Gainesville Criminal Attorney
We Protect the Rights of the Accused & Arrested. Call (352) 356-4999 Now.
When you have been arrested, pulled over, or when you learn of a criminal investigation against you, you need a dedicated lawyer on your side to help you face the legal process. Criminal cases are often complicated and require and in-depth knowledge of the laws and other defense strategies.
At Barbarette & Quirk, we have more than 40 years of professional practice, we have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the entire legal process, no matter how complicated your case may be.
If you were arrested in Florida , do not hesitate to contact our Gainesville criminal defense attorneys at (352) 356-4999 for the thorough representation you need.
Real People. Real Reviews
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We would definitely recommend him to anyone if they find themselves facing this predicament.- MT
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Excellent, caring, knowledgeable and always available by phone.- Mildred
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When my freedom and future was on the line, Mike came through for me.- Richard
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I can't thank him enough for saving my reputation. Please don't hesitate to hire him if this happens to you.- Former Client
Why Choose Barbarette & Quirk?
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Available to help you around-the-clock
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All cases handled with care and respect
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Respected by judges and prosecutors alike
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Determine your goals then meet your needs
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Prompt and accurate case assessments
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Collaborative team devoted to your success
What Happens After an Arrest?
If you've been arrested and charged with a crime, you may feel like your life is over. The stigma of being arrested, even for a minor crime, can feel just as absolute as being convicted in front of a judge and jury. But being arrested is not the end! The police may act confident, but that doesn't mean they have a solid case against you.
Booking and Bail
After the initial arrest, you will go through the "booking" process. This is when information about the offender and the alleged crime is entered in the system and photographs and finger prints are taken.
In order to be released from police custody, bail must be posted on your behalf, unless the accused is released on his "own recognizance". Sometimes bail can be a hefty amount of money you or your loved ones may not be able to pay. In that case, you may wish to hire a bail bond agent to help you secure your loved one's release.
Arraignment and Trial
The first court appearance after the arrest will most likely be the arraignment. Here, the official charges are read and the accused is advised of their rights and has the option to plead either guilty or not guilty. If the accused pleads guilty, they will be sentenced to the punishment already determined by the judge or negotiated by the defense attorney.
If the accused pleads not guilty, the case will be reviewed in pre-trial proceedings, motion hearings, and conferences. The case may even proceed to trial if a plea agreement cannot be reached.
If you or someone you love was arrested in the state of Florida, call a seasoned defense attorney in Gainesville at Barbarette & Quirk at (352) 356-4999 to fight for your rights.
Do Police Need a Warrant to Conduct a Search in Florida?
In general, Florida law enforcement must obtain a warrant before conduction any searches. To obtain a warrant the police must first establish probable cause. There are, however, three important exceptions where a police officer does not need to obtain a warrant before proceeding with a search.
Three Exceptions Where Law Enforcement May Perform a Warrantless Search
- Emergency Exception: In emergency situations, law enforcement may be permitted to perform a warrantless search.
- Evidence in Plain View: According to the plain view doctrine, if an officer sees evidence of an illegal activity in plain view, they may take action and perform a search without a warrant.
- The Defendant Gave Permission for the Search: If the defendant gives consent to a search when asked, law enforcement may perform a warrantless search.
Do I Need to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?
The first thing you need to do is contact an experienced and reliable criminal defense attorney in Gainesville. You can face criminal charges on your own, but it is not recommended. An attorney knows the law. They know the procedures that police are required to follow, and they know what evidence is necessary for conviction. You stand a much better chance of seeing your charges reduced or even dropped completely when you have an attorney by your side.
Why Barbarette & Quirk?
As our client, you can receive:
- 40+ years of legal experience
- Results-oriented defense strategies
- Non-judgmental representation from start to end
- One-on-one attention and confidentiality
Most importantly, working with Barbarette & Quirk means you can receive legal counsel from local, top-rated criminal defense attorneys who are well-known and respected by local judges and prosecutors. Because we have had extensive experience in local Gainesville courts as well as courts statewide, we know how to help you navigate the legal process ahead.