The Law Office of Frederick M. Conrad is a criminal defense practice located in Tallahassee, FL that focuses on DUI defense. Mr. Conrad has over 18 years of criminal courtroom experience. He is a former DUI prosecutor and instructor for DUI law enforcement. He knows the law very well, and you'll benefit greatly from his understanding of the courts. As an experienced criminal defense lawyer, Mr. Conrad handles: DUI defense, felonies, misdemeanors, drug offenses, and domestic violence. If you're facing DUI penalties, you'd do well to give Mr. Conrad a call. He handles each case personally. Plus, there's no charge for the initial consultation. No matter how complex your case may be, Mr. Conrad can help you sort it out and give you back a feeling of control. Don't wait to get the help you need. Call the Law Office of Frederick M. Conrad today for a free consultation.
The Court system is set up in this country so that citizens do not have the burden of proving themselves innocent when the State brings charges against them. That burden rests entirely on the government. Thus criminal defense lawyer’s focus is not on whether his or her client is guilty; rather, it is entirely on whether the state can prove his or her client’s guilt. Moreover, often times, law enforcement does not follow the correct procedure when making an arrest or conducting its investigation. When this happens, certain aspects of a case can be “thrown out of court” or suppressed. Experienced lawyers are trained to recognize these issues and use them to benefit their clients. I am happy to discuss this further at your free initial consultation.
DUI/DWI
Florida Law treats DUI as one of its most serious offenses. DUI convictions in Florida require a mandatory adjudication of guilt. This means that the conviction stays with the offender for the rest of his/her life. A DUI conviction can never be expunged or sealed. All DUI convictions in Florida require the mandatory suspension of a driver’s license and all persons arrested for DUI are required to go to jail immediately following their arrest.
Wrongful Death
Traffic Violations
*Most offenses in Florida allow first offenders to enter into a plea agreement or otherwise become eligible to have their adjudication of guilt withheld. This means that a person is not convicted and in most instances, he or she can then have his record sealed. Florida Law requires an adjudication of guilt for anyone who pleads no contest or who goes to trial and is found guilty. Consequently, a DUI can never be sealed and it stays on one’s criminal record for life. One way around this part of the DUI penalty is to have the charge of DUI amended to Reckless Driving which does not require an adjudication of guilt. (See answer to next question).
Sex Crimes
Theft
Misdemeanors
You should also know that in Florida, it is a misdemeanor to refuse to take a breath test if you have previously refused a breath test on an earlier occasion.
Drug Crimes
Drug Court is a diversion/pre-trial intervention program that handles felony drug cases that do not involve the sale or trafficking of drugs. It is primarily for first offenders and it focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Someone who successfully completes drug court will have their charges dismissed and in most cases, they can expunge their records. However, the program is not always easy to complete. As with any criminal court proceeding, it is advisable to obtain the services of a lawyer not only to help you gain entrance into the program but to help you stay in the program.
Assault
Murder
I have often said that a Florida DUI case is more complex than a murder case. Indeed, Florida DUI law is becoming more and more strict every time the legislature goes into session and it is perhaps the most litigated of all criminal cases. Consequently, the Appellate Courts hand down rulings that affect DUI cases almost on a weekly basis. I think it is important in a DUI case to have a lawyer who has dedicated his practice to this area of the law, and I have. A DUI trial is not anything like a speeding ticket trial. While anyone has a right to represent himself/herself, it is not advisable in a DUI case. Most DUI trials are held in front of a jury with professional witnesses (police officers) who are trained to testify against the accused. President Abraham Lincoln once said “A man who represents himself has a fool for a client”. I agree with him.