Criminal Defense Attorneys in St. Petersburg, FL, Florida

How to Beat a Criminal Charge in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida

Were you or a loved one arrested in St. Petersburg due to allegedly committing a crime? If this is the case, you must act quickly to preserve your legal rights by contacting a seasoned St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Lawyer. Only a skilled attorney has the knowledge and skills necessary to advise you of your legal options and answer all of your important questions. Do not wait, as the time to act is now.

At Musca Law, Our St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorneys are Experienced at Defending Those Accused of All Types of Criminal Offenses in Florida

Musca Law is a full service law criminal law firm that represents individuals facing all types of criminal charges, ranging from low-level misdemeanors to serious felonies, including the potential for penalties involving life in prison and the death penalty. The criminal cases we handle include, without limitation, the following:

• Concealed weapons;
• Drug offenses;
• Possession of stolen property;
• Boating under the influence (BUI);
• Domestic violence offenses;
• Federal crimes;
• Probation violations;
• Cyber crimes;
• Juvenile offenses;
• Injunctions;
• Disorderly conduct;
• Burglary;
• Theft offenses;
• Public corruption;
• Juvenile offenses;
• Driving under the influence (DUI); and
• Sex offenses.

Being charged with a criminal offense in St. Petersburg is a serious matter and should never be taken lightly.

St. Petersburg Criminal Offenses, Charges, and Punishments

Drug Crimes, Offenses and Charges in St. Petersburg, Florida

Florida is well-known for its tough stance on drug-related offenses. As such, even minor drug offenses are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. For instance, police in St. Petersburg arrest a person who has even the slightest amount of drugs in his or her possession.

At Musca Law, we believe that those convicted of drug offenses often struggle with addictions, and as such, should be able to obtain treatment rather than being incarcerated. Accordingly, our team of St. Petersburg Drug Crime Defense Attorneys, as discussed more fully below, seek to have our clients receive substance abuse treatment rather than being sent to prison where they cannot obtain the help they need to address their addiction.

Florida’s drug laws are codified at Florida Statutes Section 893. This provides an overview of the drug-related offenses that are prohibited, a classification of each drug, and the associated penalties, including sentencing. It is important to keep in mind that some drug offenses involve a minimum mandatory sentencing.

At Musca Law, our firm represented clients facing all types of drug-related charges, which include, without limitation, the following:

• Possession of drug paraphernalia;
• Medical marijuana;
• Drug trafficking/sales;
• Possession of controlled substances with the intention to sell, manufacture, and distribute drugs;
• Falsely obtaining drugs;
• Possession of illegal drugs;
• Drug manufacturing;
• Prescription drug offenses;
• Grow houses; and
• Conspiracy drug crimes.

At Musca Law, we help clients avoid being sent to prison and subjected to other serious repercussions. For instance, our St. Petersburg Drug Crime Defense Lawyers work to persuade the judge to impose alternatives to sentencing on our clients. These alternatives include, without limitation, the following:

• Substance abuse counseling;
• Drug court;
• Probation;
• Placement in a dual-diagnosis program; and
• Drug court.

It is important to understand that those who do not have a prior criminal record or individuals who are non-violent offenders may avoid being sent to jail if they demonstrate to the court that they are willing to receive drug abuse treatment.

Domestic Violence-Related Offenses in St. Petersburg, Florida

In St. Petersburg, Florida, domestic violence cases are prosecuted heavily and are associated with severe criminal repercussions. While some domestic violence charges were brought forth due to a valid fear of harm, there are other times where the accuser is attempting to seek revenge upon the accused or to gain and advantage in a case such as a divorce proceeding. Even if this is the case, St. Petersburg police will still place you under arrest and charge you with domestic violence.

Florida’s domestic violence laws are codified at Florida Statutes Section 741.28. Under this statutory section, it provides that an accuser must be in a domestic relationship with the accused in order to pursue domestic violence charges against him or her. A domestic relationship is one that involves siblings, children, spouses, former spouses, members of the same household, and common parents to a child or children.

The ramifications of a domestic violence conviction in St. Petersburg are serious and may adversely affect the life of the convicted offender for many years, if not permanently. Specifically, an offender may be sent to prison, be forced to attend a batterer’s intervention program, and be required to surrender ammunition and firearms to police.

Some common examples of domestic violence matters that Musca Law handles include:

• Aggravated stalking;
• Stalking;
• Domestic violence injunctions;
• Assault and battery;
• Witness tampering;
• Interference with a 911 call;
• Battery;
• Sexual battery;
• Domestic violence injunctions;
• Sexual assault;
• False imprisonment;
• Kidnapping;
• Aggravated sexual battery;
• Aggravated sexual assault; and
• Withholding access to medical care or medication.

At Musca Law, our St. Petersburg Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers assist clients facing all types of domestic violence cases. In particular, we handle the following matters (the injunctions of which are discussed more fully below):

• Allegations of domestic violence;
• Sexual violence injunctions;
• Stalking injunctions;
• Repeat violence injunctions;
• Dating violence injunctions; and
• Temporary restraining orders.

BUI & DUI Charges and Offenses in St. Petersburg, Florida

Facing Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Boating Under the Influence (BUI) charges in Florida is very serious. Specifically, St. Petersburg police as well as Pinellas County prosecutors fight hard to prosecute DUI and BUI-related offenses. While the majority of DUI and BUI-related offenses are charged as misdemeanors, this does not mean that they shouldn’t be taken very seriously. In fact, misdemeanor-level offenses may include such repercussions as jail time, monetary fines, and more.

At Musca Law, our legal advocates know exactly what is at stake in DUI and BUI cases. Specifically, we handle the following types of DUI/BUI charges, which include, without limitation:

• DUI;
• BUI;
• Chemical test refusals;
• Aggravated DUI/BUI;
• Commercial driver DUI;
• Property damage DUI/BUI;
• DUI/BUI manslaughter;
• Felony DUI/BUI;
• Multiple DUIs/BUIs;
• Serious bodily injury DUI/BUI; and
• Hit-and-run DUI/BUI & refusal to render aid.

Juvenile Justice Matters in St. Petersburg, Florida

Children under the age of eighteen undoubtedly make mistakes that sometimes result in the violation of local and state laws. In the most severe cases, these mistakes can lead to injury or death of another person, regardless of whether their actions were intended or not. In Florida, children who commit crimes in Florida are referred to as juvenile offenders, juvenile delinquents, and youthful offenders.

If your child is being investigated for committing a crime in St. Petersburg, it is critical to know that juvenile cases are typically very complex and they depend upon where the crime allegedly occurred. It is also important to understand that like adult offenders, a juvenile who is convicted of a crime may face serious criminal repercussions. Even harsher penalties will be imposed upon a child who is tried as an adult.

Some examples of the criminal penalties resulting from a juvenile conviction include:

• Random drug and/or alcohol testing;
• Probation;
• Incarceration in a juvenile detention center; and
• Placement in halfway house/group home.

Any crime can qualify as a juvenile offense. However, the most common include theft, underage drinking, and probation violations. Moreover, in Florida, the consequences associated with a criminal proceeding involving an adult focus upon deterrence and punishment where the court believes that they should know the difference between right and wrong. However, the repercussions associated with a juvenile offense focus upon rehabilitation rather than punishment. This is because minors are afforded the opportunity to learn and grow from their mistakes.

Sex Crimes & Charges in St. Petersburg, Florida

Sex crime cases are often challenging matters that are prosecuted heavily in St. Petersburg. Notwithstanding, people who are charged with a sex crime are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty.

At Musca Law, our St. Petersburg Sex Crime Defense Lawyers represent clients facing all types of sexual offense charges, including, without limitation, the following:

• “Pimping” and pandering;
• Child molestation;
• Prostitution;
• Voyeurism;
• Sex offender registration offenses;
• Child sex crimes;
• Stalking;
• Sale or distribution of pornography to a minor;
• Child pornography;
• Sexual predator act;
• Indecent exposure;
• Sexual assault;
• Lewd, wanton, or lascivious acts;
• Solicitation;
• Internet or Online Child Soliciation;
• Retail display of pornography to a minor;
• Aggravated sexual assault;
• Forcing another person to become a prostitute;
• Aggravated sexual battery;
• Human sex trafficking;
• Bestiality;
• Sexual violence injunctions;
• Sexual battery;
• Statutory rape;
• Incest;
• Federal sex crimes; and
• Sexting.

It is vital to realize that sex offense cases take a lot of time and energy in order to create a winning defense strategy. Without a doubt, the repercussions of a sex crime conviction are severe, and may include mandatory sex offender registration, harsh monetary fines, imprisonment, incarceration in a state treatment center, social stigma, the inability be gainfully employed, difficulty finding housing, and more. It is also critical to be aware that those accused or convicted of committing a sex offense may face a lifetime of public scorn and ridicule.

Theft Crimes, Offenses, and Charges in St. Petersburg, Florida

Florida’s theft-related crimes, penalties, and associated offenses are found at Florida Statutes Section 812.014. The definition of theft in Florida is the taking of another person’s property without his or her consent with the intention to deprive him or her thereof.

At Musca Law, we represent clients facing all types of theft-based crimes, including, without limitation, the following:

• Fraud;
• Check forgery;
• Possession of stolen property;
• Embezzlement;
• Petit theft;
• Robbery;
• Theft of a motor vehicle;
• Grand theft;
• Shoplifting;
• Credit card fraud;
• Stealing property from those who are age 65 or more;
• Buying, receiving, or selling stolen property;
• Larceny; and
• Writing worthless checks.

Oftentimes, certain groups of people such as the elderly and disabled are targeted in theft offense cases. As such, it is common for a judge to consider the effects of these type cases on their victims when considering what punishment to impose.

Violent Crimes in St. Petersburg, Florida

Offenses that constitute violent crimes are prosecuted to the fullest extent by prosecutors in Pinellas County and the St. Petersburg police. As such, Musca Law’s skilled St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Lawyers seek to create the strongest defense strategy possible. Such defenses may include, without limitation, the defense of another, third-party culprit defense, and the defense of another.

The St. Petersburg Violent Crime Defense Lawyers at Musca Law handle all types of violent crime cases, including, without limitation, the following:

• Battery;
• Assault;
• Manslaughter;
• Aggravated battery;
• Aggravated assault;
• Murder;
• Weapons charges;
• Rape/sexual battery;
• Attempted murder;
• Robbery; and
• DUI/BUI manslaughter.

Protective Injunctions, Restraining Orders, Orders of Protection in St. Petersburg, Florida

Alleged victims of abuse in Florida, under Florida Statutes Section 784.046 and 784.0485, may seek what is known as a protective injunction, also called an injunction or restraining order. Such abuse may constitute repeat violence, sexual violence, dating violence, stalking, and/or domestic violence.

Under Florida Statutes Section 784.0485, a judge may impose an injunction upon an individual in order to safeguard a victim from being subject to further acts of violence. There are five types of injunctions in Florida, which include the following:

• Sexual violence injunctions;
• Stalking injunctions;
• Dating injunctions;
• Repeat violence injunctions; and
• Domestic violence injunctions.

It is important to understand that there are many times when an injunction is being wrongfully pursued. This can occur when an accuser is seeking to exact revenge upon the accused or is attempted to obtain an advantage in a civil matter such as a child custody hearing. Even if this is the case, it is critical for a person facing the prospects of an injunction to hire a skilled St. Petersburg Injunction Defense Lawyer given the fact that this type of civil remedy is associated with serious legal consequences.

The permanent injunction process is rather involved in Florida. Specifically, the alleged victim of violence, referred to as the petitioner, must submit a document known as a petition to the Pinellas County clerk of the court. The person against whom an injunction is sought is referred to as the respondent. Once the petition is filed, the judge will then examine it and determine whether a temporary injunction is warranted. Regardless of whether the judge approves a temporary injunction or not, he or she may then schedule a final hearing where both parties will be able to present their respective positions in court. At the conclusion of the final hearing, the judge will determine whether a permanent injunction is warranted. If so, the respondent must comply with all of the terms of the injunction; if he or she doesn’t, he or she will face criminal penalties, including jail time and more.

White-Collar Crimes in St. Petersburg, Florida

White-collar offenses, unlike other crimes, do not usually involve violence committed against another person. Specifically, “white-collar” means that the offender exerted influence over his or her victim or that the crime was committed in secrecy. It is important to understand that most white-collar offenses are felonies, which means that they could involve serious legal repercussions, including imprisonment, harsh monetary fines, and more. Examples of the type of white-collar crimes we handle on behalf of our clients include, without limitation, the following:

• Conspiracy to commit fraud;
• Credit card fraud;
• Wire or bank fraud;
• Tax evasion;
• Exploitation of certain groups of people (i.e., the elderly); and
• Racketeering.

Many lawyers in Florida are simply not qualified to handle white-collar crime cases, as they are often complicated legal matters.

Cyber Crimes in St. Petersburg, Florida

Cyber crimes often constitute white-collar crimes since they involve the exploitation of individuals using the internet, meaning, that the interaction between the accused and the alleged victim is not physical.

Cyber crimes are offenses that often fall under the category of white-collar crimes. This is due to the fact that they involve the exploitation of another person or groups of people via the internet (meaning that the interaction between the accuser and the accused is not physical). Some types of cyber crimes include using the internet to distribute child pornography, solicit minors for sex, organize prostitution rings, sell illegal goods, or deal drugs, to name a few.

Over the past ten years, cyber crimes have dramatically increased in Florida and across the country. Moreover, as noted above, cyber-related offenses do not typically involve a physical interaction however, there is the chance of future contact if the crime committed relates to sex (such as enticing a minor for sex).

At Musca Law, our St. Petersburg Cyber Crime Defense Lawyers handle all types of cyber crime cases, including, without limitation, the following:

• Sex trafficking;
• Identity theft;
• Child pornography related offenses such as the distribution, sale, or possession of child pornography;
• Organizing prostitution rings;
• Credit card theft/fraud;
• Engaging in illegal financial transactions; and
• Embezzlement.

Contact Us 24/7 for Legal Representation

Accusations of a criminal offense are never brought on at a convenient time. Our St. Petersburg criminal defense lawyers are available 24/7 to immediately begin representing you during this difficult time. We recognize and value your time, and work to resolve these allegations as quickly as possible. Contact us today for immediate legal representation.

Musca Law

Address: 111 2nd Ave NE Suite 912, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: (727) 513-8080

Appointment Required

Q9F8+RJ St. Petersburg, Florida

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