Lake Mary

Work With an Experienced Lake Mary Criminal Defense Attorney

Our office is one of the few, if not only, practices in the Lake Mary area that deals solely with Criminal Defense. Ryan feels the old saying “jack of all trades master of none” holds true particularly when talking about a criminal practitioner. Unlike other areas of the law practicing criminal defense requires the attorney’s presence in the courtroom almost daily and that the attorney have a close professional relationship with local judges and prosecutors, associations that may not be necessary in other practices of the law. Ryan who grew up in Lake Mary and graduated from Lake Mary High School has seen the town come a long way.

Lake Mary city limits are rather small, only eight square miles, and most people with a Lake Mary address live in unincorporated Seminole County. Lake Mary is comprised mostly of single-family homes and neighborhoods; that said, more and more business and company headquarters are calling Lake Mary home, including AAA and Ruth Chris. In 2007 Lake Mary was rated the # 4 best place to live in the United States by Money Magazine. Although Lake Mary is a great place to live and work many individuals find themselves accused of crimes, nonetheless. Due to the large presence of families many instances of domestic violence disturbances and allegations are reported. Remember, many times following a family argument resulting in law enforcement being called, officers will feel obligated to make an arrest, despite an act of domestic violence actually occurring or the desire of the alleged victim.

Lake Mary has also seen a rise in bars and restaurants in recent years. Unfortunately, with an increase in establishments that serve alcohol there is an increase in alcohol related arrests. Lake Mary residents and nighttime visitors may now find themselves accused of Driving Under the Influence, Disorderly Conduct/Intoxication, Possession of Marijuana, Resisting Arrest with Violence, Resisting Arrest without Violence, Trespassing, Battery. If you have been arrested in Lake Mary, contact Ryan, a man who knows the area and its people probably better than any other lawyer in the area.

Common Criminal Offenses in Lake Mary

Lake Mary and its approximately 14,000 residents enjoy a relatively low crime rate. Still, cops and prosecutors can and do charge people with a wide range of criminal offenses, from the relatively low-level to the most serious.

DUI

A person can be charged with DUI if he or she is found operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher or based on other evidence showing that the person’s normal faculties are impaired.

The penalties for a DUI can include:

• Fines
• Jail time
• License suspension
• Community service
• DUI school

These penalties increase significantly for repeat offenders, those caught with high blood alcohol content, or kids in their cars, and drunk drivers involved in accidents causing injury or death.

Drug Crimes

Florida has strict drug laws, and both possession and trafficking are common criminal charges. The penalties vary based on the type and quantity of the drug involved, among other factors.

Possession of controlled substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, or unauthorized prescription drugs can result in felony charges. The possession of large quantities of drugs is grounds for trafficking charges, which often carry mandatory minimum prison sentences.

Theft

Theft crimes are classified based on the value of the property stolen.

Petit theft, which involves property valued at less than $750, typically is charged as a misdemeanor. Grand theft, involving property with a higher value, is a felony. It carries penalties of 5 to 30 years in prison, depending on the value of the stolen property.

Assault and Battery

Assault and battery are separate but related crimes in Florida, which are often confused by people who are not lawyers or law enforcement officers. These charges routinely arise from fights, domestic disputes, or altercations in public settings.

Assault is the threat or attempt to cause harm to another person, while battery involves actual physical contact or harm. Simple assault and/or battery is often considered a misdemeanor. It is likely to become a felony if there are aggravating factors, such as the use of a weapon or serious physical injury.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence covers a range of offenses like battery, assault, and stalking when committed against a family or household member.

These cases are taken seriously in Florida. They often involve mandatory arrest policies, no-contact orders, and required counseling or intervention programs. A conviction can lead to jail time, loss of gun rights, and lasting effects on family law matters such as custody or divorce.

Robbery

Robbery is the taking of property from a person through force, violence, assault or threats.

Robbery is treated as a felony in Florida because, unlike theft, it involves direct confrontation with a victim. It is a first-degree felony if it involves the use of a firearm or other deadly weapon, punishable by up to life in prison.

Burglary

Burglary is the unlawful entry of a structure, dwelling, or conveyance (vehicles, etc.) with the intent to commit a crime inside. Unlike robbery, burglary does not require the presence of a victim.

Burglary is a felony offense in Florida. The penalties are steep and range based on factors like whether the structure was occupied, a weapon was involved, or force was used.

Sex Crimes

Sex-related charges, including sexual battery (rape), lewd or lascivious conduct, and possession of child pornography, are among the most serious in Florida. These offenses often carry mandatory minimum sentences and can require lifetime sex offender registration.

Weapons Offenses

Florida has strong protections for gun owners statewide, but it also imposes strict restrictions on the unlawful possession, discharge, or use of firearms.

Common charges include carrying a concealed firearm without a permit, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and unlawful discharge of a weapon. Weapons charges are regularly added to other criminal charges. They can significantly increase potential penalties, especially if a weapon was used during the commission of another crime.

No matter what your personal background is, when you are under investigation or accused of a crime in Lake Mary, you need the help of an aggressive and capable lawyer. Criminal cases are very complicated. Even the “simplest” of crimes, such as petit theft or possession of marijuana, can have layers upon layers of constitutional and procedural intricacies. Hiring a Lake Mary criminal defense attorney is the best way to ensure your voice is heard in court for a favorable outcome.

What an Experienced Lawyer Can Do for Your Defense 

A criminal case begins as early as the time of arrest and initial appearance with the judge. A skilled defense lawyer can argue at your first appearance that probable cause did not exist at the time of arrest and potentially have you released on your own recognizance.

The job of your criminal defense attorney extends beyond speaking for you in court. Your attorney examines the evidence, speaks to and deposes witnesses, and procures expert witnesses to independently examine evidence and to testify on your behalf. Acting in your best interests, your attorney will negotiate a deal with the prosecution to reduce the charges and discuss a plea agreement to avoid trial if that’s what you want.

Ryan Yadav, an experienced Lake Mary criminal defense attorney, will also be honest with you. You need to know what your chances of an acquittal are, how strong the evidence is against you, and whether you are better off resolving your case via a negotiation with the prosecution at a jury trial. An informed, objective, and honest assessment will help you make the best decisions about your case and your future.

Should You Settle or Go to Trial?

The best criminal resolution or disposition is dependent on the individual. Some people cannot afford the risk of a criminal conviction due to employment; however, others (those who own their own business) can potentially have a DUI charge, for example, and maintain employment.

Lake Mary criminal defense attorneys rely on history—the outcome of similar past cases—to build your defense. The outcome of cases often depends on how the evidence is presented. Circumstantial evidence can be interpreted in many ways. A thorough attorney examines all facets of the case, questions the witnesses and verifies that they have no reason to lie or withhold facts, and views any video and physical evidence with a critical eye.

Ryan will also examine the technical details of your arrest to determine whether proper procedure was followed, and your rights were protected.

Our Advantage

Hiring a local attorney for a Lake Mary criminal defense case has certain advantages. You will want an attorney who knows the players, their likes and dislikes, their personalities, etc., and how they will most likely respond to different arguments. Some judges and prosecutors are reliant on the plain facts of the individual case; others may place additional weight on past offenses or underlying motivations. An attorney armed with the appropriate knowledge can formulate the most effective argument. As a Central Florida native, Ryan is fully armed with the knowledge of local laws and how criminal charges are prosecuted in Lake Mary. With his experience and expertise on your side, you can trust that the best possible outcome for your case will be attained. 

Contact a Lake Mary Criminal Defense Attorney Today for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been accused of a crime in Lake Mary and need aggressive criminal defense, Ryan will work hard to ensure justice is served in your case. No matter what crime you are charged with, Ryan will present a strong defense to get the instant case or counts reduced, work out a reasonable negotiation, or even have charges dropped in total. When you’re in trouble with the law, you need an experienced attorney on your side as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate to stand up for your rights. Contact our office today.

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A Lake Mary Criminal Defense Attorney Answers Your FAQs

Facing criminal charges in Florida can be a frightening and confusing experience. Knowing what to expect from the process, understanding your rights, and getting help from an experienced criminal defense attorney are crucial steps toward protecting your freedom and future.

Here are some of the most common questions that Lake Mary criminal defense attorney Ryan Yadav gets from people across Seminole County.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

Misdemeanors are less serious crimes under Florida criminal law and are generally punishable by up to one year in county jail. Felonies are more serious and carry potential prison sentences longer than one year.

What should I do if I am arrested?

There are a few things that you can do to protect your rights.

• Remain silent: Do not answer questions about the alleged offense.
• Ask for a lawyer: Clearly state that you want an attorney present.
• Do not resist: Even if you believe the arrest is unjust, cooperate physically.

Exercising your right to remain silent and requesting an attorney are the most important steps you can take to protect yourself. It can be difficult to refrain from making statements, including stating that you are innocent, but it is vital that you do not talk until you have a lawyer by your side.

What is an arraignment?

An arraignment is the first formal court hearing after an arrest. A judge will read the charges against you and ask you to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The judge may also consider whether you can be released on bail.

What is Pre-Trial Diversion?

Many first-time offenders, especially in drug cases, who are not also accused of violent crimes, can have charges dismissed in exchange for completing a diversion program. These programs focus on treatment instead of incarceration. They typically include substance abuse counseling, random drug testing, regular court check-ins, and school enrollment or employment requirements.

Can I get a criminal record sealed or expunged?

Yes, in some cases. In Florida, certain offenses can be sealed or expunged, meaning they are removed from public records. Other crimes, like domestic violence and sex offenses, are not eligible.