While any arrest can have an immediate impact on your life, few charges and convictions are more stigmatizing than sex offenses. The good news is you have the right to defend yourself, and our Largo sex crimes lawyers are here to help you. It is possible to obtain a positive outcome in a sex crime … Read more
Assault is the criminal offense of placing another person in an immediate threat of harm, but the way these events take place is not always that cut and dry. If you have been accused of assaulting someone, our dedicated defense attorneys are here to help. You have options when it comes to fighting these charges. … Read more
Being arrested or charged with a crime in Largo can affect your freedom, reputation, career, and future. Even misdemeanor charges can carry serious consequences, including jail time, probation, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Goldman Wetzel represents clients facing criminal charges throughout Largo, Pinellas County, and the surrounding Tampa Bay area. Whether you were arrested … Read more
One of the most common reasons people get arrested is for driving under the influence (DUI). Even though DUI charges are common, that does not make them any less serious. While a DUI charge might leave you feeling hopeless, the reality is they are often winnable. Our dedicated defense attorneys can help you navigate the … Read more
There is a significant stigma that comes with sex offenses. The allegations alone can be difficult to deal with, but the consequences of a conviction are far more severe. While facing these charges can feel hopeless, the truth is that many people fight back against sex offenses and win. With the help of a compassionate … Read more
Florida has a reputation for being a gun-friendly state, but there are still plenty of criminal charges related to the use of firearms. If you have been accused of possessing a weapon when it is not allowed or accused of using it in the commission of a crime, you may be facing serious penalties without … Read more
Allegations of assault can have a serious impact on your life, even if you have done nothing wrong. These situations can quickly become worse if you are officially charged with a crime. The good news is you have defense options, and a Clearwater assault lawyer from our firm can help you fight back. If you … Read more
Providing or offering any kind of sexual interaction in exchange for compensation is prohibited by the laws of almost every state. Unfortunately, law enforcement authorities and court officials in the Sunshine State may treat people accused of prostitution harshly and without much empathy for whatever circumstances led to the arrest, making it uniquely difficult to … Read more
Compared to many other states, Florida has fairly lax regulations on the possession, ownership, and concealed carry of firearms on both public and privately owned property. However, there are still some restrictions on the Second Amendment rights of Sunshine State residents, and if you fail to adhere to these, you may face serious criminal penalties … Read more
Even compared to other types of criminal cases, domestic violence charges can be particularly challenging to handle, both personally and legally. If you are convicted of a domestic violence offense, you may not only face enhanced criminal sanctions but also experience significant restrictions on your rights and personal freedom while your case is ongoing, even … Read more
Facing child pornography charges can be a terrifying experience. You may feel overwhelmed, ashamed, and unsure of what happens next. Even if you are not convicted, the stigma alone can hugely disrupt your life. However, an accusation is not a conviction. You still have rights, and you deserve a fair defense. A Bradenton child pornography … Read more
Crimes where children are the victims are some of the most aggressively prosecuted and harshly punished. While many of the relevant laws deal with physical interactions or exploitation, Florida also has a law that prohibits certain types of communication with minors, specifically those that are considered harmful to children. A conviction can have serious consequences, … Read more
Being accused of molestation is overwhelming, confusing, and deeply personal. You may feel like you lost everyone’s support or that your life is falling apart, but you do not have to face this alone. A Bradenton molestation lawyer can help you understand your rights, protect your future, and represent you throughout the entire legal process. … Read more
Human trafficking is one of the most harshly punished crimes in the United States. Law enforcement takes it very seriously, and even being accused of trafficking can ruin a person’s reputation before they can defend themselves. Everyone facing accusations deserves a fair trial, and our attorneys are here to help protect your rights. If you … Read more
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 … Read more
Being accused of sexual battery can lead to overwhelming fear and uncertainty. Many people focus on the consequences of a conviction, which can range from lengthy prison sentences to lifelong registration as a sex offender. However, it can be equally important to look at the consequences of an allegation, since being accused of a sex … Read more
Accusations that you violated lewd and lascivious laws in Bradenton may not seem that serious at first. When people think of those terms, they imagine crude and overtly sexual behavior, but not necessarily a crime with victims. In Florida, these terms primarily refer to sex crimes against minors, not just crude sexual behavior. You need … Read more
You may feel like your life is collapsing when facing charges for traveling to meet a minor in Bradenton. You may be confused, overwhelmed, and unsure how to explain your side of the story—especially when the accusation itself is so significant. Law enforcement may treat you as guilty from the start, and prosecutors may push … Read more
Offering sexual services of any kind in exchange for compensation or consideration is prohibited by law in all US states except Nevada and Maine. In these two states, the trade is permitted through regulated brothels (in certain counties) and is decriminalized without being fully legalized. Different states have varied approaches to prosecuting those charged with … Read more
In addition to prohibiting the advertisement or sale of sexual activity for any type of compensation, Florida state law also separately prohibits the solicitation of sexual activity from another person in exchange for compensation. In fact, under the current state statutes, people who pay, offer to pay, or attempt to pay for sex face harsher … Read more
If you have been accused of military base sex crimes in St. Petersburg, the situation can feel overwhelming. The stakes are higher than in a typical case, and you might face criminal charges, federal penalties, military justice, and severe damage to your career, record, and life. You do not have to face this alone. At … Read more
Having an injunction (also known as a restraining order) against you can feel like being punished without a trial. It can limit where you go and who you talk to, and affect your job or ability to see your kids. In some cases, an injunction can impact background checks, even if no criminal conviction exists. … Read more
Whenever you swear in a courtroom or attest with your signature that you are telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth, you are making more than just a polite promise. That oath is legally binding, and if you are accused of knowingly lying while under it, you may face criminal penalties, which can … Read more
Facing an assault charge can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone. Regardless of the circumstances, the most important thing you can do right now is to protect yourself. A good St. Petersburg assault lawyer can help you do that. At Goldman Wetzel, we take on the tough cases. As a … Read more
Facing a drug distribution charge means your future is at risk. This is not just a possession case but a serious legal matter with significant consequences. You can face years in prison, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects your future opportunities. At Goldman Wetzel, you will have two dedicated attorneys advocating for … Read more
Many states across the country have significantly loosened their drug laws in recent years, and some have taken steps toward decriminalizing, or even fully legalizing, the possession of certain controlled substances for personal use. The Sunshine State, however, still maintains harsh prohibitions on the possession, use, and, in particular, the distribution of controlled substances. Almost … Read more
Florida gun laws can be strict. If you are charged with a gun crime in the state, you are probably facing more than just a fine or a temporary hassle. You could be looking at mandatory prison time, a felony record, or even losing your right to own a gun in the future. At Goldman … Read more
Being accused of domestic violence can turn your life upside down. One argument, one phone call, and suddenly you are facing criminal charges, a restraining order, and the possibility of losing your home, job, and children. In reality, these cases are complex and often not as clear-cut as they seem—but an attorney can help. If … Read more
Being accused of witness tampering in Florida can have serious consequences and complicate any existing charges against you. Even if you did not mean to do anything wrong, reaching out to someone involved in a case can lead to additional felony charges, higher bail, and a bigger fight in court. If you face a charge … Read more
2025 Scholarship Winner: Jeny Ortez Biography: My name is Jeny Ortez. I was born and raised in Los Angeles but identify as Central American as my parents are from Guatemala and El Salvador. I’ve been a middle school teacher for 8 years and I’m also a graduate student at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California where … Read more
While expungement of criminal records is a very useful way to move past previous brushes with law enforcement by having all documents related to those proceedings physically destroyed, it is not available to every person who has faced criminal prosecution in Florida. Under certain circumstances, though, someone who is not eligible for expungement in the … Read more
When a jury or judge finds you guilty of a crime, or you plead guilty, you become a convicted criminal. Even after you have served your time in jail, paid your fines, and completed all other terms of your sentence, that status as a convicted offender can plague you as you try to go about … Read more
Florida law strictly prohibits traveling to meet a minor for any unlawful purpose, and it is illegal to use the internet, text messages, or any other electronic communication to solicit a minor for sexual activity. Law enforcement aggressively prosecutes anyone who travels to meet minors, and a conviction can result in severe penalties. If you … Read more
Rape is one of the most serious crimes that you can be accused of committing. If you are facing rape charges or are under investigation for committing rape, you need to act swiftly and purposefully. Although you are likely feeling overwhelmed and confused, the actions you take right now can protect your rights and preserve … Read more
Being accused of a sex crime can be overwhelming, bringing feelings of fear, frustration, and uncertainty about the future. A conviction can have life-altering consequences, and you may be struggling to understand why you are facing these charges or how to make them go away. Unfortunately, these cases do not resolve on their own. Our … Read more
Facing federal criminal charges can be an overwhelming and unexpected experience. Many people may not realize that certain actions fall under federal jurisdiction or that federal laws can impose harsher penalties than state laws. If you are under federal investigation or facing charges, you do not have to navigate this challenging time alone. A skilled … Read more
Many people interact with the criminal justice system at some point in their lives. Seemingly minor offenses can have a major impact on your future, beyond short-term jail time and monetary fines. However, a criminal record does not need to prevent you from progressing in your life and career. A St. Petersburg expungement lawyer can … Read more
Owning a firearm is fairly commonplace in the Sunshine State, and you may be used to carrying one with you. One place where you need to take more care with a gun, however, is the airport, as accidentally bringing a firearm to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport can lead to legal trouble if you fail to … Read more
You may own a firearm and be used to taking it with you wherever you go, but flying with a gun can be difficult. Accidentally bringing a firearm to St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport without taking the right steps can get you in trouble with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and you may face local criminal … Read more
You may have a good reason for bringing a gun to the airport—such as traveling to go hunting or for your personal safety—but you may bring one by accident, too. Unlike most public places, accidentally bringing a firearm to Tampa International Airport can leave you in serious trouble with the government, as the Transportation Security … Read more
An assault arrest can be overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. The legal process can be complex, and having the right defense team on your side can and will make a difference. At Goldman Wetzel, we work together on every case, bringing years of courtroom experience to fight for you and … Read more
If you are involved in an assault investigation in St. Petersburg—whether as a suspect, witness, or someone with relevant information—it is important to understand your rights. Speaking with an experienced assault attorney can and will help protect your interests and prevent misunderstandings that could lead to wrongful prosecution. At Goldman Wetzel, we know how stressful … Read more
Facing a child pornography offense is traumatic, and the process can be overwhelming and emotional. Even without a conviction, these charges can ruin your reputation. With a conviction, you can face long prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and limits to employment and housing. Prosecutors are aggressive when it comes to these cases, and even … Read more
First-degree assault in St. Petersburg is an elevated charge that may apply when a defendant commits assault under certain conditions. These cases can be more difficult to defend against than minor assault charges and can result in more severe punishment upon conviction. This is why it is crucial to seek the help of an experienced … Read more
Florida has strict laws against lewd and lascivious behavior, especially regarding minors. If you are facing charges brought under lewd and lascivious laws in St. Petersburg, legal help can make a real difference. At Goldman Wetzel, we know how overwhelming these accusations can be. Our team-based approach ensures every client gets the benefit of a … Read more
Being accused of molestation is a serious matter, as such accusations can impact every aspect of your life. While the accusation alone can ruin your reputation, Florida law treats molestation seriously, and a conviction can lead to prison time and mandatory registration as a sex offender. However, an accusation of molestation is not a conviction, … Read more
Florida Statutes are always being updated, and sometimes, they are dramatically changed during sessions of the state legislature. One of the more notable recent shifts in those Statutes involves the expungement of criminal records. Over the past few years, state law has changed to allow far more people to apply for records related to prior … Read more
If you were arrested on suspicion of a criminal offense but were not ultimately convicted of any wrongdoing, seeking to have relevant records expunged could be key to protecting your long-term best interests. That said, not everyone who is accused of a crime in Florida is eligible to apply for this legal remedy, and even … Read more
Probation is an important part of the criminal justice system. People on probation are under the court-ordered supervision of a probation officer. People can face probation instead of a prison sentence or they can face probation after serving part of their prison term. Although probationers are generally allowed to remain in their own homes and … Read more
Proving your innocence after facing criminal charges can be a long, difficult road. Some people wait for years to be heard at trial. While having these charges dismissed or securing an acquittal means the threat of a conviction is gone, there are still aspects of your criminal history that can follow you for years to … Read more