Ricardo Alvarez P.A.

Lakeland, FL Traffic Crime Defense Attorney

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Lakeland, FL - Ricardo Alvarez offers aggressive legal services for alleged traffic crimes. Contact Traffic Crime Defense Attorney Ricardo Alvarez Today!


Lawyer, Ricardo Alvarez

Call 863.709.0808 about your Traffic Crime Defense legal needs in Lakeland, Polk County, and Central Florida.

Traffic crimes are essentially criminal offenses while operating a motor vehicle that places the public at significant risk of physical danger, cause the death of another, or that may cause significant property damage.

Criminal Traffic Offenses often involve, but may not be limited to:

Depending on the evidence gathered against the accused, specific traffic crime, and sometimes the accused prior criminal history, a traffic crime may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, ranging in conviction penalties from probation to a term of imprisonment not to exceed life in prison.

If the Traffic Crime is for Driving Under the Influence, you only have 10 days from the date of the DUI arrest to request an administrative hearing with the department of motor vehicles. At this point you may request to be granted hardship driving privileges while you are involved in the legal process of defending yourself against DUI charges.

Many people assume that if they are charged with a Traffic Crime it is an automatic conviction. This is not true.

If you have been charged with a traffic 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.

CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY SERVING LAKELAND, WINTER HAVEN, BARTOW, POLK COUNTY, AND CENTRAL FLORIDA

Contact Criminal Traffic Lawyer, Ricardo Alvarez today at 863.709.0808





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ATTORNEY, RICARDO ALVAREZ
BIOGRAPHY

Attorney, Ricardo Alvarez

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

Contact Attorney, Ricardo Alvarez

Criminal DefenseDUI DefenseDrug ChargesFelonyMisdemeanorArsonAssaultBatteryBurglaryRobberyTheftTraffic CrimesTraffic TicketDriving Under License SuspensionDomestic Violence DefenseDomestic Injunction ViolationsFraud CrimesHomicide CrimesJuvenile Offender DefenseSealing and ExpungementSex CrimesViolation of Probation DefenseWeapon - Firearm Charge DefenseWhite Collar Crime Defense


CONTACT THE LAW OFFICE OF RICARDO ALVAREZ, P.A. › › ›



ATTORNEY, RICARDO ALVAREZ
BIOGRAPHY

Attorney, Ricardo Alvarez

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 › › ›


What is the difference between a Traffic Violation and Criminal Traffic Offence in the State of Florida

In the State of Florida, the primary difference between a traffic violation and a criminal traffic offense lies in the nature and severity of the offense, as well as the potential consequences:

The key distinction is that criminal traffic offenses can lead to criminal records, potential jail time, and more severe consequences than typical traffic violations. It's essential to consult with an attorney if you are facing criminal traffic charges to understand your rights, potential defenses, and the potential impact on your criminal record and driver's license.


If arrested for Suspicion of a DUI in Lakeland or Polk County, are there any viable defense strategies?

If you are arrested for suspicion of a DUI in Lakeland or Polk County, there are several viable defense strategies that an experienced DUI attorney can employ to challenge the charges. These strategies may include challenging the validity of the traffic stop, questioning the accuracy of field sobriety tests or breathalyzer results, examining the chain of custody of blood or urine samples if applicable, and investigating whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during the arrest. Additionally, your attorney may explore defenses based on medical conditions or other factors that could have affected your performance on sobriety tests. It's essential to consult with a skilled DUI defense attorney who can assess the specific details of your case and tailor a defense strategy to your unique circumstances, aiming to minimize the potential consequences of a DUI arrest in Lakeland or Polk County.


Can I negotiate a plea deal for a reduced charge or penalty in a traffic crime case?

Yes, in a traffic crime case, it is often possible to negotiate a plea deal for a reduced charge or penalty. Prosecutors may be open to plea negotiations to avoid the time and expense of a trial, especially if the evidence is not overwhelmingly strong or if there are mitigating factors in your case. A plea bargain can result in a reduction in charges, such as from a more serious traffic crime to a lesser offense, which carries a less severe penalty. Additionally, it may lead to a recommendation for a more lenient sentence, such as reduced fines, probation, or a shorter period of license suspension, depending on the specific circumstances of the case and your criminal history. However, the terms of any plea bargain should be carefully considered, and it's important to consult with an experienced attorney to assess the potential benefits and drawbacks of such an arrangement and ensure that it is in your best interest.


Will I lose my driver's license if I'm convicted of a traffic crime in Florida?

The potential loss of your driver's license in Florida after a conviction for a traffic crime depends on the specific offense and the circumstances of your case. For certain traffic offenses like reckless driving, DUI, or leaving the scene of an accident with injuries, the court may impose a driver's license suspension as part of the penalty. The length of the suspension can vary widely, depending on the offense and whether it's a first-time or repeat offense. Accumulating too many points on your driving record can also lead to a license suspension. In other cases, a traffic crime conviction may not result in an automatic suspension but can still lead to increased insurance premiums and negatively impact your driving record. It's crucial to consult with an attorney who specializes in Florida traffic law to understand the specific consequences and potential strategies to minimize the impact on your driving privileges.


Are there alternatives to jail time for traffic crime offenders in Florida?

Yes, there are alternatives to jail time for traffic crime offenders in Florida, depending on the nature of the offense, your criminal history, and the circumstances of your case. Some alternatives may include probation, which can involve reporting to a probation officer, completing community service, or attending traffic school. In some instances, a judge may allow for house arrest or electronic monitoring as an alternative to incarceration, allowing you to serve your sentence at home while being monitored by authorities. Additionally, plea negotiations can result in reduced charges or penalties, which may include fines, probation, or mandatory educational programs. Traffic diversion programs are also available for certain offenses, allowing offenders to complete requirements like defensive driving courses to have their charges dismissed or reduced. Consulting with an experienced attorney can help assess the options available and develop a defense strategy aimed at minimizing the potential consequences of a traffic crime conviction in Florida.


Will my Traffic Case be in Traffic Court or in Criminal Court?

In Florida, traffic crimes can be conducted in either traffic court or criminal court, depending on the severity of the offense. Minor traffic infractions, such as speeding or running a red light, are typically handled in traffic court and are not subject to a jury trial. Instead, these cases are adjudicated by a traffic court judge. However, more serious traffic offenses, especially those classified as criminal traffic offenses, such as DUI, reckless driving, or vehicular manslaughter, are heard in criminal court. These cases may involve criminal charges and can result in jury trials where a jury of your peers decides the verdict. In such cases, a judge presides over the proceedings, and the prosecutor presents evidence against the defendant, while the defense attorney represents the accused. The specific court and procedures for your traffic offense will depend on the nature of the charge. Minor infractions are typically resolved in traffic court, while more serious offenses that result in criminal charges are handled in criminal court, potentially involving a jury trial.


What should I do if I believe I'm wrongly accused of a traffic crime in Florida?

If you believe you are wrongly accused of a traffic crime in Florida, taking several crucial steps can help protect your rights and build a strong defense. First, consult with an experienced traffic defense attorney who specializes in Florida traffic law. They can provide guidance on your rights, legal options, and defense strategies tailored to your specific case. Avoid admitting fault or making statements to law enforcement without your attorney present, as anything you say can be used against you. Gather evidence that supports your innocence, such as witness statements, photographs, or surveillance footage, and document any relevant details of the incident. Your attorney can help you assess the evidence against you, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and work to build a solid defense to challenge the traffic crime charges. Being proactive and having legal representation are crucial steps in protecting your rights and achieving a favorable outcome if you believe you are wrongly accused of a traffic crime in Florida.


In the State of Florida, does the Court always believe the police officer had probable cause to pull me over?

In the State of Florida, the court does not automatically assume that a police officer had probable cause to pull you over. The legality of a traffic stop is a crucial aspect of any traffic crime case, and it must be established by the prosecution. If you believe that the stop was made without probable cause or was conducted unlawfully, it is your right to challenge it in court. Your defense attorney can file motions to suppress evidence or request hearings to review the circumstances of the traffic stop. The court will then evaluate the facts and arguments presented to determine whether the police officer had a valid reason, supported by probable cause, to pull you over. If the court finds that the stop was conducted without probable cause, any evidence obtained during the stop may be suppressed, which can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Ultimately, the court's decision will depend on the specific facts and legal arguments presented in your defense.


If I am convicted of a traffic Crime, is there a way that I will still be able to drive a motor vehicle if my license was suspended because of the conviction?

If your driver's license is suspended due to a conviction for a traffic crime in Florida, you may have options to regain your driving privileges under certain circumstances. Depending on the nature of the conviction and your individual situation, here are a few possibilities:

It's important to consult with a knowledgeable attorney who specializes in Florida traffic law to understand your options and develop a strategy for regaining your driving privileges if your license has been suspended due to a traffic crime conviction. Keep in mind that eligibility and requirements for these options can vary, so legal guidance is essential to navigate the process effectively.


Contact Domestic Violence Criminal Defense Lawyer, Ricardo Alvarez today at 863.709.0808



Ricardo Alvarez P.A.

6700 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33813

Phone: 863.709.0808






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