Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Port St. Lucie, FL

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Port St. Lucie, Florida?

  The non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Port St. Lucie, Florida is (772) 871-5000.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Port St. Lucie, Florida?

  You can obtain a copy of a police report in Port St. Lucie, Florida by sending a request to recordsunit@stluciesheriff.com.

• What should you do if you were arrested in Port St. Lucie?

  If you have been arrested in Port St Lucie, you are not obliged to answer any questions or give statements without consulting a criminal defense lawyer. You are only required to answer basic questions such as your name and address. In addition, you must not resist the arresting officer to avoid aggravating the situation and incurring additional charges.

• Can you send money to an inmate in Port St. Lucie?

  Yes, you can send money to an inmate in Port St. Lucie. You can bring the money in person at the St. Lucie County Jail, and the personnel can process it for you, or you can use the Touchpay self-serve kiosk in the lobby. Alternatively, you can process the transfer online using this link https://www.gtlfsonlinepay.com/portal/, or you can send a money order through US Post Office or Western Union. You may also deposit by calling Touchpay at 866-232-1899 and providing the offender number, legal name, and facility locator number.

• What are your legal rights if you're arrested in Port St. Lucie?

  You have the right to remain silent if you have been arrested by Port St Lucie law enforcement. It is protected by the Fifth Amendment, which states that no individual "shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself." You have the right to be represented by an attorney, and you will stay innocent until proven guilty in court.

• What are the potential consequences of a criminal conviction in Port St. Lucie?

  The potential consequences of a criminal conviction in Port St. Lucie can be severe and vary based on the nature and severity of the offense as well as the defendant's criminal history. Among the possible penalties for the defendant are imprisonment, fines, probation, and the prohibition from owning a gun and participating in elections

• What evidence can be used against you in a criminal trial in Port St. Lucie?

  The evidence the prosecution team can use against you in Port St Lucie is based on the Federal Rules of Evidence and the Florida Rules of Evidence. It can seek physical evidence, testimonies of witnesses, voluntary confessions and statements, and circumstantial evidence. It is important to note that your criminal defense lawyer will scrutinize this evidence.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.