Being charged with a criminal offense is a frightening experience. The fact that your career, your relationships, your reputation, and your freedom are in jeopardy makes it imperative that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at once. If you reside in South Florida, Perez Mayoral, P.A. is a wise choice.
Cases That Need a Criminal Defense Attorney
Our practice handles a broad range of criminal defense cases, including:
Firearm-Related Offenses
There has been a great deal of controversy surrounding the use of firearms in this country in recent decades, and state laws vary widely in regard to gun laws. Though Florida leads the states in the number of concealed weapons permits issued, being charged with a firearms violation in the state can result in weighty penalties. Despite following Florida’s laws on gun possession, ownership, and use, many people find themselves unjustly charged with crimes ranging from illegal concealed carry to – in the worst-case scenario – premeditated murder.
If you carry a firearm in Florida, it is extremely important that you do your own research as to when you can legally use a firearm to defend yourself or others. It is equally important that you properly train yourself with regard to firearm safety and use.
However, if you have been arrested after an incident involving a firearm, it is of the utmost importance that you hire an attorney who is an expert on Florida’s laws regarding firearms, self-defense, and specifically Florida’s “Stand Your Ground Law.” Few attorneys know how to properly handle a self-defense case. Fewer attorneys know how to properly litigate Florida’s Stand Your Ground law. Even among those, fewer have the proper amount of knowledge about firearms to adequately defend you and litigate your case. We have won cases based on Florida’s “Stand Your Ground Law” in a number of different circumstances. We have the knowledge, experience, and resources required to get you the best possible result.
Our firm represents people charged with a number of different firearm-related offenses including:
- Violent crimes involving firearms such as murder, attempted murder, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- Possessing or discharging a weapon at a school-sponsored event
- Improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon or firearm
- Carrying a concealed firearm without a license
- Open carry of a firearm
- Allowing a minor under the age of 16 to access a loaded firearm
At Perez Mayoral, P.A., we will do everything we can to protect your right to bear arms and to keep yourself and your family safe.
Traffic Violations is a Criminal Defense
Considering that Florida has the third-highest number of car accident deaths in the U.S., and that fatalities in this country increased during 2020 when fewer cars were on the road due to the pandemic, it is no wonder our state takes moving violations very seriously. If you have been pulled over and charged with one or more of the following offenses, you need the strong criminal defense representation of Perez Mayoral:
- DUI
- Reckless driving
- Vehicular homicide
- Vehicular manslaughter
- Leaving the scene of an accident / “hit and run”
Our criminal defense attorneys will always take your side and work in your best interests.
Drunk Driving (DUI)
Over the years, DUI convictions have become more common and penalties have become more strict. You should be aware that being found guilty of a DUI offense can be a formidable obstacle to your lifestyle, especially if this is not your first DUI conviction. In addition to heavy fines, you may be facing jail time.
Other penalties can include being required to use an interlock device and having your license suspended or revoked. When you think of how these consequences may affect your employment (e.g. commutation or jobs that require driving), chores, and recreation you will recognize your urgent need for a competent criminal defense attorney.
Drug Crimes Criminal Defense
In response to the awful consequences of drug use and drug trafficking in Florida, our courts mete out severe punishments, especially when drug sales appear to be part of the offense. Without a savvy criminal defense attorney, you may find yourself paying dearly for even a single drug transgression. We have successfully defended clients and won trials on charges ranging from simple drug possession to armed drug trafficking. Our results speak for themselves.
Assault
Obviously, assaults vary in intensity and seriousness, but whether you are accused of giving someone a bloody nose or knocking someone unconscious, you should do all you can to prevent conviction. This means engaging the services of a first-rate criminal defense attorney. Our legal team will give you the best chance of avoiding jail time and permanently soiling your reputation.
Domestic violence
Though domestic violence is a common problem, accusations of this crime are too often used as leverage in the divorce process in order to gain child custody or favorable financial terms or simply for retaliative purposes. We have successfully defended women and men falsely accused of domestic violence. If you have been accused of domestic violence, it is essential to have a savvy criminal defense lawyer on your side.
Possible Criminal Defenses in South Florida
Depending on the details of your case, we will develop a tactical approach that will be most effective. There are several possible pathways to a not guilty verdict and our criminal defense attorneys are well-versed in each, including:
- Cell Phone location data demonstrating our client’s whereabouts during the commission of the alleged crime
- Affirmative defense (the defendant committed the proscribed act under threat)
- Alibi
- Lack of intent
- Mistaken identity
- Lack of witness credibility
Other possible criminal defenses are based on misconduct by police or prosecutors, such as entrapment, failing to read the defendant her or his Miranda rights, or obtaining a coerced confession. It is also possible that we can prove that you were wrongfully arrested (e.g. targeted for discriminatory reasons) or are being subjected to double jeopardy.
Contact Our Experienced South Florida Criminal Defense Attorneys as Soon as Possible
Our team has the in-depth legal knowledge and powerful litigation skills to protect your rights and bring about a successful resolution to your case. In many cases, our preparation for court presentation is so strong that we are able to negotiate a beneficial plea bargain. Both of our lead attorneys, Erik A. Perez and Michael P. Mayoral, are deeply committed to the idea that you are innocent until proven guilty and will provide you with a well-constructed, strategic defense. More than that, both will treat you with the respect and empathy you deserve. Get a free consultation today!
