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. Choosing an experienced and assertive criminal defense lawyer is your first step in tackling the challenges of a criminal accusation. At the Law Offices of Whittel & Melton, our respected criminal defense attorneys in The Villages work alongside skilled forensic experts and licensed investigators. Together, we are committed to protecting and advocating for 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 actively gather evidence that supports you before any 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 face criminal charges or believe you may be charged soon, consult a criminal defense lawyer at Whittel & Melton in The Villages before speaking to the police.

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, even for a minor offense, can lead to significant fines and jail time. Moreover, unexpected penalties may linger long after serving your sentence. 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 consequences of an arrest or criminal conviction can significantly affect your life and the lives of your family members for many years. If you have been arrested for a crime, it is crucial to seek legal counsel as soon as possible to help you formulate the best strategy moving forward. It’s important not to admit guilt or accept a plea deal from a prosecutor without fully considering all your options. Our experienced criminal defense lawyers at Whittel & Melton are here to assist you in this process.

Over the years, we have achieved many favorable outcomes for our clients, including reduced charges, acquittals, dismissals, and even complete dismissal of charges. No criminal case is too big or too small for us to handle, so we strongly recommend that you do not hesitate to reach out for assistance.

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.