First Time Offender Questions

What rights am I afforded upon arrest?

If you are arrested for a crime in Florida, you have the following rights:

• The right to an attorney
• The right to remain silent
• The right to know the crimes you have been charged with
• The right to examine the evidence the state has against you
• The right to confront your accusers and cross-examine witnesses
• The right to a jury trial
• The right to be free from unlawful search and seizures

If any of these rights are violated, you may be eligible to have the charges dismissed or dropped or have the evidence suppressed. The Orlando criminal defense attorneys at The Umansky Law Firm will carefully evaluate every aspect of your arrest to look for ways in which your rights might have been violated. If the arresting officer made an error in protocol, our attorneys can leverage this mistake to your advantage.

Will the judge go easy on me as a first time offender?

Leniency is shown on a case-by-case basis and can depend on many factors. Typically in Florida courts, first time offenders with no prior convictions or charges filed are often eligible for diversion programs, pre-trial intervention, drug court, and other alternate consequences. If you get into these programs and complete the conditions, you may be able to get your charges dropped or dismissed.

Our main concern as your criminal defense attorney is keeping this charge from becoming part of your permanent record and affecting your future. If you are eligible for sealing or expungement, we will pursue this course of action in order to keep your record clean.

Why should I choose The Umansky Law Firm over a court-appointed lawyer or self-representation?

Most first time offenders are unfamiliar with the legal process and their inherent rights. Going through an arrest and trial without experienced legal representation can be tough and potentially decrease your chances of a successful outcome. Often, court-appointed lawyers may be juggling many other cases in addition to yours and may not be able to devote the time your case deserves.

The Umansky Law Firm dedicates a large part of their practice to defending first time offenders like you. We will stand by your side every step of the way and give your case the high levels of personalized attention it deserves. We understand that this process can be overwhelming, especially if you are a first time offender, and we will guide you through the entire process to make sure your rights are protected.

Our criminal defense lawyers are former prosecutors who understand state prosecution tactics and can use this knowledge to devise the best possible defense strategy in your case.

Please contact The Umansky Law Firm today to schedule your free criminal defense consultation. We serve clients in Orlando, Orange County, Seminole, Osceola, and Central Florida.