Hale, Hale & Jacobson, P.A.

Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney

If you've been arrested for an alleged crime, regardless of the severity of the offense, you may be experiencing anxiety and fear at the process before you. A conviction for an offense can be a nightmare, especially with the widespread use of background checks. With what you have on the line, it's important to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney, one who will fight for the best outcome and not take the easiest path. By contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney in Orlando early in your case you can make sure all avenues of attacking the charges are being used.

At Hale, Hale & Jacobson, our criminal defense attorneys protect the rights of clients from the moment the criminal accusation is made to the final resolution of the case. We represent clients throughout Orange County and Seminole County, including Orlando, Sanford, Winter Park, Conway, Ocoee, Apopka, Altamonte Springs, and nearby communities. With decades of combined experience, including time spent as a former prosecutor, you can rest assured that your case is being represented by an attorney who understands the tactics used by the prosecution.

It's important to contact a defense lawyer in Orlando as soon as you can. The more time you wait, the more time you give the prosecution to build against you. Additionally, valuable time-sensitive evidence and testimony must be gathered. We will provide you with a free consultation where you will speak directly with one of our attorneys. Call (407) 425-4640 or send an online message to begin learning more about how we can defend your case, including information about available strategies.

Our attorneys have successfully represented hundreds of clients in both felony and misdemeanor charges in Florida, including:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) – A conviction of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to serious and expensive penalties, not to mention a potential driver's license suspension. However, it's important to remember that an arrest does not mean conviction, even if you took a breath or blood test, or refused to submit to chemical testing. Our DUI attorneys understand the science behind this testing and can weaken or eliminate the prosecution's main evidence against you. Find out more about how an Orlando DUI lawyer can help you get your cased dismissed, receive a not guilty verdict, deferred adjudication, minimized sentencing, or other favorable outcomes.

• Serious Traffic Violations - Certain traffic offenses can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor, including fleeing and attempt to elude a law enforcement officer, driving while license is suspended (DWLS), and driving while license revoked as a habitual traffic offender. We also represent clients on common criminal driving offenses such as reckless driving in Orlando and leaving the scene of an accident either with or without property damage or personal injury.

• Drug Charges - Law enforcement officers in Orange County and the surrounding areas of central Florida are known for their aggressive tactics and investigations in drug cases. This includes cases of possession of a controlled substance and more serious offenses such as drug trafficking. Find out why a Federal Court in the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division, recently found Florida's drug laws to be unconstitutional for all possession and possession with intent to sell charges.

• Marijuana and Cannabis Charges - The most common drug charges involve marijuana (also called cannabis, pot, or weed). Florida has some of the strictest laws in the country for everything from simple possession of marijuana, to possession with intent to sell or deliver, delivery or sale of cannabis, operating a marijuana grow house, and trafficking in cannabis. Learn more about out how we fight these charges through motions to suppress an illegal search and motions to dismiss the criminal charges when insufficient evidence supports the charges.

• Domestic Violence Charges - Florida law has harsh and immediate penalties after an allegation of domestic battery, or aggravated assault. False allegations are common, particularly when one side seeks to gain an unfair advantage in an upcoming divorce or custody hearing. Find out more about procedures at first appearance through the arraignment and beyond. We represent men and women accused of domestic violence battery, felony charges of domestic violence, respondents in protective order hearings, allegations of stalking and aggravated stalking, and violations of domestic violence injunctions.

• Violation of Probation - The court will tell you that serving probation is a privilege. Once your probation officer makes an allegation that you violated a term of your probation, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney in Orlando, FL, to represent you at the probation violation hearing. Read more about how we represent clients charged with technical violations such as testing positive on a urine test for marijuana or another controlled substance and substantive violations after a new misdemeanor or felony arrest. We also represent clients interested in filing a petition for early termination of probation or community control.

• Theft and Property Crimes - Any felony or misdemeanor allegation that involves theft or fraud is considered a "crime of dishonesty," which you must disclose every time you apply for a job. A conviction for shoplifting in Orlando, presenting a worthless check, grand theft or fraud will show up in even the most routine background check. Find out more about the direct and collateral consequences of theft or property crime, and available defenses.

• White Collar Crime - White collar crime generally refers to a criminal offense often committed during the course of employment by an individual with no prior criminal record who is respected in the community. As the number of federal and state criminal offenses has increased, unsuspecting business owners or employees can get caught up in an allegation that they committed a crime during the course of their employment. Find out how we protect individuals in state and federal court charged with a wide variety of white collar crimes including mortgage fraud and health care fraud.

If you or a loved one has been accused of a misdemeanor of felony offense in Orange County or the surrounding areas of central Florida, then contact our Orlando criminal defense attorneys today at (407) 425-4640, or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Valuable Insight into the Criminal Justice System in Orlando, FL

Maria D. Hale has over a decade of experience in the criminal justice system. After graduating from law school, Maria Hale served the first three years of her career as a prosecutor with the State Attorney's Office in Florida. During her time as a prosecutor, Maria D. Hale conducted numerous jury trials for a variety of serious criminal charges. By gaining extensive experience in the courtroom arguing difficult motions and conducting jury trials, Maria Hale gained valuable trial experience. Because of this first-hand experience with the strategies and techniques used by the local prosecutors, Maria D. Hale possesses deep insight into the criminal justice system that can be used to fight the criminal charges in your case.

In addition to the experience at the State Attorney's Office, Maria Hale has focused the last eight (8) years of her career as a criminal defense attorney in private practice fighting to protect her clients. Maria D. Hale believes the most effective way to fight criminal charges often involves filing innovative motions to dismiss the criminal charges, motions to exclude irrelevant or prejudicial evidence, and motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence. Often the best negotiations take place after the prosecutor has seen the case taken apart piece by piece.

Seeking the advice of an attorney is an important step in securing your rights throughout your trial. The criminal defense and DUI lawyers at Hale, Hale & Jacobson can help ensure there are no surprises from the prosecution during the case and help you be fully prepared to defend against the prosecutor's arguments. Don't hesitate to call us today to begin fighting back and protecting your rights.

Experienced, Compassionate Defense Representation in Orlando, FL

At Hale, Hale & Jacobson, we care about our clients and their rights. We represent clients throughout Orange County, Seminole County, and Osceola County. This includes the Greater Orlando area, as well as Edgewood, Winter Park, Wedgefield, Pine Hills, Williamsburg, Oviedo, and nearby communities. We are committed to defending you against the prosecution's arguments, regardless of the charges you face. Whether you were wrongly accused of the alleged crime or the prosecutor simply lacks the evidence needed to support a conviction, we can help. Our knowledge and experience with the law is an invaluable resource in fighting the charges in your case.

The ultimate goal in any criminal defense case is achieving the best outcome possible. The burden of proof in a criminal case lies with the prosecution, so the prosecutor has the difficult task of proving each element of the crime beyond any reasonable doubt. We will diligently work to make sure you are given the best defense possible. By consulting with top expert witnesses and private investigators, pointing out problems with the prosecution's case, and effectively arguing to suppress or exclude certain evidence, we fight to help our clients obtain the best possible result in their particular case.

We have created this website to serve as a resource. Seeking out information about the criminal charges, maximum and minimum penalties, the criminal jury instructions, and potential defenses remains an important first step. However, no substitute exists for speaking directly with a criminal defense attorney in Orlando, FL, about the facts and circumstances of your particular case. Contact us today at (407) 425-4640, use our online contact form, or visit our offices to meet with us and discuss how we can help you defend against your charges.

Protect Your Rights — Don't Speak to any Law Enforcement Officer

Everybody knows about the Miranda Warnings. You have the right to remain silent, and you should exercise that right. The fact that you remain silent can never be used against you in a courtroom. On the other hand, anything you say can, and will be used against you in court.

Even for individuals who are completely innocent of any criminal wrongdoing, the best way to prevent an unjust prosecution often starts with remaining silent until you speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Exercise your Fifth Amendment rights and avoid making any statement that could be misconstrued and ultimately used against you.

To invoke your right to remain silent, simply tell the officer that "I will remain silent until after I have spoken to an attorney." The officer should immediately stop questioning you. Even if the officer violates your rights by continuing the interrogation, continue to remain silent. An attorney at your side can be a great asset during questioning, helping you accidently incriminate yourself or give ammunition to the prosecution.

Protect Your Educational and Career Opportunities

Our criminal defense attorneys represent men and women who are first time offenders. We understand that the consequences of an arrest and prosecution are more serious for certain types of professionals including nurses, doctors and other health-care professionals, law enforcement officers, members of the military, lawyers, holders of a concealed weapons permit and commercial drivers.

Even college and graduate students at area colleges including University of Central Florida (UCF), Valencia College, Orlando College, Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences, and Nova Southeastern University (NSU) can face disciplinary proceedings and hearings as well as other indirect consequences that can impact the student's ability to pursue a certain profession.

Act Quickly — Call an Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Even before a criminal trial, the representation of a criminal defense attorney can make a significant impact on the outcome of your case. A free consultation costs nothing and is simply a phone call away. Don't hesitate to call us as soon as possible after your arrest.

Time is of the essence in a criminal case. The more time that passes after an arrest before a criminal trial takes place, the more likely it is that valuable evidence could be lost or memories of the witnesses could begin to fade. It's important that you secure the representation of a dedicated Orlando criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can explain to you what punishment you could face, examine the facts to determine a strategy that will work for you, and present important defenses to the judge and prosecutor. It's critical that you have someone on your side throughout the difficult criminal trial process.

If you've been arrested for a misdemeanor or felony offense in Orange County, Seminole County, or Osceola County, then contact and Orlando criminal defense attorney at Hale, Hale & Jacobson today. Call (407) 425-4640 or use our online consultation form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you begin the process of fighting back. Your future and reputation are important – let us fight to protect them.