1453 Market Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32312 Pay Your Bill help@swordandshield.com (850) 815-0256

Tallahassee Criminal Defense Attorney

An arrest puts your freedom, your record, and your career on the line. We defend people accused of misdemeanors and felonies in Tallahassee and the surrounding North Florida counties.

Cases we defend

  • DUI and driving offenses
  • Drug possession, sale, and trafficking charges
  • Theft, fraud, and other economic offenses
  • Battery, assault, and domestic violence charges
  • Weapons offenses
  • Violations of probation
  • Pre-arrest investigations
  • Sealing and expunging criminal records

A criminal case is also a licensing case

If you hold a professional license, a plea that looks favorable in criminal court can still trigger mandatory reporting, discipline, or disqualification with your licensing agency, even when adjudication is withheld. Because we practice in both arenas, we evaluate every proposed resolution for its effect on your license, your certification, and your ability to work.

What to do if you are under investigation or arrested

  • Do not discuss the facts with law enforcement without a lawyer present.
  • Do not discuss your case on the phone from jail. Those calls are recorded.
  • Write down what happened, who was present, and anything officers said, while it is fresh.
  • Contact a lawyer as early as possible. Important decisions are made in the first days of a case.

Frequently asked questions

Should I talk to the police to clear things up?

You have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. Politely decline to answer questions until you have spoken with counsel. Statements meant to clear things up are frequently the strongest evidence in the State's case.

How soon will I see a judge after an arrest in Florida?

A person who remains in custody is brought before a judge for a first appearance within 24 hours of arrest, where conditions of release are addressed.

Will a criminal charge affect my professional license?

It may. Many Florida license holders must report certain charges or pleas to their agency, and some outcomes carry licensing consequences. We address both problems together.

This page is general information about Florida law, not legal advice for your situation. Deadlines and procedures vary by case and change over time.

Case inquiry

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