie County who are facing criminal charges, it is essential to have a qualified, capable criminal defense lawyer and law firm representing your interests in court. The law states that citizens are innocent until proven guilty, but anyone who has been falsely or wrongly convicted of a crime will affirm that this ideal is not always upheld. Relying on expansive criminal law experience, attorneys at The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A. are available to help clients avoid or minimize the disruptive impact that criminal charges can have on their life.
Location: 540 NW University Blvd., Suite 207, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
Contact: (772) 336-4357 | https://myfavoritelawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available; available 24 hours a day
2. Todd A. Kawecki Criminal Defense & DUI Lawyer
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutor experience serving Martin and St. Lucie Counties
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, sex crimes, felonies, domestic violence, expungement
Background: It goes without saying that being convicted of a felony crime can have devastating consequences both financially and personally. If you are facing charges, your first call should be to a skilled criminal defense lawyer. Todd A. Kawecki is a felony attorney in Port St. Lucie who has experience as a prosecutor, which gives him a unique advantage when it comes to defending clients against criminal charges. It is critical that you speak with a lawyer as soon as possible because one mistake could severely limit your defense options. Felony charges in Port St Lucie are handled more severely than in almost any other county in the State of Florida. Todd Kawecki has practiced in the criminal law field since becoming a lawyer in 2008. The firm has helped hundreds of clients, and their tried and true methods deliver results. Kawecki has been highly successful in assisting clients in Martin and St. Lucie Counties. Hiring the firm as soon as you think you may have a pending criminal charge is recommended as they know the system and how to start moving the pieces in your favor, or limit any damage that may have already been done.
Location: 1860 SW Fountainview Blvd, Suite 56, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 (also Jupiter office)
Contact: (772) 238-6091 | https://kaweckilaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available; available Mon-Sun 5am-11pm, after hours 24 hours
3. Law Office of Denise Miller
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 20+ years experience delivering results for St. Lucie County clients
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, restraining orders, juvenile crimes, assault, theft
Background: At the Law Office of Denise Miller, the Port St. Lucie criminal defense attorney is directly available to St. Lucie County residents with a single phone call. The hands-on approach to committed lawyer-client relationships provides successful legal outcomes for those experiencing criminal charges from DUI or drug crimes requiring an accomplished attorney to counter the prosecutor’s case. The Port St. Lucie criminal defense firm is committed to delivering results through one-on-one contact with the criminal defense attorney, so you are confident that each detail of your case is reviewed first-hand by the lead lawyer. When criminal charges are filed against you or someone you love, your personal and professional life hangs in the balance. Denise Miller will provide the confidence you need to face these charges directly with an attorney with more than two decades of experience delivering results for clients. Criminal law encompasses various offenses that can have significant consequences, including fines, probation, or even incarceration. Whether you are dealing with misdemeanor or felony charges, having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Port St. Lucie can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Location: Port St. Lucie, Florida (serves St. Lucie County)
Contact: (772) 934-6007 | https://defenderdenise.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
4. The Herbst Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 50+ jury trials and juvenile defense specialty
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, robbery, assault, juvenile crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: If you have been arrested or are being investigated for a crime, St. Lucie County Criminal defense lawyer Benjamin Herbst is available 7 days a week to offer a free consultation about your case. Benjamin has the experience and the knowledge to fight for your freedom regardless of what type of charges you are facing, and he will never push clients to accept a plea deal unless it is the outcome available. He has tried over 50 cases in front of Florida juries, and is not afraid to take on the state or federal government in court. He has earned acquittals in all types of criminal and traffic cases ranging from drug distribution and DUI to robbery and aggravated assault. Anyone who is being investigated for a crime, or who feels like they may be contacted by law enforcement should contact an attorney as soon as possible. Benjamin Herbst is a criminal lawyer practicing in St. Lucie County who has experience taking on the state at the Fort Pierce courthouse. He has successfully defended clients facing extremely serious charges in St. Lucie County such as rape, and knows how to navigate around the courthouse. Benjamin understands the complex issues surrounding juvenile cases, and knows how to communicate with teenage defendants to make them understand their situation.
Location: Serves St. Lucie County (main office in South Florida)
Contact: (954) 543-0305 | https://www.fldefensefirm.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available; available 7 days a week
5. Whittel & Melton, LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former state prosecutors serving the Treasure Coast
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, violent crimes, domestic violence, sex crimes, theft, federal crimes
Background: Have you or someone you love been arrested or charged with a crime in St. Lucie County? If so, what you do in the first 24 hours following your arrest can make all the difference in your case. Once you have been arrested for a crime in Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, the Village of St. Lucie or elsewhere in St. Lucie County, your reputation, freedom and entire life is on the line. Regardless of your innocence or guilt, do not talk to police, the press, your employers or anyone else about the circumstances leading up to your arrest. The firm endeavors to provide aggressive legal representation for clients accused of crimes in Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, the Village of St. Lucie and elsewhere in Port St. Lucie County. The attorneys are former state prosecutors with extensive experience in the Florida criminal justice system. They encourage all clients to become educated on the criminal charges against them. St. Lucie County is part of the Treasure Coast, and sits halfway between Central and South Florida.
Location: Fort Pierce, Florida (serves St. Lucie County including Port St. Lucie)
Contact: (561) 367-8777 or toll-free (866) 608-5529 | https://triallawyer.thefllawfirm.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 kidnapping, sexual battery, and certain drug trafficking offenses. Penalty is up to life imprisonment.
First Degree Felony: Includes aggravated battery, burglary with assault, and carjacking. Penalty is up to 30 years imprisonment and $10,000 fine.
Second Degree Felony: Includes aggravated assault, robbery, and sale of controlled substances. Penalty is up to 15 years imprisonment and $10,000 fine.
Third Degree Felony: Includes grand theft, possession of controlled substances, and battery. Penalty is up to 5 years imprisonment and $5,000 fine.
Misdemeanor Classifications
First Degree Misdemeanor: Includes petit theft (second offense), DUI (first offense), and battery. Maximum 1 year in jail and $1,000 fine.
Second Degree Misdemeanor: Includes petit theft (first offense), disorderly conduct, and trespass. Maximum 60 days in jail and $500 fine.
Expungement and Sealing
Florida allows expungement and sealing of certain criminal records:
Sealing: Available for records where charges were dismissed, nolle prosequied, or resulted in acquittal. Also available for certain completed diversions.
Expungement: Available for sealed records after a period of time, or for records where charges were never filed.
Not Eligible: Convictions (with limited exceptions), certain enumerated offenses, and cases where the person has prior sealing or expungement.
Effect: Sealed records are hidden from general public but accessible to criminal justice agencies. Expunged records are physically destroyed.
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 if BAC .15% or higher or minor in vehicle), $500-$1,000 fine ($1,000-$2,000 if BAC .15% or higher), 6-month to 1-year license revocation, and 50 hours community service. Second offense within 5 years carries 10 days to 9 months jail (mandatory 10 days if within 5 years), $1,000-$2,000 fine, 5-year license revocation, and mandatory ignition interlock. Third offense within 10 years is a third degree felony with up to 5 years prison, $2,000-$5,000 fine, and 10-year license revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Port St. Lucie?
Criminal cases in Port St. Lucie are handled by the St. Lucie County courts. The St. Lucie County Courthouse is located at 221 S. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida 34950. This courthouse handles all civil and criminal matters for the county. Misdemeanor cases and felony first appearances are handled in county court. Felony cases are tried in circuit court. The 19th Judicial Circuit serves St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties. Federal criminal cases are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Having a Port St. Lucie criminal defense attorney familiar with local judges and prosecutors in St. Lucie County provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What are the penalties for drug possession in Florida?
Florida has strict drug laws. Possession of marijuana (20 grams or less) is a first degree misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail and $1,000 fine. Possession of marijuana (over 20 grams) is a third degree felony with up to 5 years prison and $5,000 fine. Possession of cocaine, heroin, or other controlled substances is a third degree felony with up to 5 years prison. Possession with intent to sell carries enhanced penalties. Drug trafficking (based on quantity) carries mandatory minimum sentences. Florida does not have recreational marijuana legalization but has a medical marijuana program. A Port St. Lucie criminal defense attorney can evaluate defenses and negotiate for drug court or pretrial intervention.
What is Pretrial Intervention (PTI) in Florida?
Pretrial Intervention (PTI) is a diversion program for first-time offenders charged with certain crimes. Eligibility is determined by the State Attorney’s Office. Participants complete requirements such as community service, counseling, and supervision. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges. The record may then be eligible for expungement. PTI is generally available for non-violent offenses and first-time offenders. The program typically lasts 6-12 months. A Port St. Lucie criminal defense attorney can advocate for PTI eligibility and guide you through the program.
What happens if I am charged with DUI in St. Lucie County?
A DUI charge in St. Lucie County carries serious consequences. First offense carries up to 6 months jail, $500-$1,000 fine, 6-month to 1-year license revocation, 50 hours community service, DUI school, and possible ignition interlock. Enhanced penalties apply for BAC of .15% or higher or minor in vehicle. Second offense within 5 years carries mandatory 10 days jail, $1,000-$2,000 fine, 5-year license revocation, and mandatory ignition interlock. Third offense within 10 years is a third degree felony. Florida has an implied consent law, and refusing a chemical test results in automatic license suspension (1 year first refusal, 18 months second refusal). A Port St. Lucie criminal defense attorney can challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and chemical test results.
Can I get my Florida criminal record expunged or sealed?
Florida allows sealing and expungement of certain criminal records. Sealing is available for records where charges were dismissed, nolle prosequied, resulted in acquittal, or certain completed diversions (like PTI). Expungement is available for sealed records after a period of time or for records where charges were never filed. Not eligible are convictions (with very limited exceptions for certain juvenile offenses), and certain enumerated offenses like sexual offenses, domestic violence, and stalking. Florida allows only one sealing or expungement in a lifetime (with limited exceptions). The effect of sealing is that records are hidden from the general public. The effect of expungement is that records are physically destroyed. A Port St. Lucie criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and file the appropriate petition.