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Being charged with a criminal offense does not automatically mean a conviction is a foregone conclusion. Every person accused of a crime has a legal right to defend themselves against the criminal charges they are facing. In addition, the prosecution is held to a standard of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty. Every defendant has a legal right to competent legal counsel to present his or her defense, which may include:
The attorney you choose to represent your legal rights and freedoms in a criminal case may significantly affect the outcome of your criminal defense case.
Experience, qualifications, a track record for successfully representing criminal defendants, aggressive pursuit of justice... these are all things that you should look for in choosing an effective criminal defense attorney to fight for you in the defense of the criminal allegations against you.
"I am a former Assistant State Attorney. For years I litigated and handled thousands of criminal cases. I now use this experience to protect the legal rights and freedoms of those accused, arrested, and charged with committing a criminal offense."
If you have been charged with a crime, you need an attorney on your side who is knowledgeable of the law, experienced at trial, and able to negotiate for you from a position of strength. Call our law office 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 863.709.0808, or by using our online case evaluation form.
I can help you fight any criminal charge, from a traffic infraction to homicide charges. Our areas of Criminal Defense representation include, but are not limited to:
If you have been charged with a crime, you need an attorney on your side who is knowledgeable of the law, experienced at trial, and able to negotiate for you from a position of strength. Call our law office 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 863.709.0808, or by using our online case evaluation form.
We stand ready to aggressively represent you, and answer all of your questions. An aggressive defense of your case in the early stages could lead to the charges against you being dismissed or reduced.
Medical Marijuana Cards
By Attorney, Ricardo Alvarez
Podcast Video
with Attorney, Ricardo Alvarez
ATTORNEY, RICARDO ALVAREZ
BIOGRAPHY
Ricardo Alvarez is a Criminal Defense Attorney who serves the Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Polk County, Hardee County, Highlands County, Hillsborough County and Central Florida areas.
Attorney, Ricardo Alvarez handles local, state and federal criminal cases.
Mr. Alvarez is a former prosecutor for the 10th Judicial Circuit of Florida, whichh covers Hardee, Highlands, and Polk Counties.
Attorney, Ricardo Alvarez was also former producer, news director, and vice president of news & Sports for Telemundo in New York, NY, and was also a producer and executive producer for Univision in New York, NY and San Fransisco, CA.
RICARDO ALVAREZ - BIOGRAPHY › › ›
CRIMINAL LAW
AREAS OF LEGAL PRACTICE
Criminal Defense • DUI Defense • Drug Charges • Felony • Misdemeanor • Arson • Assault • Battery • Burglary • Robbery • Theft • Traffic Crimes • Traffic Ticket • Driving Under License Suspension • Domestic Violence Defense • Domestic Injunction Violations • Fraud Crimes • Homicide Crimes • Juvenile Offender Defense • Sealing and Expungement • Sex Crimes • Violation of Probation Defense • Weapon - Firearm Charge Defense • White Collar Crime Defense
CONTACT THE LAW OFFICE OF RICARDO ALVAREZ, P.A. › › ›
ATTORNEY, RICARDO ALVAREZ
BIOGRAPHY
Ricardo Alvarez is a Criminal Defense Attorney who serves the Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Polk County, Hardee County, Highlands County, Hillsborough County and Central Florida areas.
Attorney, Ricardo Alvarez handles local, state and federal criminal cases.
Mr. Alvarez is a former prosecutor for the 10th Judicial Circuit of Florida, whichh covers Hardee, Highlands, and Polk Counties.
Attorney, Ricardo Alvarez was also former producer, news director, and vice president of news & Sports for Telemundo in New York, NY, and was also a producer and executive producer for Univision in New York, NY and San Fransisco, CA.
RICARDO ALVAREZ - BIOGRAPHY › › ›
CRIMINAL LAW
AREAS OF LEGAL PRACTICE
Criminal Defense • DUI Defense • Drug Charges • Felony • Misdemeanor • Arson • Assault • Battery • Burglary • Robbery • Theft • Traffic Crimes • Traffic Ticket • Driving Under License Suspension • Domestic Violence Defense • Domestic Injunction Violations • Fraud Crimes • Homicide Crimes • Juvenile Offender Defense • Sealing and Expungement • Sex Crimes • Violation of Probation Defense • Weapon - Firearm Charge Defense • White Collar Crime Defense
CONTACT THE LAW OFFICE OF RICARDO ALVAREZ, P.A. › › ›
Miranda rights, also known as Miranda warnings, apply in the State of Florida (as in the rest of the United States) when a person is subjected to a custodial interrogation by law enforcement officers. These rights include the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the warning that anything the individual says can be used against them in court. Custodial interrogation typically means that the person is in police custody or otherwise not free to leave, and law enforcement officers are questioning them in a way that could potentially elicit incriminating responses. It's important to note that if a person is not in custody or is not being interrogated, Miranda rights may not necessarily apply. However, if you are ever arrested or detained by the police, it's generally advisable to exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney until you have consulted with legal counsel.
In Florida, having a medical marijuana card provides some legal protections for individuals who use marijuana for medical purposes, but it doesn't guarantee immunity from arrest or prosecution in all situations. While the use of medical marijuana is legal in the state under certain conditions, it's essential to follow the specific regulations set forth in Florida's medical marijuana program. If you are pulled over and your car is searched, the presence of medical marijuana alone may not be enough to prevent an arrest if law enforcement officers suspect you are not in compliance with the program's rules. To avoid legal issues, it's crucial to carry your medical marijuana card and adhere to all state requirements, such as possession limits and proper storage. If you find yourself in a situation where you are facing arrest, it's advisable to remain calm, assert your rights, and consult with an attorney who specializes in marijuana-related legal matters to protect your interests.
When pulled over by law enforcement in a traffic stop in Lakeland or Polk County, Florida, you have several rights to be aware of. You have the right to remain silent, which means you don't have to answer questions beyond providing identification and necessary documents like your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance. You also have the right to refuse a search of your vehicle if the officer doesn't have a warrant or probable cause. If you choose to exercise this right, clearly and respectfully communicate your refusal. You have the right to an attorney, and if you're arrested, it's generally a good idea to invoke this right and refrain from answering any questions until you've consulted with legal counsel. Always remain polite and respectful during the interaction, as any confrontational behavior could potentially escalate the situation.
In the State of Florida, entrapment occurs when law enforcement officers induce or persuade someone to commit a crime they wouldn't have otherwise committed. This can involve tactics that create undue pressure, coercion, or manipulation. For entrapment to be a valid defense, it typically requires evidence that the idea to commit the crime came from the law enforcement officer, and the person involved had no predisposition or intent to engage in such criminal activity. However, it's essential to note that entrapment can be a complex defense to establish, and cases involving this claim often require thorough legal analysis and strong supporting evidence. It's advisable to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney if you believe you've been a victim of entrapment in a Florida case.
In Florida, if illegal drugs are found in a vehicle during a traffic stop, all occupants of the vehicle may potentially be subject to arrest or investigation, depending on the circumstances. However, whether you, as the driver, are arrested or charged may depend on several factors. If you were unaware of the presence of the drugs and can demonstrate that you had no knowledge or control over them, you might have a viable defense. It's crucial to communicate this lack of knowledge to law enforcement officers during the stop and refrain from consenting to searches without a warrant. In such cases, your cooperation and the absence of evidence linking you to the drugs can be vital in avoiding charges. Nonetheless, it is advisable to consult with a qualified criminal defense attorney in Florida to navigate the specific details of your situation and protect your rights.
Disputing the lawfulness of probable cause for a vehicle search in Florida can be a complex legal matter. Law enforcement officers must have a reasonable belief that a crime is being committed, has been committed, or is about to be committed to establish probable cause for a search. The difficulty in disputing this often depends on the specific circumstances of the case and the evidence presented. While challenging probable cause is possible, it can be a nuanced and fact-intensive process. It's essential to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Florida who can review the details of your case, assess the validity of the probable cause, and explore potential defenses to protect your rights. Legal professionals can evaluate factors such as the officer's actions, the information available to them, and whether any exceptions to the warrant requirement apply, such as consent or plain view doctrine, in building a defense strategy.
In the State of Florida, "resisting arrest without violence" refers to the act of obstructing or opposing a law enforcement officer's lawful actions without using physical force or violence. This offense can include actions such as refusing to follow verbal commands, attempting to evade arrest, or any behavior that hinders an officer's duties. While it doesn't involve physical violence, resisting arrest without violence is still a criminal offense, and individuals charged with this offense can face penalties, including fines and potential jail time. It's crucial to remember that cooperation with law enforcement officers is generally the best course of action during any encounter, and any disputes or concerns about an arrest should be addressed through legal channels after the fact. If facing charges of resisting arrest without violence, it's advisable to seek legal counsel to understand your rights and explore potential defenses.
In the State of Florida, it is generally legal to video record your interactions with law enforcement officers in public places, provided you do not interfere with their duties or violate any other laws. The First Amendment protects the right to record public officials, including police officers, as long as you are not obstructing their work. However, if your recording interferes with their ability to perform their duties or if you are physically interfering with an arrest or investigation, law enforcement may instruct you to stop recording or move to a safer distance. It's essential to know your rights when recording interactions with the police and to remain calm and respectful if asked to stop recording. If you believe your rights are being violated, it's advisable to seek legal counsel to address the situation appropriately. Laws and policies related to recording interactions with law enforcement may vary, so it's essential to stay informed about local regulations and guidelines.
If you are not in custody and a law enforcement officer asserts statements that you know to be false, it's generally advisable to remain calm and respectful during the interaction. While you have the right to correct any false statements made about you, it's essential to do so in a non-confrontational manner. Politely and firmly state that the information provided is incorrect and provide accurate information if necessary. Keep in mind that arguing or challenging the officer aggressively may escalate the situation, and it's often better to address the inaccuracies through a formal complaint or with the assistance of legal counsel after the interaction has concluded. It's crucial to prioritize your safety during any encounter with law enforcement and address any concerns or false statements through proper channels and legal processes.
6700 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33813
Phone: 863.709.0808
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