Pinellas County Criminal Defense Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been accused of a crime in Pinellas County, the stakes are high. And so is the need for an experienced Pinellas County criminal defense lawyer. At Whittel & Melton, we provide aggressive, strategic, and compassionate criminal defense representation for clients facing state and federal charges throughout St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, Pinellas Park, and surrounding areas.

Criminal Cases We Handle in Pinellas County

We aim to deliver the highest-quality legal representation to those accused of crimes in Pinellas County. We represent clients charged with Pinellas County crimes in State and Federal Court, including:

• White Collar Crime, like Fraud & Financial Crimes, Bank Fraud, Tax Fraud, Insurance Fraud, and Money Laundering in State and Federal Courts
• Serious Felonies, including Sex Crimes, Rape, Sexual Assault and Sexual Battery; Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, Child Abuse, Possession of Child Pornography, as well as Capital Murder and Manslaughter. We also represent clients charged with firearm and gun-related crimes.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) cases involving serious bodily injury or death are usually charged as DUI Manslaughter.

Understanding Prison and Jail Times for Criminal Charges in Florida

In Florida, the length of imprisonment varies by offense, aggravating factors, and criminal history.

Types of Criminal Charges

1. Infractions
   These minor violations are typically punishable by fines and do not result in incarceration.
2. Misdemeanors
   Considered less severe than felonies, these offenses still carry penalties that vary based on severity. Examples include simple assault, disorderly conduct, and petty theft.
   • First-Degree Misdemeanor:
     Punishable by up to 1 year in jail or probation, along with fines up to $1,000.
   • Second-Degree Misdemeanor:
     Carries a potential sentence of up to 60 days in jail or 6 months of probation, with fines reaching $500.
3. Felonies
   Serious offenses that result in more significant consequences. This category includes crimes such as drug trafficking, aggravated assault, and homicide.
   • First-Degree Felony:
     Imprisonment for up to 30 years, with fines up to $10,000.
   • Second-Degree Felony:
     Up to 15 years in prison, and fines may also reach $10,000.
   • Third-Degree Felony:
     A sentence of up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $5,000.
   • Life Felony:
     Life imprisonment with fines up to $15,000.
   • Capital Felony:
     Punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty.

By classifying offenses into these categories, Florida ensures that penalties are proportionate to the crime’s severity. Understanding these distinctions can help you navigate the complexities of Florida’s legal system and determine when you may need guidance from an experienced Pinellas County criminal defense lawyer.

Why Choose Whittel and Melton?

Whittel & Melton’s success and reputation are built on an established track record of high-quality legal work by well-prepared lawyers devoted to their clients.

Clients choose us because:

• We bring nearly 60 years of combined criminal law experience.
• We negotiate favorable plea agreements in the toughest situations.
• We are trial-ready attorneys with proven courtroom success.
• Every defense strategy is customized, never cookie-cutter.
• Our team includes former prosecutors, seasoned trial lawyers, investigators, paralegals, and support staff.

When your future, freedom, and reputation are on the line, experience matters. Because serious crimes demand the best defense, you need seasoned attorneys.

How Much Is a Retainer Fee for a Criminal Lawyer in Pinellas County?

Typical criminal defense representation in Pinellas County from a qualified and experienced attorney generally starts at $5,000 for the lowest-level charge and can reach over $100,000 in the most serious criminal matters. Many factors come into play when pricing a case. Some of the cost certainly depends on the quality of the lawyer assigned to the matter. For example, the same case, same work, and same effort expended by a young 3- or 4-year lawyer as opposed to a 20-year-experienced, former prosecutor, Florida Board Certified trial lawyer are obviously going to be different. Other factors to consider would be the actual trial experience of the attorney you are speaking to and any unique challenges the case may present – for example, Media attention, professional license issues, etc.

Pricing for legal defense is influenced by the severity of the charge and the challenges in mounting a defense. Serious allegations require more resources, and complexities like financial or scientific issues can affect fees. Consulting an experienced Pinellas County criminal defense lawyer can clarify how these factors impact defense costs.

What Does a Defendant Attorney Do?

A strong defense attorney will:

• Protect yourself from making your case worse. Do not post on social media, talk to witnesses, or discuss your case publicly.
• Review all evidence and discovery with you
• Build a strategic, fact-based defense
• File motions to suppress unlawful evidence
• Negotiate with prosecutors
• Prepare your case for trial if necessary

Your best role as a defendant? Be honest, stay silent publicly, and be a good listener.

What Happens If a Criminal Case Goes to Trial?

When a criminal case proceeds to trial, it’s vital to have skilled legal representation on your side. Your legal team will advocate for you with both integrity and vigor. Here’s what you can generally expect during the trial process:

1. Building a Strong Defense:
   • Preparation is Key: Your lawyers will meticulously prepare by gathering robust evidence and credible testimonies to bolster your defense and challenge the prosecution’s case.
2. Presentation of the Case:
   • Structured Arguments: In court, your attorneys will present a clear and strategic narrative, showcasing evidence that supports your innocence or mitigates circumstances.
3. Ethical Advocacy:
   • Maintaining Integrity: Expect your legal team to follow ethical guidelines, ensuring your rights are respected while passionately defending your case.
4. Examining Evidence:
   • Critical Analysis: Both the defense and prosecution will scrutinize evidence and interview witnesses, highlighting strengths and exposing weaknesses in each other’s cases.
5. Jury Interaction:
   • Engaging Persuasion: Your attorneys will communicate persuasively with the jury, aiming to cast doubts on the opposition and underscore your defense.

Throughout this intense process, the objective is to convincingly cast your situation in a favorable light, aiming for a verdict that supports your defense.

Can My Lawyer Talk to the Victim?

Generally yes. In Florida, a criminal defense lawyer may:

• Contact the victim directly
• Use an investigator to initiate contact
• Depose the victim under oath during discovery

Your attorney will always choose the approach that protects your rights and avoids harming your case.

How Do I Know if My Lawyer Is Good?

One of the luxuries of NOT being a defendant in the criminal justice system is we get to see all the defendants and all of the lawyers involved. As a defendant, unfortunately, you only have ONE opportunity to hire the right attorney for you. For the most part a defendant knows if they have the right attorney if they feel as though they are getting their best opportunity to represent their best self before the court. More objectively, a criminal defense attorney’s resume, trial experience, experience in that specific jurisdiction or courthouse, experience with that specific charge, and opportunity for your lawyer to spend time on your case based on his/her caseload.

If you, or a friend or family member, has been charged with a Federal crime or State crime in Pinellas County, Florida, including St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs or Clearwater, please call us to make an appointmentpinellas county criminal defense attorneypinellas county criminal defense attorney for a free consultation, toll free at 866-608-5529, or locally at (727) 823-0000 so that we can meet with you to discuss your case and the defenses available to you.

We are available to our clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

PINELLAS COUNTY CRIMINAL DEFENSE RESOURCES

Below is a list of potential resources for your or your loved one’s Pinellas County Criminal Defense case. Of course, for existing clients – all information and conversations must take place with our office first.

BE VERY CAREFUL when or if you contact any state or government agency. Any conversation may be recorded or transcribed for law enforcement to use against you.

• Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
• Pinellas County Clerk of Courts
• City of St. Petersburg
• Pinellas County State Attorney’s Office
• St. Petersburg Police Department
• Pinellas County Government
• Largo Police Department
• Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections
• City of Tarpon Springs
• Pinellas County Judicial Services
• City of Treasure Island
• Pinellas County Juvenile Justice