Frequently Asked Questions

Lakeland Criminal Defense Lawyer

What rights do I have if I get pulled over or arrested?

The first thing that should have occurred is that you were read your Miranda rights. If this did not occur, evidence that was gathered may prove to be inadmissible in court, causing the case against you to be dismissed. The areas of why you were stopped and the legality of any search and seizure are two of the first items that a seasoned Lakeland criminal defense attorney can explore to combat the charges against you. Your rights include asking the officer why you were stopped and you can ask the police to produce a warrant if they intend to search your property. You also have the right to ask for the help of an attorney before you answer any questions.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

Misdemeanors are minor offenses with lesser fines and smaller jail sentences, less than a year. Crimes such as murder, vehicular manslaughter or certain sex, drug or theft crimes are felonies and are considered more serious offenses. Conviction on a felony results in steep fines and long-term imprisonment.

If blood or breath tests registered a high BAC, can my rights still be defended?

Field sobriety tests and blood or breath tests have all been proven, in many DUI cases, to produce results which are faulty or flawed. I am William D. Sites, Attorney at Law and I have over 2 decades of working knowledge in protecting the rights of those in need of effective criminal defense. A large amount of DUI cases have been won or lost on the ability of a lawyer to find and exploit the faults of these tests in determining intoxication.

When is it right to ask for a plea bargain in my case?

This is something we should discuss when I take on your case. A plea bargain is used to settle a case when both the prosecution and the defense (including you) agree to certain terms which resolve the case. Remember, you are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and, at times, a plea bargain may not be the best way to approach your case. Even though a plea bargain can occur at nearly any time your case is ongoing, the most favorable outcomes usually occur early in the case.

To learn your rights, the legal process and how your case can be defended, contact a Lakeland criminal defense lawyer today.