- 5473 US Highway 98 South Lakeland, FL 33812
- lakelandlegal@gmail.com
At Echemendia Law Firm, we provide aggressive and effective legal representation in Lakeland, FL.
Our experienced team of is dedicated to fighting for your rights and achieving the best possible outcomes.
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Our firm is committed to delivering creative and efficient legal strategies customized to address the individual needs of each client.
With a group of seasoned attorneys and legal professionals, we aim to provide outstanding service and attain positive results for our clients.
If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, we will work to get you the compensation you deserve for your pain, suffering, and financial losses.
Being accused of a crime can be extremely daunting. Our skilled lawyers will advocate for your rights and strive for the most favorable result.
Get legal support for divorce, child custody, and other family matters. Ensure the protection of your interests and loved ones with our comprehensive advocacy.
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Services
Auto Accidents
The aftermath of a motor vehicle accident often involves recovering from injuries and dealing with legal complexities. Our team conducts thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding your accident to secure a resolution that aligns with your best interests, aiming for a satisfactory settlement or trial outcome.
Medical Malpractice
Healthcare professionals are expected to deliver care that meets established standards. When they fail, resulting in complications or worsening health conditions, we hold them accountable. Our efforts ensure that victims of medical malpractice are recognized and compensated for their suffering.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one due to someone’s intentional actions or negligence is profoundly distressing. We advocate for families in wrongful death lawsuits, striving to secure financial stability and compensation for medical and funeral expenses, aiding in their recovery from loss.
Nursing Home Neglect
When nursing homes fail to provide the care our elderly family members deserve, resulting in injury or death, those facilities must be held responsible. Our firm takes action against nursing home neglect, defending the rights and well-being of the most vulnerable.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Injuries from slip and fall incidents on another’s property can be challenging to navigate due to the need to prove the property owner’s knowledge and negligence. We are committed to ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries.
Truck Accidents
The operation of commercial vehicles is governed by strict federal and state regulations. We are well-versed in these rules and the common causes of truck accidents, such as driver fatigue. Our firm acts swiftly to obtain and preserve evidence of negligence by trucking companies to support our clients’ claims.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists face a higher risk of injury and fatality than car occupants in accidents. Our firm has a strong record of representing victims of motor vehicle accidents, including those involving motorcycles, ensuring they receive fair treatment and compensation.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
DUI charges, whether for alcohol or controlled substances, carry significant penalties in Florida, including jail time, fines, and license suspension. Immediate action, such as contacting the Florida DHSMV within ten days of a Notice of Suspension, is critical. Rafael Echemendia provides expert representation at DHSMV hearings, aiming to preserve your driving privileges.
Drug-Related Offenses
Charges related to drug possession, trafficking, or manufacturing have lasting impacts, including criminal records, driver license suspension and potential housing issues. From misdemeanor to felony charges, our firm provides experienced legal counsel to address and mitigate these serious accusations.
Violent Crimes
Violent crimes such as murder and manslaughter carry grave consequences. Immediate legal counsel is essential to navigate these charges effectively. Our firm offers expert advice and representation, emphasizing the importance of remaining silent until you have legal representation.
Attempted Murder and Felony Cases
Attempted murder and other felonies represent serious legal challenges with long-term implications. We provide defense strategies tailored to combat these charges, aiming to secure the best possible outcome for our clients.
Domestic Violence and Injunctions
Florida law defines domestic violence broadly, with severe repercussions for convictions. If facing such charges or if an injunction is issued against you, our team can assist in navigating the complexities of these cases to protect your rights and future.
Juvenile Delinquency
Juvenile offenses require a nuanced approach given their unique legal framework. Our expertise extends to representing young individuals charged with crimes, ensuring they receive appropriate and fair legal representation.
Battery and Misdemeanor Cases
From battery to petit theft, misdemeanor charges in Florida can result in jail time and significant fines. Our legal team offers comprehensive defense services for individuals facing such charges, aiming for outcomes that minimize their impact on our clients’ lives.
Probation Violations
Violating probation terms can lead to immediate arrest and complications in securing release. Our firm assists clients in addressing probation violations, advocating for their rights and working towards favorable resolutions.
Understanding Divorce in Florida
Florida operates under a “no-fault” divorce principle, allowing irreconcilable differences as sufficient grounds for dissolution of marriage. A mandatory six-month residency in the state is required before filing. The legal process addresses several critical issues including property and debt division, child custody and support, alimony, and other matters concerning children, in addition to attorney fees.
Child Custody Arrangements
Post-2008, Florida’s approach to child custody focuses on a parenting plan that best serves the child’s interests, moving away from the notion of a “primary residential care” parent. Plans range from Supervised/Safety-Focused to Local and Non-Local, depending on the parents’ agreement and geographical situations. Court interventions aim to ensure the child’s welfare, with plan modifications contingent on demonstrated need. The majority of cases now have equal time-sharing or 50\50 plans since the statutory changes and we can help you modify your parenting plan to allow you to enjoy more time with your children.
Determining Child Support
In Florida, both parents are mandated to financially support their minor children, taking into account day care, health insurance, and other necessary expenses. Child support calculations are state-guided, considering each parent’s income to ensure fair contribution. More recently, the overnight time-sharing has increased substantially and child support is therefor reduced accordingly.
The Criteria for Alimony
Alimony considerations include the marital standard of living, marriage duration, each spouse’s age and health, financial resources, the time needed for self-sufficiency post-divorce, contributions to the marriage, and available income sources for both parties. The Florida alimony statute has changed drastically in recent recent years which has reduced the risk of excessive alimony awards and even eliminated the possibility of “permanent” alimony.
Establishing Paternity in Florida
Under Florida law, a child born within a marriage is presumed to be the husband’s, with his name on the birth certificate unless proven otherwise. For children born out of wedlock, establishing paternity is crucial for determining the father’s timesharing rights and child support obligations, often resolved through DNA testing. If a father’s name is already on the birth certificate there is a presumption of paternity in Florida law.
Ensuring Your Rights Prevail – Whether in the Courtroom or negotiations, We Stand Firm as Your Shield Against Injustice. We have been fighting for our clients well over 20 years and have a proven track record of positive results. In addition, we have a well founded reputation of honest and reasonable fees.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Take the first step towards resolving your legal issues by scheduling your consultation with Echemendia Law Firm today.
When you choose us, you’re not just getting an attorney – you’re getting a fierce advocate who will fight tirelessly on your behalf to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Our team brings over 20 years of experience to the table, ensuring that you receive knowledgeable and effective legal representation in your time of need. We work primarily in Polk County and have developed strong relationships with the judges, prosecutors and other attorneys in the area. Years of integrity help us resolve cases with a positive outcome via settlement or trial.
We understand that every case is unique. That’s why we provide personalized attention to each client, tailoring our approach to meet your specific needs and goals.
