Defending Your Rights And Freedom

Facing a criminal conviction can be especially terrifying. Not only do you face legal and financial punishments, but the consequences are likely to impact other areas of your life. You need an effective advocate who will fight tirelessly for your rights and freedom.

At Law Office of Jorge L. Gonzalez, PA, our criminal defense attorneys provide experienced and effective representation for clients facing criminal charges in South Florida. With over 30 years of combined experience, our attorneys have firsthand knowledge working in the Doral and Miami-Dade County court systems. We speak fluent Spanish and English, enabling us to ensure that our clients understand every step of their case.

Full Spectrum Criminal Defense Representation

Your rights matter, especially when facing the criminal justice system. As a family-run firm, we offer personalized representation and the attention you deserve. From a DUI to drug possession charges, you can trust us to fight for you.

We can defend you against a variety of criminal charges, including cases involving:

• Assault and battery
• Robbery
• DUIs
• Drug cases
• Sex crimes
• Domestic violence

A conviction can lead to jail time and hefty fines and can impact your employment and child custody arrangements. Obtaining experienced legal representation as soon as possible gives you a better chance of a more favorable outcome.

Why Hire A Private Criminal Defense Attorney Over Using A Public Defender?

While using a public defender is a great option, working with a private attorney has certain benefits. Private criminal defense attorneys typically have a smaller caseload than a public defender, giving them the time and energy to focus on fewer clients. The criminal justice system is confusing and overwhelming; having more personalized representation is invaluable.

Public defenders also spend much more time in court, so it’s often harder to reach them when you have questions. At Law Office of Jorge L. Gonzalez, PA, we value the importance of honest and transparent communication with our clients. We always try to respond to questions and concerns promptly.

Do First-Time Offenders Go To Jail?

Every criminal charge has a different punishment, ranging in severity depending on the facts and circumstances of the case. In some cases, the court grants first-time offenders options such as rehabilitation, probation and community service. However, these options are only available for nonviolent crimes. You have a better chance of avoiding jail time for theft and drug possession as a first-time offender. For some crimes, first-time offenders can sometimes be placed in a pretrial intervention program instead of jail. Similar to probation, these programs allow you to avoid imprisonment while fulfilling certain conditions and obligations.

How Are Misdemeanors And Felonies Different?

A misdemeanor and a felony are two different classifications of crimes. Misdemeanors are a lesser offense, typically punishable by a maximum of one year in jail. In Florida, misdemeanors include DUIs, some marijuana possession charges, vandalism and battery.

A felony is a serious crime that can lead to jail time for over one year. Felony charges include aggravated battery or assault, domestic violence with bodily injury, burglary, controlled substance possession, sex crimes and drug trafficking.

Understanding Classifications Of Felonies And Their Penalties In Florida

Florida divides felony charges into five categories based on the severity of the crime and if it is a first-time offense. A capital felony is reserved for the most serious crimes, including first-degree murder. Capital offense convictions result in life in prison without parole or death. The second most serious classification is a life felony, which includes crimes like sexual battery against a minor. The punishment for a life felony is life in prison.

A first-degree felony can lead to 30 years in prison with a $10,000 fine. First-degree felonies include severe crimes such as homicide, burglary with assault and robbery with a firearm. For a second-degree felony, you may spend up to 15 years in prison and pay a fine of up to $10,000. A third-degree felony can result in five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Third-degree felonies include crimes where there was no bodily harm, including property offenses and drug possession.

We Will Fight For You

If you or a loved one faces criminal charges, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. To schedule a free consultation at our Doral office, call us at 305-703-7459 or complete our online contact form.