Central Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer
Attorney in Daytona Beach

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense case involves a person or persons accused by the government of committing a crime. The crime can be classified as a felony or a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor is typically considered a minor crime, which can be punishable by fines, light jail time, probation, and other penalties. A felony is considered a major crime and can result in extremely stiff punishment, including heavy fines and prison sentences.

According to the United States Constitution, a person accused of a crime has the right to a defense, as well as other legal rights and privileges accorded to citizens of our country. The Central Florida criminal defense attorney at Chanfrau & Chanfrau is experienced with criminal cases, and will act as a passionate advocate for the rights of individuals whose lives and reputations are in jeopardy because of a criminal accusation.

Your Rights

When accused by the government of committing a misdemeanor or a felony, citizens of the state of Florida have specific rights. These rights include:

• The right to an attorney
• The right to a speedy trial
• The right to a public jury trial
• The right to produce evidence
• The right to remain silent (right against self-incrimination)
• The right to confront witnesses

One of the most important rights of individuals accused of a crime is the right to adequate legal representation. The Central Florida criminal defense lawyer at our DeLand, Palm Coast, and Daytona Beach firm is a skilled litigator who is familiar with the laws governing criminal cases. He will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive fair treatment and a thorough defense.

Potential Consequences

Being convicted of a crime, be it a felony or misdemeanor, can result in an array of life-changing punishments. Without a qualified criminal defense attorney, the odds of conviction are drastically increased. Some of the consequences of a criminal conviction include:

• Heavy fines
• A criminal record
• Jail or prison sentence
• House arrest
• Probation
• Community service
• Forfeiture of a vehicle
• Loss of driver's license

Potential consequences of conviction vary in every case, depending on the crime committed, the jury and/or judge, and many other factors.

Contact the Central Florida criminal defense lawyers at our Daytona Beach, DeLand, or Palm Coast office for a consultation. Our skilled litigators can review your case and discuss the next steps to be taken.

DUI (Driving Under the Influence)

If you or a loved one has been arrested on a DUI charge in Florida, it is vitally important that you contact one of our criminal defense lawyers immediately. Time is of the essence in these cases. Laws pertaining to positive breathalyzer tests, or refusals to take them, allow you only 10 days to appeal the suspension of your driver's license. And remember, a driver's license suspension is one of the lesser penalties of a DUI conviction. DUI offenses constitute a criminal record and can radically affect your future and reputation; they may even land you in jail. Chanfrau & Chanfrau can help.

Drug Offenses

Penalties for drug offenses can be very stiff, from heavy fines to community service, probation, and even prison. Plus, convictions for drug offenses in Florida generally result in the revocation of your driver's license for two years. If you or someone you love has been arrested for a drug offense, the Central Florida criminal defense lawyer at our Daytona Beach firm can help protect your rights. Our attorneys can determine if proper search and seizure requirements were adhered to by authorities, as well as review the evidence in your case and advocate for your rights.

Traffic Offenses

A series of major traffic offenses can have severe consequences. Florida state law classifies certain people as "habitual traffic offenders," these are individuals who have been convicted of three or more major offenses in a five-year time span. This can lead to suspension of your license. Major traffic violations include:

• DUI
• Evading the police
• Open alcoholic beverage container
• Drag racing

In Central Florida, our qualified criminal defense attorney can help you sort through the legal ramifications involved in traffic offense cases. Contact Chanfrau & Chanfrau today for more information.

Theft

Theft offenses can be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the situation. Theft occurs when someone takes personal property belonging to another with the intent of permanently depriving them of that property. Instances of theft include:

• Petty theft
• Residential burglary
• Commercial burglary
• Grand theft
• Robbery

Convictions for theft can result in probation and fines to sentences in state prison.

Assault/Battery

Assault and battery offenses can be defined in a number of ways. Simple assault is the attempt, with the present ability, to harm another, and is a misdemeanor offense. Simple battery is also a misdemeanor, and involves the willful and unlawful use of force against another individual. Assault with a deadly weapon, battery with injury, and mayhem (the act of disabling or disfiguring a part of another person's body) can all be tried as felonies. Penalties for assault and battery can range from minimum probation to years in prison. Our Central Florida criminal defense attorney can help if you or someone you know has been arrested on assault and battery charges.

Contact Our Criminal Defense Attorneys

The Central Florida criminal defense lawyer at our Daytona Beach firm is an attorney who is committed to aggressively defending your rights in a variety of criminal cases. If you or a loved one is in trouble with the law, Chanfrau & Chanfrau can help. We are an experienced team of legal professionals who understand that quality legal representation is essential to ensuring that individuals are treated fairly and all evidence is presented, in all types of legal cases. Contact our office to schedule a free case review.

We also represent cases involving auto accident, boat accident, motorcycle accident, accidental death, trucking accidents, water craft accidents, premises liability, slip and fall accidents, sexual child abuse, physical child abuse, nursing home negligence, dog bites, product liability, construction accidents and criminal defense. Contact our personal injury lawyers in Daytona Beach, DeLand, or Palm Coast today for a free consultation and we will review your case.