Soler & Simon Criminal Defense Blog

***This blog is meant to be informational only and not legal advice. Be sure to speak to an attorney about your unique situation. Do not rely on anything written here to make a decision in your case***

What is a non-jury trial or bench trial in a criminal case in Florida?

When a person hears "trial" they often picture movies with jurors sitting, listening to evidence, and determining guilt or innocence....

What is an open plea (AKA a "straight up plea") in Florida?

***This is meant to be informational only and not legal advice. Be sure to speak to an attorney about your unique situation. Do not...

The difference between "no contest" and "guilty"

Everybody knows what a "not guilty" plea means--that you are innocent and did not do whatever the State is accusing you of. There are two...

What is the difference between Adjudication of Guilt and Adjudication Withheld in a criminal case?

We are often asked what the difference between being adjudicated guilty and having adjudication withheld means. A formal adjudication is...

What is the difference between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?

Many people wonder what the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is in Florida. The simple answer is a felony is more severe...

What is PTI (Pre-Trial Intervention)?

While the State generally recommends jail, prison, or probation as sanctions for a criminal charge, there is another possible...

When should an attorney be hired in a criminal case?

The answer to this question is going to depend largely on your particular situation and finances. The best thing to do is hire an...

Is there a difference between a criminal defense lawyer and a DUI lawyer?

Many lawyers, in cities across the U.S. and especially in Sarasota, advertise themselves as "DUI attorneys". This will often lead to...

What is a motion to suppress and how it can it result in a criminal case being dropped?

There are many motions that a criminal defense attorney can file on behalf of a client. One of the most popular and most powerful is a...

What is speedy trial in Florida?

If you have ever faced criminal charges or have been to a criminal court appearance, you have likely heard the term "speedy trial". While...

Why won't the State drop my charges?

The best result that anybody can obtain is the State dropping all charges. The State may have many reasons to consider dropping charges...

What's the difference between an arrest warrant and a search warrant in Florida?

While it is fairly obvious on its face what the difference between these two types of warrants is, there are some nuances that are not so...

Should I write a letter to the judge about my criminal case?

In almost all cases in our local county, if you write a letter to the judge that is assigned to hear your case, the letter will be copied...

What is attorney-client privilege in a criminal case?

A lot of people are hesitant to talk with attorneys openly and honestly because many are unsure what the lawyer can turn around and tell...

What is Criminal Conspiracy in Florida?

Conspiracy is one of the most mysterious and misunderstood charges in criminal law. In Florida, conspiracy is not a charge on its own....

Can depositions be taken in my criminal case in Sarasota and Manatee Counties?

One of the most important things an attorney can do for you in a criminal case is depose witnesses the state will be calling. However,...

Can a polygraph exam (lie detector test) be used against me in Florida?

The answer, as usual, is it depends. Polygraphs cannot be used in court. Florida case law is clear that a polygraph is never admissible...

Will I get arrested and go to jail at my court date for my criminal case?

We get asked quite frequently if people get arrested and go to jail at court for misdemeanor or felony criminal cases in Sarasota and...

Should I testify in my case in Florida?

When you are represented by an attorney in your criminal case, the attorney has a large amount of control over how to proceed with your...

I have been contacted by a police officer who wants to talk to me about a crime

***Each situation is entirely unique. Do not rely on the information in this post to make a decision concerning your particular case....