Lake City Criminal Defense Lawyer

Lake City Criminal Defense Attorney

Florida’s penal code criminalizes a wide range of activities, from driving while intoxicated to assault and trespassing. Being charged with a crime does not make the defendant guilty, and the criminal court has no predetermined outcomes. With legal representation from a Lake City criminal defense lawyer, you can greatly increase the odds that your case will not result in serious penalties like jail time.

Lake City residents know they can trust the legal services of Kevin A. Raudt, P.A., to always put their client’s interests first when defending them in court or negotiating a favorable resolution to a criminal case.

Why Choose Kevin A. Raudt, P.A.?

No matter the type of crime you are accused of, you need legal representation that you can trust. With more than 40 years of experience, the law firm of Kevin A. Raudt, P.A. has built a solid reputation for client-focused legal defense strategies that help defendants resolve their cases with minimal penalties or dropped charges.

While other law firms spread themselves thin by representing family law and other civil matters, our founding attorney focuses on criminal law. This focus allows our law firm to serve the interests of our clients better.

Common Crimes and Penalties in Lake City

Florida’s crimes are ranked based on their severity, with lower-level offenses classified as misdemeanors and more serious crimes charged as felonies. While our law firm represents clients facing any type of crime, these are some of the more common crimes we field.

• Driving under the influence (DUI): DUI offenses are taken seriously in Florida. For a first offense, penalties may include fines, community service, license suspension, and potential jail time. Repeat offenses lead to harsher penalties, including mandatory jail time and longer license suspensions.
• Drug crimes: Drug-related offenses, such as possession or trafficking, are taken very seriously in Florida. For a first-time misdemeanor offense, penalties may include fines, community service, license suspension, and potential jail time. Repeat offenses lead to harsher penalties, including mandatory jail time and longer license suspensions. One of the most serious crimes, trafficking, can lead to a lifetime prison sentence.
• Theft-related crimes: Theft crimes, including shoplifting, burglary, and grand theft, carry varying penalties based on the value of the stolen property. While misdemeanor thefts may result in fines and probation, felonies can lead to years in prison. A Lake City Felony DUI Lawyer can provide guidance if your case involves associated criminal charges, ensuring your defense is as comprehensive as possible.
• Assault and battery: Physically attacking someone can lead to serious criminal charges, especially if a weapon was used or if the victim was seriously injured. Penalties may include fines, probation, or incarceration.

No matter the crime you are charged with, you can benefit from an effective defense strategy. Our lead attorney understands when to employ a commonly used defense plan or a more novel approach to having your charges dropped or reduced.

How an Attorney Can Help Resolve Your Case Favorably

Any steps your criminal defense attorney takes that weaken the prosecution’s case can improve your chances for dropped or reduced charges. Your attorney can examine the evidence being used against you to look for inconsistencies or potentially inadmissible evidence.

In Lake City, when police detain suspects without a reasonable suspicion that a crime occurred or unlawfully enter a home without a search warrant, they can lead to the evidence they collect being deemed inadmissible in court.

The burden is on prosecutors to secure enough evidence to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Defense attorneys are skilled investigators and practitioners of law who understand how to gather their own evidence to question the allegations against their client.

In cases where prosecutors refuse to drop or reduce criminal charges, an attorney can emphasize mitigating factors that favorably reflect their client’s character and life circumstances when seeking a favorable plea bargain that minimizes the penalties facing their client.

FAQs About Lake City, FL Criminal Defense Law

How Long Can a Criminal Case Stay Open in Florida?

There is no fixed time frame for how long a criminal case can stay open in Florida; it varies based on factors like case complexity, charges, and court schedules. Cases can stay open indefinitely until resolved, dismissed, or prosecuted, especially for severe crimes without a statute of limitations, such as murder.

How Does the Criminal Point System Work in Florida?

Florida’s criminal point system assigns points for various offenses, which determine sentencing severity. Accumulated points affect penalties, with 44 points often leading to mandatory minimum prison time. Points are given for factors like the crime’s nature, prior offenses, and the offender’s actions, guiding consistent sentencing across cases.

Can You Go to Jail for Self-Defense in Florida?

In Florida, self-defense cases can lead to jail time if the court finds the force used was excessive or unjustified. While the Stand Your Ground law permits self-defense without retreat, it requires proof that the force was necessary to prevent immediate harm or danger. Misjudged force can still result in criminal charges.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Criminal Case in Florida?

In Florida, the statute of limitations varies by crime. For most misdemeanors, the limit is one to two years. Serious felonies, such as those punishable by life imprisonment, and crimes like murder have no statute of limitations, meaning charges can be filed at any time. If charges aren’t filed within the specified time frame, prosecution is typically barred, though exceptions can apply for cases involving DNA evidence or crimes against minors.

Schedule Your Criminal Defense Consultation Today

Being charged with a crime can be incredibly stressful. The future may seem uncertain if you do not have legal representation. While some attorneys practice several areas of law, our founding lawyer focuses on criminal law. His more than 40 years of experience have given him unparalleled experience that he uses to benefit his clients.

No matter the type of crime you face, you can count on the legal services of Kevin A. Raudt, P.A., to defend your rights in court and seek a favorable outcome to your case. If you are ready to partner with a law firm known for getting results, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.