Criminal Defense
A criminal defense lawyer will assist you if you are arrested or charged with a crime. We will be at your side throughout the process and assist you with critical situations such as plea bargains, sentencing, and dismissals. You must have a qualified criminal lawyer to help you protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Types of Cases Requiring Criminal Defense
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
If you are arrested in Polk County and have been served a Notice of Suspension of your driver’s license, you have ten days to contact the Florida DHSMV for an administrative hearing. This is the only opportunity you have to avoid suspension and revocation of your license. Rafael Echemendia can represent you at your Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) hearing. An experienced lawyer is your best bet for keeping your license.
Drug Charges & Trafficking
Possession with intent to distribute can incur misdemeanor or felony charges. This is a more serious offense than possession, and will result in higher penalties. Intent to sell drugs may be determined by the items you have: scales, baggies, large amounts of cash, and other evidence. Charges are based on the weight and type of drugs. The minimum sentence for trafficking is three years.
Drug manufacturing of a controlled substance is usually considered a felony offense in Florida. The determination is made depending on the type and amount of the drug.
Call Us Toll Free Echemendia Law Firm if you are arrested or charged with any drug charges.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
If you are arrested in Polk County and have been served a Notice of Suspension of your driver’s license, you have ten days to contact the Florida DHSMV for an administrative hearing. This is the only opportunity you have to avoid suspension and revocation of your license. Rafael Echemendia can represent you at your Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) hearing. An experienced lawyer is your best bet for keeping your license.
Drug Charges & Trafficking
Possession with intent to distribute can incur misdemeanor or felony charges. This is a more serious offense than possession, and will result in higher penalties. Intent to sell drugs may be determined by the items you have: scales, baggies, large amounts of cash, and other evidence. Charges are based on the weight and type of drugs. The minimum sentence for trafficking is three years.
Drug manufacturing of a controlled substance is usually considered a felony offense in Florida. The determination is made depending on the type and amount of the drug.
Call Us Toll Free Echemendia Law Firm if you are arrested or charged with any drug charges.
Murder
Murder is, by definition, the crime of killing another person under circumstances defined by law and/or purposely, knowingly, and recklessly killing during the course of committing a felony. Unintentional killing during the commission of a felony is First-degree murder. Intentional and willful killing is Second-degree murder. The most important thing to remember is to say absolutely nothing until you have a lawyer’s advice. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. The second most important thing to remember is Call Echemendia Law Office Toll Free.
Manslaughter
Murder
Murder is, by definition, the crime of killing another person under circumstances defined by law and/or purposely, knowingly, and recklessly killing during the course of committing a felony. Unintentional killing during the commission of a felony is First-degree murder. Intentional and willful killing is Second-degree murder. The most important thing to remember is to say absolutely nothing until you have a lawyer’s advice. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. The second most important thing to remember is Call Echemendia Law Office Toll Free.
Manslaughter
Attempted Murder
An attempt to kill with an unequivocal intention to take another’s life is attempted murder. This carries heavy consequences that can lead to lifelong penalties if you are convicted.
Felony Cases
A felony is a crime that is punishable by more than one year in prison.
Examples of felonies:
- Homicide
- DUI
- Grand Theft Auto
- Resisting Arrest—with violence
- Fraud
- Identity Theft
- Sex Crimes
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Stalking
- Forgery
- Embezzlement
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon
- And more
Attempted Murder
Felony Crimes
- Homicide
- DUI
- Grand Theft Auto
- Resisting Arrest—with violence
- Fraud
- Identity Theft
- Sex Crimes
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Stalking
- Forgery
- Embezzlement
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon
- And more
Violation of Probation
Examples of probation violations:
- Failure to report to probation officer
- Association with known criminals
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Failure to appear at scheduled court appointments
- Arrest for a new offense
- And more
Domestic Violence & Injunctions
If an injunction has been issued against you, call Echemendia Law Firm to avoid criminal charges related to the violation of the injunction.
Violation of Probation
- Failure to report to probation officer
- Association with known criminals
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Failure to appear at scheduled court appointments
- Arrest for a new offense
- And more
Domestic Crimes & Injunctions
If an injunction has been issued against you, call Echemendia Law Firm to avoid criminal charges related to the violation of the injunction.
Juvenile Delinquent
Examples include:
- Weapon Charges
- Shoplifting
- Drug Crimes
- Graffiti
- Gang Offenses
- Vandalism
- Underage Drinking
- And more
Battery
Juvenile Delinquent
- Weapon Charges
- Shoplifting
- Drug Crimes
- Graffiti
- Gang Offenses
- Vandalism
- Underage Drinking
- And more
Battery
Misdemeanor Cases
Examples of misdemeanors:
- Shoplifting under $300
- Petit Theft
- Solicitation for Prostitution
- Indecent Exposure
- Possession of under 20 grams of marijuana
- Driving offenses
- Driving While License is Suspended or Revoked
- And more
Petit Theft
Misdemeanor Cases
- Shoplifting under $300
- Petit Theft
- Solicitation for Prostitution
- Indecent Exposure
- Possession of under 20 grams of marijuana
- Driving offenses
- Driving While License is Suspended or Revoked
- And more
Petit Theft
Call Toll Free or Contact Us for legal assistance today!
Contact Us
Fax:
Lakeland 863.669.1525
Auburndale 863.967.1525
Email:
Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.