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“David Katz sets the standard by which all other defense attorney's must measure. He not only knows his craft and has the experience to back it up, he relishes forcing his opponents to follow the law towards the best outcome for his clients.”- Karate K.
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“Christine Vazquez took on our case with a 24hr commitment. She put everything on the line to hold the judicial system accountable.”- Phil W.
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“I can’t thank attorneys Christine Vazquez and David Katz enough for the incredible job they did on my DUI case.”- Gabriel H.
Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer
Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this complex process alone. A skilled Florida criminal defense lawyer is your strongest ally in safeguarding your rights, building a strategic defense, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case.
At Orlando Criminal Team, our criminal defense attorneys combine decades of experience with a relentless commitment to justice, ensuring every client receives personalized, aggressive representation. Whether you’re confronting misdemeanor charges or serious felony allegations, understanding your legal options starts with partnering with a trusted criminal defense lawyer in Florida.
Why Choose Our Florida Criminal Defense Attorneys?
When your freedom and reputation are on the line, choosing the right legal team is critical. Our Florida criminal defense law firm stands out for three reasons:
- Proven Results: We’ve secured dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable plea agreements for clients facing charges ranging from DUIs to violent crimes. Our track record includes high-profile cases where meticulous evidence analysis and strategic negotiations led to life-changing outcomes for our clients.
- Deep Local Knowledge: Florida’s laws and courts vary by county—our attorneys leverage insider insights from Miami-Dade to Duval County. All our attorneys are licensed and in good standing with the Florida Bar Association, ensuring you receive representation from professionals who meet the highest standards of legal practice in the state.
- Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize open communication, transparency, and empathy, ensuring you’re informed and empowered at every step. Our team takes the time to listen to your concerns and tailor our approach to your unique needs, fostering trust throughout the legal process.
Comprehensive Criminal Defense Services in Florida
Our Florida criminal defense lawyers handle all state and federal charges, including:
- DUI/DWI: We challenge flawed breathalyzer results, improper stops, and procedural errors to minimize penalties like license suspension, fines, or jail time. Even first-time offenders face severe consequences, but the strategic defense from a DUI defense lawyer can often reduce charges or secure diversion programs.
- Drug Crimes and Drug Trafficking: From simple possession to complex trafficking cases, we scrutinize search-and-seizure legality and lab analysis accuracy to protect your rights. Prescription fraud allegations also require tailored defenses, as intent and evidence handling are frequently disputed.
- Assault and Battery: Accusations of assault, battery, or homicide demand immediate intervention to dissect witness credibility, self-defense claims, or prosecutorial overreach. Early attorney involvement can mean the difference between dropped charges and wrongful conviction.
- Burglary: Florida prosecutors must prove you knowingly entered a property with criminal intent. We dismantle their case by exposing unreliable witnesses or a lack of evidence tying you to the scene.
- Child Abuse: False accusations of child abuse can stem from misunderstandings or custody disputes. We work with medical experts and child psychologists to refute exaggerated claims and protect your parental rights.
- Domestic Violence: Domestic violence allegations often hinge on “he said, she said” scenarios. We scrutinize police reports, 911 calls, and witness statements to expose inconsistencies or self-defense justifications.
- Federal Crime: Federal charges (e.g., drug trafficking, wire fraud) carry severe penalties and require knowledge of federal court procedures. Our team negotiates with U.S. Attorneys and fights unconstitutional searches or overreach.
- Fraud: Fraud cases—from credit card scams to insurance fraud—depend on proving intent to deceive. We dissect financial records and witness testimony to show a lack of fraudulent intent or procedural errors.
- Gun Crime: Florida’s gun laws are complex, and charges like illegal possession or aggravated assault with a firearm demand immediate action. We argue lawful ownership, self-defense, or improper search warrants.
- Marijuana Crime: Even with Florida’s medical marijuana laws, possession or distribution charges can arise. We challenge the legality of searches, lab testing accuracy, and compliance with state cannabis regulations.
- Probation Violation: Missed meetings or false-positive drug tests shouldn’t land you in jail. We negotiate with probation officers to reinstate your terms or reduce penalties.
- Robbery: The difference between theft and robbery hinges on force or fear. We scrutinize surveillance videos to prove that accusations are overblown.
- Seal and Expungement: Eligibility hinges on dismissed charges or withheld adjudication. Our team files petitions and argues in court to clear your record.
- Sex Crime: These charges carry irreversible social stigma, even if false. We challenge DNA evidence and cross-examine accusers to reveal ulterior motives.
- White Collar Crime: Complex financial cases turn on paperwork and intent. We collaborate with forensic accountants to refute prosecutors’ theories.
- Theft and Fraud: Whether facing shoplifting accusations or white-collar fraud charges, we analyze surveillance footage, financial records, and intent evidence to undermine the prosecution’s case. Burglary and identity theft charges often hinge on circumstantial evidence, which we aggressively contest.
- Juvenile Offenses: We advocate for alternatives to incarceration, such as counseling or community service, to shield your child’s record and future opportunities. Juvenile cases require specialized knowledge of Florida’s rehabilitative vs. punitive court approaches.
Why Hire Katz & Phillips?
Some important reasons to secure experienced representation include:
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Board-Certified* Attorneys
Our founding attorneys are two of three board-certified* DUI defense lawyers in the state.
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Former Prosecution Experience
As former prosecutors, we bring an invaluable perspective and skillset to every case.
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High Success Rate in Criminal Defense
With a 90%+ success rate, our proven track record of success speaks for itself.
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Decades of Experience
With more than 10,000 cases handled, our advocates are well versed in criminal law to help you navigate your case with care and efficiency.
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Always Responsive
Our team is available to take your call and address any questions or concerns you have.
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Financing Available
The last thing you need during a criminal case is financial stress. Our firm offers financing with no credit check required.
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DUI Charges Reduced
The court deemed all other conditions satisfied so M.A. did not have to go on probation at all and walked out of courthouse with a fine and fees to pay, and the case behind her.
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Case Dismissed
J.A.R. had had a previous DUI conviction and was facing mandatory jail time if convicted of this offense. In reviewing the discovery provided by the state, our team found several issues with the police investigation, and realized that our clients’ rights had been violated.
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All Charges Dropped
In reviewing the evidence provided by the State our team realized that T.R.’s rights had been violated when she was immediately illegally arrested by the Trooper. Further, there were many other errors made by the Trooper which would result in the evidence gathered being suppressed.
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All Charges Dropped
In this case, our client, R.H., was out with friends. A family member who was angry with him tracked his location by tracking his cell phone, called the police, told them he was very drunk, and led the police right to his car. The officers stopped his car and eventually arrested him.
Our Case Results
Two of Florida’s only Board-Certified* DUI Defense experts fighting for you.
- DUI Charges Reduced
- Case Dismissed
- All Charges Dropped
- All Charges Dropped
Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Our FAQ
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Arrest
An officer who observes an unusual driving pattern or arrives at the scene of an accident may eventually determine that the driver is under the influence of alcohol. In Florida, an officer can request you to perform field sobriety exercises at the side of the road but cannot compel you to complete them. After the officer has concluded his or her roadside investigation, they will decide whether or not to arrest the driver.
If an arrest is made, the driver must remain in jail until their breath test result is under .05 or 8 hours have elapsed since arrest. Only then can bond be posted, and the driver released.
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First Appearance
If you have not bonded out prior to the next morning’s court session, you will br brough before a judge. This is called First Appearance. At First Appearance, the judge will read the charges against you and inquire if you are going to get your own lawyer or if you want a public defender appointed (if you qualify). You can also enter a plea at this stage, the judge can also alter or set bond if no bond was previously set.
First Appearance is also the time the judge will review the arrest paperwork and determine if there is probable cause for the arrest, which allows you to continue to be held in jail. If the judge determines there is no probable cause you must be released.
At First Appearance it is important not to say anything that will incriminate you. The court session is recorded and even the most inexperience prosecutor knows how to get an audio recording of a courtroom confession.
If you appear at First Appearance, you should only say, “not guilty,” and either “I am going to hire my own lawyer,” or “I would like the public defender appointed.” First Appearance is not the time to tell a story or make excuses.
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Arraignment
Arraignment is held as an opportunity to hear the charges against you and enter a plea. For those who bonded out prior to First Appearance, this will be their first opportunity to ask for a public defender if they qualify. For those who have already hired a private attorney, their attendance will almost certainly be excused by their lawyer.
In almost every criminal case where a private lawyer is hired, the lawyer files a notice to the court and state attorney telling them the Defendant has hired them as their lawyer. Additionally, a written plea of “not guilty” is filed along with a waiver of appearance at arraignment.
At Katz & Phillips, P.A. we do not automatically waive your appearance at arraignment. In some cases, after review of the case with the client at our initial consultation, we have found that appearing in person at arraignment will result in benefits to the client in resolving the case. Again, we have no one-size fits all strategy here.