Criminal Defense

Protect Your Rights and Reputation After an Arrest

When you are facing severe criminal charges that may have the ability to change your life indefinitely, you need The Villages criminal defense lawyer who is familiar with the criminal justice system as well as the people who work in it. Selecting a seasoned, aggressive and distinguished criminal defense lawyer to represent your case is the first step in meeting the challenges of being accused of any type of crime. The Law Offices of Whittel & Melton are comprised of respected criminal defense lawyers in The Villages, practiced forensic experts and licensed investigators who are dedicated to protecting and advocating our clients.

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys Who Understand Florida Laws

As former prosecutors with the State Attorney’s Office, our attorneys bring the firsthand knowledge of how the government builds its case against people charged with a misdemeanor, felony and DUI crimes in The Villages and everywhere in between Lake, Sumter and Marion counties. A strong defense against any crime starts with examining the facts. At Whittel & Melton, we get the facts ourselves and can explore your case right away without relying upon police investigations. We always work towards establishing evidence that can be used in your favor before actual criminal charges are filed. Following a meticulous screening of your case, The Villages criminal defense lawyer assigned to your case may be able to offer important evidence to prosecutors to discourage them from formally filing criminal charges against you.

Strategic Representation for a Range of Offenses

A strong defense does not start in the courtroom – it begins immediately. If you are facing criminal charges or suspect that you may be charged soon, do not talk to the police without talking to a The Villages criminal defense lawyer at Whittel & Melton first.

What Makes Us Different?

Unlike other law firms, we do not just handle some of the more “simple” legal matters like DUI offenses and misdemeanors. We handle serious criminal accusations throughout Lake, Sumter and Marion Counties that require extensive legal knowledge pertaining to the rule of law as well as decade of experience. No matter how outlandish the accusations are against you, we will not back down from a challenge. You need an aggressive criminal defense attorney that will listen to you and develop a solid defense strategy to help you obtain the best possible result. We are available 24/7 to speak with you, so we welcome you to contact us online or call us now at 352-369-5334 to set up a free consultation.

Our Villages Criminal Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can come to your aid in all areas of criminal law including:

• Felonies
• Misdemeanors
• Federal Crimes
• State Crimes
• Domestic Violence
• DUI
• Drug Crimes
• Theft
• Murder
• Sex Crimes
• White Collar Crimes
• Asset Forfeiture & Property Seizure
• Criminal Traffic Offenses
• Violent Crimes
• Weapons Crimes
• Probation Violations
• Worthless Checks
• Criminal Appeals

A Villages Criminal Conviction Can Result in Serious Penalties

In The Villages, a criminal conviction for even what may be deemed a relatively minor offense can result in serious legal consequences, like hefty fines and time behind bars. Moreover, there are many unforeseen penalties that can follow you around for years after any sentence by the court has been served. These collateral consequences that accompany a court imposed sentence may include the following:

• Administrative driver’s license suspension after a DUI arrest
• Mandatory registration as a sexual offender/sexual predator
• Difficulties obtaining employment or a place to live due to your criminal record
• Problems gaining access to higher education as a result of your criminal history
• Issues gaining custody of your children because of your criminal history

The repercussions associated with an arrest or criminal conviction can wreak havoc on your life for many years, and unfortunately severely impact your life and the life of your family. As soon as you have been arrested for a crime, it is absolutely vital to retain legal counsel to help you develop the best plan of attack. You do not want to immediately admit guilt or accept a plea deal from a prosecutor – you need to weigh all of your options and our Villages Criminal Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help you do this. In our many years of experience, we have been able to achieve many favorable outcomes, including charges being reduced, acquittals, dismissals, and even charges being dropped entirely. No criminal arrest is too major or too minor to meet with us, so we recommend that you do not delay.

When Your Freedom is at Risk, You Need the Villages Criminal Defense Lawyer

Don’t take a risk with your freedom, reputation and daily life. If you or someone you care for has been charged with any type of crime in The Villages or surrounding communities, contact Whittel & Melton, LLC immediately to schedule an initial complementary and confidential consultation. Visit us online or call us at 352-369-5334 to speak with a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer today.