Areas of Defense
Learn more about the type of criminal cases we handle
Drug Crimes
- Possession of Drugs or Paraphernalia
- Distribution
- Trafficking
- Cultivation
- Manufacturing
Violent Crimes
- Battery
- Child Abuse
- Stalking
- Harassment
- Aggravated Assault
- Homicide
- Robbery
- Weapon Charges
Sex Crimes
- Child Molestation
- Child Pornography
- Rape / Sexual Battery
- Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
DUI / DWI
- First Offenders
- Multiple Offenders
- DUI Manslaughter
Domestic Crimes
- Assault
- Battery
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Kidnapping
- False imprisonment
Theft Charges
- Burgarly
- Grand Theft
- Robbery
- Home Invasion
- Embezzlement
Why Work With
Goldman Wetzel
Criminal Defense Lawyers
At Goldman Wetzel, our focus is on being proactive. We work quickly to prevent the state from filing formal charges in the first place. But if they do, we leave no stone unturned to reach a favorable resolution.
Every client who enlists our service gets our very best. And here is how we deliver it:
We Listen to Every Detail of Your Story
Your story matters! During our first meeting – whether at the jail or at our office – we will carefully listen to your description of what occurred and what you hope the outcome of the case will be. This helps us better understand the case details and gives an idea of your biggest concerns so we can start working on a plan to reach the right solutions.
Our Proactive Approach with Prosecutors
Goldman Wetzel goes head-to-head with the prosecutors to highlight weaknesses in their case against you. We also personalize you with the prosecutors so they understand that you’re not “just another criminal.” We want them to know that you are a real human being facing consequences that can have real effects on your life and those in it. This might help us negotiate a better plea deal or even avoid formal charges altogether.
Careful, Comprehensive Research
We are big believers in the team approach to achieve these solutions. Our team will brainstorm your case, strategies, and defenses that we can use to reach the desired outcome. Rather than automatically defer to a “by the book” defense, Goldman Wetzel conducts thorough legal research about your case to figure out which defense will be most helpful.
We hire investigators and experts who can offer their expertise. We might also have you take a polygraph exam or recommend an evaluation by a psychologist or drug or substance abuse expert if we think it could help your case. We look at the aspects of your case that other attorneys may overlook.
By Your Side Throughout the Entire Case
During this process, you’re right there with us. We explain every decision we make so you’re confident about the direction of your case. Whether we’re standing next to you in court or you’re waiting at home for the next hearing, we keep you informed and involved. After all, it is your defense.
So call us or contact us via our online form to get started if you’re in St. Petersburg, Tampa, or Bradenton: 727-828-3900.
Hire our St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Firm
When you are arrested and taken to jail to be booked for any alleged crime, you have the right to have an attorney with you during questioning. And though the county where you are charged must provide you with a lawyer if you cannot afford one, that doesn’t mean the one it assigns to your case will be the right one for you. And if you wish to represent yourself because you’ve watched endless reruns of Law & Order, remember that “a defendant who acts as his own lawyer has a fool for a client.” So secure a criminal defense attorney you know is qualified to handle your case by retaining an attorney in St. Petersburg from Goldman Wetzel.
As you work your way through the legal process, the benefits become apparent beginning at the First Appearance or Advisory Hearing.
What to Expect & Why Retaining Goldman Wetzel Can be Crucial
Your bond is set during booking into jail. It will usually be in a standard amount based on a bond schedule. If you’re facing charges of felony violation of probation or domestic violence, then there is initially no bond.
You’ll go before a “First Appearance” or “Advisory Hearing” judge within 24 hours of your arrest. At this time, we can request that the judge lower your bond amount or release you on your own recognizance (ROR). We can also challenge probable cause for arrest or a search on which your charges are based while at the “First Appearance” or “Advisory Hearing.”
Your Attorney Will Start Building a Defense to the Charges You’re Facing
Below are a few ways we might challenge your arrest and the charges you’re facing.
- If charged with DUI, did police properly conduct chemical testing or sobriety evaluations?
- Were other witnesses, whose testimony will be useful to your defense, present at the time of your alleged offense?
- Might our investigators discover others who may have committed the crime instead of you, or was a law enforcement investigation begun against you based on incorrect information?
These are examples of avenues by which the criminal defense attorneys with Goldman Wetzel may be able to chip away at the prosecution’s case that can build strong defenses, help negotiate plea agreements, and place “reasonable doubt” in the minds of jurors.
Retain an Attorney from Goldman Wetzel Today to Protect Your Future
One mistake that many people make is focusing more on the fines and jail time rather than what having a criminal record does to them. Even misdemeanor offenses can bring large fines and jail time. But after that, a criminal record affects your life for years to come by limiting your job and educational opportunities, ability to obtain or retain many professional licenses, and even your ability to get good credit. Records of criminal convictions last years longer than your jail sentence and can weaken your professional and personal prospects.
So if you or a family member faces criminal charges, retain an attorney in St. Petersburg at Goldman Wetzel. We will carefully review the charges and discuss the strategies we can use to defend you or your loved one. Contact us at 727-828-3900 to get started.
Why Should I Hire the Criminal Defense Attorneys at Goldman Wetzel?
Goldman Wetzel is a criminal defense trial firm practicing in the Tampa Bay area, including Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties. Summer Goldman and Maribeth Wetzel have over 30 years combined experience. Ms. Goldman is a former prosecutor and Ms. Wetzel is a career defense attorney. With compassion and confidence, they zealously represent their clients.
Using a team approach to every case, Goldman and Wetzel defend all types of criminal and traffic related cases, from speeding tickets to serious felony charges in St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, and throughout the state of Florida. If you have been arrested, received a citation or are being pursued for questioning by the police, contact us now for a free case evaluation. Our St. Petersburg criminal attorneys provide aggressive representation to individuals who are charged with sex crimes, domestic violence or who are facing drug charges, weapons charges, theft charges or any type of criminal charges in Florida.
Questions
Clients Face Before Meeting With Us
When facing criminal charges, you should first consult with an attorney in the jurisdiction where you’ve been to charged to assess the severity of your case. Hiring a lawyer ahead of your first appearance in court is important to the outcome of your case. This is critical in order to protect your rights from the outset of your court proceedings. You should retain a criminal defense lawyer once you’ve found one that is local, has a successful track record, strong trial experience as well as negotiating skills and the ability to develop a strategy for your case. Learn more when and how to hire a criminal defense attorney here.
It is never advised to represent yourself in court. The prosecutor typically has a wealth of experience and resources at their disposal. Retaining a skilled criminal defense attorney to represent you and protect your rights is critical to the outcome of your case.
There are strict penalties for domestic violence charges. This can range from facing up to a year of jail time or probation, as well as dealing with the consequences of having a criminal record. There are numerous steps involved, including 1) Attending the first appearance; 2) Handling the Arraignment; 3) Attempting to Resolve your case before going to trial; 4) Preparing for Trial and; 5) Going to Trial. You can learn more about the steps involved here.