Criminal Defense Lawyer

PANELLA LAW FIRM ACCEPTS CASES THROUGHOUT FLORIDA

Experienced Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyer

Facing a criminal charge is undeniably one of the most daunting experiences one can endure. Whether you’ve spent a night in jail after an arrest or received unsettling paperwork indicating a criminal charge, that sickening feeling in the pit of your stomach is understandable. The flood of thoughts racing through your mind, from the fear of imprisonment to the potential impact on your job and the prospect of a permanent criminal record, can be overwhelming. Your family, career, and prospects hang in the balance. Our Orlando criminal defense lawyers are here to represent you and keep you out of jail.

At Panella Law Firm, our criminal attorneys possess the expertise to guide you through each stage of your criminal proceedings. We’ll clearly understand your situation, helping you understand your challenges and what to anticipate moving forward.

We deeply understand which facts are crucial and can identify any weaknesses in the accusations against you. No matter the gravity of the charges, we handle all aspects of defending Orlando residents against misdemeanors and felonies.

If you have been charged with a criminal offense or suspect you’re under investigation by law enforcement, our attorneys are here to protect your rights. We will work towards minimizing the consequences of a potential conviction. Our Orlando criminal defense lawyers will thoroughly assess your case, craft a strategic approach, and passionately fight for your freedom.

With Panella Law Firm, you can find solace knowing you have a formidable ally in this challenging time. Contact us at 407-602-6559 to book a free phone, video, or in-person consultation.

Why Choose Panella Law Firm, Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyer?

When facing criminal charges, the stakes are high, and the legal process can be overwhelming and intimidating. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney can make all the difference in how your case turns out.

Panella Law Firm stands out as a beacon of excellence in criminal defense. With a proven track record of success and a team of dedicated attorneys, Panella Law Firm can provide you with the best chance of securing a favorable resolution to your criminal defense case. Here are some reasons to choose us;

Experience: At Panella Law Firm, we understand the intricacies of the Orlando criminal justice system and its profound impact on people’s lives. When you’re accused of a crime, you still have rights. Unfortunately, many prosecutors seek to sidestep these rights to pursue a conviction or guilty plea. We are here to ensure this doesn’t happen to you. We’ve successfully defended countless Orlando criminal cases – and we’re ready to go to work for you, too. Our seasoned criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience handling various criminal cases, from minor misdemeanors to complex felony charges.
Strategic Approach: We approach each case with meticulous planning and a strategic mindset because we recognize the gravity of these charges you face. We are acutely aware of how important it is to fight against these allegations vigorously. Crafting and executing a well-thought-out strategy is at the core of our defense attorneys’ work. Our primary goal is to secure the best possible solution.
Tenacious Advocates: We are relentless fighters who refuse to back down easily. Our commitment to seeking solutions from every angle sets us apart. When you entrust your case to us, you gain an ally who will tenaciously pursue justice until the end. Our track record of success is evidence of our determination.
Tailored Legal Solutions: Every criminal case is unique, and cookie-cutter approaches rarely lead to success. We understand this and customize our legal strategies to fit the specific circumstances of each case. Whether negotiating plea deals, exploring alternative sentencing options, or preparing for trial, our approach is highly adaptable and designed to achieve the best possible results for our clients.
Client-Centered Approach: Our clients are at the heart of every decision and action. Recognizing the emotional and personal toll that criminal charges can take, our team maintains open lines of communication. It ensures that you are fully informed at every stage of the legal process. We take the time to listen, understand, and tailor our defense strategies to address your unique circumstances.

You need an experienced Orlando criminal defense attorney to handle your criminal defense case. Contact Panella Law Firm at 407-602-6559 to schedule a free phone, video meeting, or in-person consultation.

Types Of Criminal Cases Our Defense Lawyers Can Help You With

We can represent you in several case types, including:

How To Protect Yourself Before Proceeding With Your Case

It is crucial to prioritize your protection before proceeding with your case when facing legal challenges, whether in criminal matters. Navigating the complexities of the legal system can be daunting, and overlooking key steps could lead to unfavorable outcomes. Here are some steps to protect yourself before moving forward with your case.

Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent: You have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. Avoid making any statements to law enforcement or prosecutors without your attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you in court, so it is best to let your lawyer handle all communication.
Preserve Evidence: Preserving evidence is vital in any legal case. Gather and protect all relevant documents, photographs, videos, correspondence, and other evidence related to your case. Evidence can quickly become lost or compromised, so taking prompt action to secure it will help strengthen your position in court.
Maintain Confidentiality: Be cautious about discussing your case with people not directly involved in the legal proceedings, especially on social media. Loose lips or hasty posts can inadvertently harm your case and be used against you. Instead, limit discussions about your case to your attorney.
Avoid New Legal Troubles: While your case is ongoing, avoid engaging in any activities that could result in new criminal charges. Demonstrating good behavior can be beneficial during plea negotiations or sentencing.
Seek Legal Representation: The first and most critical step is to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Panella Law Firm will guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your case.

Don’t venture into the complexities of the legal system unprepared or uninformed. Being well-versed in your rights and available options before making any decisions or facing the court is crucial. In Orlando, numerous criminal offenses carry hidden consequences, such as mandatory jail time, probation, suspension of driving privileges, and the burden of a permanent criminal record.

Whether you believe you’ve been wrongly accused or have concerns about a potential crime, our experienced criminal defense attorney is here to assist you. You can comprehensively understand the legal process and how Orlando law applies to your situation through a personalized consultation.

Contact An Experienced Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Dealing with criminal accusations can be a highly emotional and anxiety-inducing experience. However, seeking legal representation should alleviate, not increase, your stress. By enlisting the services of Panella Law Firm’s criminal defense lawyer, you can receive expert guidance on your rights and the best course of action moving forward.

We offer a free and confidential consultation to ensure you make informed decisions. During this session, we will thoroughly analyze the strengths and weaknesses of your case.

Contact us at 407-602-6559 for a free consultation.

Faqs

Most clients have numerous questions before they talk with us. You may have some of the same questions before your consultation.

What’s the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?

Misdemeanors and felonies represent two distinct categories with varying degrees of punishment. Misdemeanors, being less severe offenses, can lead to a maximum sentence of one year in a county jail.

Felonies entail significantly more severe consequences, with the potential of imprisonment ranging from 16 months to three years, or even life, in either a county or state prison.

Classifying a crime as a misdemeanor or a felony often depends on the gravity of the offense, particularly if it involves acts of violence or inflicts physical harm upon another person. Those committing more serious offenses are typically charged with felonies, whereas less severe offenses are categorized as misdemeanors. It’s essential to note that your criminal record can significantly impact the charges you may ultimately face in court.

What’s a Plea Bargain? Should I Accept a Deal?

A plea bargain is the prosecution’s proposition to the defendant. It involves the defendant agreeing to plead guilty to certain charges, and in return, they may receive benefits such as reduced charges or lighter penalties. However, it is crucial to recognize that accepting a plea bargain will result in a permanent criminal record, making the decision pivotal.

Can the Police Conduct a Warrantless Search?

The answer is “no.” Nonetheless, there are certain exceptions to this rule. For instance, a warrantless search may be permissible if an officer possesses reasonable suspicion or believes that specific extenuating circumstances exist (such as an imminent threat of violence or the potential destruction of evidence). Additionally, a search may be conducted if you provide your consent.

However, without these justifications, a valid warrant must support a search. Failure to obtain a warrant could lead to the dismissal of charges against you or, at the very least, severely weaken the state’s case by depriving the prosecution of crucial evidence. Understanding and asserting your rights regarding search and seizure is essential to ensure a fair and just legal process.

Attorney Mike Panella

For Mike Panella, the concept of zealous advocacy developed at an early age – fueled by what he perceived to be an unjust resolution in a personal family legal matter. Mr. Panella would later attribute his passion to defend the rights of those who stand accused to those inequities in the legal system he observed, and considered unjust. Before opening Panella Law Firm, Mr. Panella served as an Assistant Public Defender for Florida’s 18th Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office and worked hundreds of cases in both Brevard and Seminole Counties. Mr. Panella was undefeated at trial. [ Attorney Bio ]