Facing criminal charges can feel overwhelming and uncertain. Whether you were arrested after a heated argument, accused of a serious sex offense, or charged in federal court, your freedom, reputation, and future may all be at risk.
A Florida criminal defense lawyer can help protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and fight the allegations against you. At Goldman Wetzel, we understand how serious these situations are and how quickly criminal accusations can affect your life, family, career, and future opportunities.
Our approach is different. Every case is handled by two criminal defense attorneys working together, combining aggressive courtroom advocacy with personal attention and strategic preparation. We take on serious criminal matters throughout Florida, including felony charges, sex crimes, violent crimes, and federal offenses.
Why Clients Contact Goldman Wetzel
- Early intervention before formal charges are filed
- Defense for serious felony and sex crime allegations
- Direct attorney communication throughout the case
- Trial-ready criminal defense strategy
- Confidential consultations and urgent case reviews
Understanding Criminal Charges in Florida
Florida criminal laws cover a wide range of offenses, and penalties vary significantly depending on the allegations involved. Some people are charged with misdemeanors, while others face felony charges carrying mandatory prison sentences and long-term consequences.
Goldman Wetzel represents clients facing charges involving:
- Misdemeanor offenses
- Felony crimes
- Sex crime allegations
- Violent crimes
- Federal criminal charges
- Firearm-related offenses
- Drug crimes
Florida Criminal Defense Practice Areas
Goldman Wetzel represents clients facing a wide range of criminal charges throughout Florida, from misdemeanors to serious felony and federal cases.
Assault and Battery
Defense for assault, battery, aggravated battery, and related violent crime allegations.
Child Abuse
Representation for child abuse investigations and serious criminal allegations involving minors.
Child Pornography
Defense for internet crimes and allegations involving unlawful digital materials or online activity.
Federal Crimes
Defense for federal investigations, indictments, conspiracy charges, and mandatory minimum offenses.
Felony Charges
Representation for serious felony offenses carrying prison exposure and long-term consequences.
Homicide
Defense for murder, manslaughter, and other homicide-related criminal allegations.
Juvenile Defense
Legal defense for minors facing juvenile delinquency charges and related court proceedings.
Misdemeanors
Defense for misdemeanor charges that can still affect employment, licensing, and criminal records.
Prostitution & Solicitation
Defense for prostitution-related offenses, solicitation allegations, and undercover investigations.
Racketeering
Representation for organized crime allegations, conspiracy cases, and RICO-related prosecutions.
Sex Crimes
Defense for sexual battery, lewd conduct, internet crimes, and other serious sex offense allegations.
Violent Crimes
Representation for robbery, aggravated assault, firearm offenses, and violent felony allegations.
Under Florida law, offenses such as sexual battery, aggravated battery, firearm offenses, and certain federal crimes can expose a person to decades in prison or even life sentences depending on the circumstances.
When your future is at risk, having the right defense strategy matters. A criminal defense attorney can review the evidence, challenge unlawful police conduct, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and help protect your rights at every stage of the process.
Case Result: Capital Sexual Battery
State v. BT
Client faced several counts of sexual battery and potential life imprisonment.
Result: Not guilty verdict after jury trial.
Why Early Legal Intervention Matters
The earlier you involve a criminal defense lawyer, the more opportunities may exist to influence the outcome of your case. From the moment of arrest or investigation, statements, searches, and evidence collection can affect how prosecutors build their case.
This is especially important in sex crime and federal investigations, where law enforcement often spends weeks or months gathering evidence before formal charges are filed.
Goldman Wetzel works proactively during the early stages of a case to protect clients and identify potential defenses. Depending on the circumstances, this may include:
- Challenging illegal searches or seizures
- Reviewing forensic evidence
- Identifying weaknesses in witness statements
- Negotiating with prosecutors before charges are filed
- Filing motions to suppress evidence
Early intervention can sometimes lead to reduced charges, favorable negotiations, or even dismissal before trial.
An arrest does not automatically mean a conviction. Many criminal cases involve factual disputes, constitutional issues, unreliable witnesses, or evidence that can be challenged in court.
What To Do After an Arrest in Florida
If you are arrested or contacted by law enforcement, the decisions you make early can affect your case significantly.
- Do not answer police questions without a lawyer present
- Do not consent to additional searches
- Avoid discussing the case publicly or online
- Preserve texts, emails, and other potential evidence
- Contact a Florida criminal defense attorney immediately
Having legal representation early helps protect your rights and prevents mistakes that could later be used against you.
Case Result: Federal Cocaine Distribution Charges
State v. WM
Client faced a federal mandatory minimum sentence involving wiretap evidence.
Result: Sentenced to time served and supervised release instead of a lengthy federal prison sentence.
Sealing, Expungements, and Life After a Charge
Being arrested does not have to define your future. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may qualify to seal or expunge your criminal record under Florida law.
Record sealing and expungement can help limit who has access to your criminal history and may improve opportunities involving employment, housing, and professional licensing.
Florida’s eligibility rules for sealing and expungement are strict, and the process can be complicated. Goldman Wetzel helps clients understand whether they qualify and guides them through the process from start to finish.
Speak With a Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you have been arrested, charged, or contacted by law enforcement, do not wait to protect yourself. The earlier you involve a defense attorney, the more options may be available in your case.
Goldman Wetzel represents clients throughout Florida facing misdemeanor, felony, sex crime, violent crime, and federal criminal charges.
Call today to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss your defense options with an experienced Florida criminal defense lawyer.