St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Lawyers
Fighting for the Accused in Pinellas, Hillsborough, & Manatee Counties
It is not uncommon for those who have been charged with crimes to feel like their fate is sealed. However, it is important to know that this is not the case. If you have been charged with committing an offense, you have defense options. With the right approach, you may be able to have your charges reduced or dropped altogether.
Of course, taking the right approach requires the right attorney. You want someone who knows how prosecuting teams operate, has a deep understanding of criminal law, and is committed to protecting your rights and freedom. At Plotnick Law Offices, our St. Petersburg criminal defense lawyers are exactly that.
Our team features a former prosecutor and has 35+ years of combined experience. Thousands have counted on us for criminal cases since 2004, and that number only continues to grow. To find out what we can offer, arrange a consultation. You can also visit our results page to see the cases we have taken on and the positive results our lawyers have secured.
Request your consultation by calling (727) 619-1827 or contacting us online. We can conduct these meetings in person or virtually, depending on what is most suitable for you.
Want to learn more about the team behind your case? Visit our About page to meet Marc F. Plotnick and Paul S. Horning, and discover how their experience can make a difference for you.
How Can We help you?
Comprehensive Legal Services Tailored to Your Needs
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Drug Crimes
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Sex Crimes
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Theft Crimes
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White Collar Crimes
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Violent Crimes
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Domestic Violence
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Drunk Driving
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Assault & Battery
What Should You Do After an Arrest?
How you conduct yourself during an arrest can significantly impact your case. While no arrest is the same, and some are not warranted, you only have control over your reactions. To help your case, keep the tips below in mind:
- Remain calm. While being arrested is stressful and frightening, you should act calmly and comply with the arresting officer's orders. Doing so can prevent situations from escalating and potentially adding to the severity of your charges.
- Do not resist arrest. Even if you believe you are innocent or the arrest is unjustified, do not physically resist the arresting officer. Additionally, you should not try and convince an officer of your innocence. This could easily backfire, and anything you say can be used against you.
- Ask for an attorney. It is your right to have an attorney present during questioning or any other legal proceedings after an arrest.
- Avoid speaking without first consulting an attorney. It may be tempting to try and explain your side of the story, but doing so without legal counsel can do more harm than good. It is best to wait until you have a lawyer before answering questions.
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Experience That Matters
Led by a former prosecutor, Plotnick Law Offices offers unique insights and strategic advantages for every case. Our deep understanding of the legal system ensures that we can effectively advocate for your rights and best interests.
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Relentless Preparation
Success begins with preparation. We leave no stone unturned when investigating and building your case, ensuring that every detail is thoroughly examined to strengthen your position.
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Hands-On Advocacy
When you choose Plotnick Law Offices, you’ll work directly with an experienced attorney from start to finish. We don’t shuffle clients between attorneys—you’ll always have consistent and reliable guidance.
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Personalized Representation
At Plotnick Law Offices, we prioritize building strong, lasting relationships with our clients. We take the time to understand your unique needs and goals, ensuring that your case strategy is tailored to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 727-619-1827 today!
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Do you have to give police your name in Florida?Florida’s Stop and Identify statute (Fla. Stat. §901.151) allows a police officer to detain you to ascertain your identity if they reasonably suspect you are committing, have committed, or are about to commit a crime. In such a situation, you are required to truthfully state your name.
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Do you have to give police your name in Florida?Florida’s Stop and Identify statute (Fla. Stat. §901.151) allows a police officer to detain you to ascertain your identity if they reasonably suspect you are committing, have committed, or are about to commit a crime. In such a situation, you are required to truthfully state your name.
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What are the consequences of a DUI conviction?A DUI conviction in Florida can result in serious penalties including license suspension, hefty fines, probation, mandatory community service, vehicle impoundment, and even jail time. The exact consequences depend on your blood alcohol level, whether it’s your first offense, and if there was any property damage or injuries.
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What is the 3 felony rule in Florida?The “Three Strikes Law” in Florida, more formally known as the Habitual Felony Offender law, provides for enhanced penalties for individuals who have been convicted of any combination of three or more felonies, certain violent crimes, or qualifying offenses. It’s intended to deter repeat offenders by imposing severe consequences for multiple felony convictions.
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How long can you be detained for in Florida?If you’re arrested, you must be taken before a judge within 24 hours for a first appearance, where your bail will be determined and you’ll be informed of the charges against you. If you’re simply being detained (and not formally arrested), there’s no set time limit for how long you can be held, but it should only be long enough for the police to investigate the suspected crime.
24/7 Availability for Advice & Advocacy
If you or a loved one has been arrested, do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced criminal defense team at Plotnick Law Offices. We are available 24/7 to take your call and offer immediate assistance.
Trust Your Case with Plotnick Law Offices
With one of our St. Petersburg criminal defense attorneys as your representative, you can feel confident as you move forward in your case. While we cannot promise any particular outcome, we can assure you that our team will use every tool available in pursuit of a successful outcome. Leverage our experience for your defense today.
To begin working with Plotnick Law Offices, request a consultation. Call (727) 619-1827 or reach out via our online contact form.