SarasotaCriminal Defense
Sarasota Criminal Defense Lawyer
When you’re facing criminal charges, every decision you make matters — and the first should be hiring an experienced Sarasota criminal defense lawyer. A conviction can affect your job, reputation, freedom, and future. Whether you’re dealing with a DUI, drug charges, assault, theft, or any other criminal matter, you deserve a skilled advocate who will protect your rights. At McNary Law, we provide strategic, personalized defense to clients throughout Sarasota, Bradenton, and surrounding areas. Our team is committed to honesty, integrity, and fighting relentlessly for your best outcome.
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Understanding Criminal Defense
What Is Criminal Defense?
Criminal defense is the legal protection afforded to individuals accused of committing a crime. A criminal defense lawyer defends the rights of the accused, ensures a fair trial, and works to achieve the best possible result — whether that’s dismissal, reduced charges, or an acquittal. Defense attorneys navigate complex laws, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, negotiate plea deals, and advocate fiercely at trial if needed.
McNary Law handles a wide range of cases, including:
DUI Defense
Drug Charges
Assault and Battery
Theft and Robbery Charges
Juvenile Crimes
Weapons Charges
Domestic Violence Defense
Violent Crimes Defense
Each case requires a customized defense strategy, tailored to the specific facts and circumstances.
Common Criminal Charges in Sarasota
DUI Defense
Florida has strict DUI laws. A DUI conviction can lead to license suspension, fines, probation, and even jail time — not to mention skyrocketing insurance rates. Our Sarasota DUI defense attorneys challenge improper traffic stops, breathalyzer results, and field sobriety tests to weaken the prosecution’s case.
Drug Charges
Drug offenses — from possession of marijuana to trafficking controlled substances — carry serious penalties. We explore Fourth Amendment violations (illegal searches), chain of custody issues, and opportunities for diversion programs to protect our clients.
Theft, Burglary, and Robbery
Under Florida Statutes Chapter 812Chapter 812 – 2024 Flor…, theft crimes range from petit theft (misdemeanors) to grand theft (felonies). Robbery and burglary charges are even more serious, often carrying mandatory prison terms. McNary Law aggressively investigates and challenges witness credibility, intent, and evidence handling.
Assault and Battery
Assault and battery charges (Chapter 784, Florida StatutesChapter 784 – 2024 Flor…) can be misdemeanors or felonies depending on the severity. Aggravating factors — like the use of a deadly weapon or battery on a law enforcement officer — enhance potential penalties. We build strong defenses based on self-defense, defense of others, or challenging the evidence itself.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence allegations can result in immediate protective injunctions, eviction from your home, and loss of firearm rights. Whether it’s a misunderstanding or false accusation, swift and strategic defense is crucial.
Juvenile Crimes
Juvenile crimes require delicate handling — protecting the child’s future while navigating a system designed to rehabilitate, not just punish. Our attorneys aim to keep cases out of adult court and seek diversion programs whenever possible.
Weapons Charges
Florida’s gun laws (Chapter 790Chapter 790 – 2024 Flor…) are complex. McNary Law defends against charges like carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, possession by a convicted felon, or unlawful discharge of a firearm.
How the Criminal Process Works in Sarasota
1. Arrest and First Appearance
After arrest, you must appear before a judge within 24 hours. The judge will set bail or release conditions. Having a defense attorney from the start can influence your release and protect your rights immediately.
2. Arraignment
At the arraignment, you’ll be formally charged and asked to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. McNary Law ensures you understand the charges and consequences before any decisions are made.
3. Discovery and Pretrial Motions
Your lawyer obtains the prosecution’s evidence and can file motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, dismiss improper charges, or request hearings to limit damaging evidence.
4. Negotiations and Plea Bargaining
Not every case goes to trial. Skilled negotiation may result in reduced charges, diversion programs, or alternative sentencing.
5. Trial
If a fair plea isn’t possible, your case proceeds to trial. Our team thoroughly prepares for battle — selecting jurors, cross-examining witnesses, and delivering compelling arguments in your defense.
Possible Defenses to Criminal Charges
Depending on your case, potential defenses include:
Self-Defense or Defense of Others
Lack of Intent
Alibi
Unlawful Search and Seizure
Mistaken Identity
Entrapment
Insufficient Evidence
Every fact matters. McNary Law meticulously reviews evidence, police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage to build the strongest defense possible.
Penalties for Criminal Convictions in Florida
Florida categorizes crimes into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties outlined under Chapter 775Chapter 775 – 2024 Flor…:
Second-Degree Misdemeanor: Up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
First-Degree Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Third-Degree Felony: Up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Second-Degree Felony: Up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
First-Degree Felony: Up to 30 years (or life) in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Aggravating factors (such as using a weapon) can lead to enhanced penalties.
Why Hire McNary Law?
At McNary Law, we aren’t just fighting for your case — we’re fighting for your life, reputation, and future. Here’s why Sarasota residents choose us:
Extensive Criminal Defense Experience
Client-Centered Approach
Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation
Commitment to Honesty, Integrity, and Compassionate Problem-SolvingService AreasPractice Areas
We serve clients throughout Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and nearby communities, defending against everything from simple misdemeanors to serious felony charges.
Additional Services We Offer
In addition to criminal defense, McNary Law also assists with:
Family Law: Divorce, child custody, alimony, paternity actions, modificationsPractice Areas.
Injunctions: Representation in domestic violence, repeat violence, and stalking injunctionsPractice Areas.
Mediation and Litigation: Skilled handling of negotiations and courtroom disputesPractice Areas.
No matter your legal needs, you’ll receive the same personalized, relentless advocacy McNary Law is known for.
Contact a Sarasota Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in Sarasota, don’t wait. Early intervention can drastically improve your outcome. Contact McNary Law today to schedule a confidential consultation. Let us protect your rights, your future, and your freedom.
Criminal DefenseHow Else Can We Assist You?
