Criminal Defense in Orange County, FL
After being accused of a crime in Orlando or the surrounding areas in Orange County, FL, law enforcement officers might begin an investigation or make an arrest. After the arrest, the criminal case is prosecuted in the Ninth Judicial Circuit. Felony cases are prosecuted in Circuit Court, and misdemeanor cases are prosecuted in County Court.
Law enforcement agencies that investigate crimes in Orange County, FL, include:
- Florida Highway Patrol;
- Orange County Sheriff’s Office;
- Orlando Police Department;
- Apopka Police Department;
- Belle Isle Police Department;
- Eatonville Florida Police Department;
- Edgewood Police Department;
- Maitland Police Department;
- Ocoee Police Department;
- University of Central Florida Police Department;
- Windermere Police Department; and
- Winter Park Police Department.
After you learn of the criminal accusation, contact an experienced criminal justice attorney for Orlando, FL, as early as possible. We can help you during all phases of the case. During the initial consultation, you can discuss the details of your case, the charges, and possible defenses. If you hire us, we can investigate the circumstances, gather favorable evidence, and fight for an outright dismissal of the charges.
Our attorneys will develop a defense strategy tailored to your case. The best result occurs when the prosecutor drops the charges or the court dismisses the charges on the merits. The best plea deals are negotiated only after the prosecutor understands that you and your attorneys are prepared to go to trial to win the case.
Criminal Defense Attorneys for Orange County, FL
The attorneys at Sammis Law Firm are familiar with the criminal courts in Orlando County, FL. Whether you were formally arrested and booked into jail or whether you received a notice to appear in court, we can help.
Our attorneys represent clients accused of felony or misdemeanor crimes throughout the 9th Judicial Circuit Court, the Orange County Courthouse in downtown Orlando, and the Orange County Branch Courthouses in Apopka, Ocoee, and Winter Park, FL.
We represent clients at the first appearance and arrangement through the final resolution of the case during a motion to suppress or dismiss or at trial. Depending on how the case was resolved, we help clients obtain a court-ordered sealing or expungement of a criminal record.
Call 813-250-0500.
Overview of Criminal Charges in Orange County
- Notice to Appear in Orange County, FL
- What Happens at Arraignment in Orange County, FL?
- Directions to the Orange County Courthouse
- Judicial Assignments in County Court in Orange County, FL
- Types of Criminal Cases Prosecuted in Orange County, FL
- DUI Defense in Orange County, FL
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Additional Resources
Notice to Appear in Orange County, FL
A law enforcement officer in Orange County, FL, issues the “Notice to Appear” in court for a misdemeanor. Sometimes, the notice to appear is issued when a person is released from jail if the person meets the criteria in paragraphs (b) and (c) of Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.125.
In some cases, the arresting officer might issue a notice to appear in court, including a “Complaint Summons/Civil Citation” or a “Florida Uniform Traffic Citation.”
If you post a Cash Appearance Bond, then Florida Statutes Section 903.286, 27.52, and 938.29 authorize the Clerk of the Court in the Ninth (9th) Judicial Circuit to deduct any criminal penalties, court fees, costs of representation, or unpaid costs of prosecution from the bond.
The court appearance is set at the court facility in the geographical area where the offense occurred. For example, some misdemeanors are assigned to the downtown courthouse (Orlando Division) or a branch courthouse in Apopka, Ocoee, and Winter Park, FL.
What Happens at Arraignment in Orange County, FL?
To locate information about an upcoming court date, including the arraignment, contact the Deputy Clerk at the Office of the Clerk and Comptroller’s Office in Orange County, FL. You can also use the name search feature or look for the case number on the clerk’s website’s public access search feature.
The clerk’s office in Orlando, FL, offers the e-notify service for reminders about upcoming court hearings. Although the notification service provides text and email reminders of forthcoming criminal court hearings, the clerk’s office continues to provide formal notice of court events for all felony and misdemeanor cases.
If you have a pending criminal case, look at your docket each week for updates about upcoming court dates.
Directions to the Orange County Courthouse
Judicial Assignments in County Court in Orange County, FL
Effective July 1, 2024, judicial assignments for criminal cases in Division 7 for all misdemeanor & traffic cases are assigned to the following judges and subdivisions:
- Judge Elizabeth J. Starr – Subdivision 61-7
- Judge Brian F. Duckworth – Subdivision 62-7
- Judge Tina L. Caraballo – Subdivision 63-7
- Judge Amy J. Carter – Subdivision 80-7
- Judge Mark A. Skipper – Subdivision 81-7
- Judge Carly S. Wish – Subdivision 82-7
- Judge Martha C. Adams – Subdivision 83-7
- Judge Steve Jewett – Subdivision 84-7
- Judge David P. Johnson – Subdivision 85-7
In Circuit Court for Division 1, felony cases are assigned to the following subdivisions:
- Judge Vincent Falcone, III – Subdivision 10-1
- Judge Vincent S. Chiu – Subdivision 11-1
- Judge Diego M. Madrigal, III – Subdivision 12-1
- Judge Barbara J. Leach – Subdivision 14-1
- Judge Kevin B. Weiss – Subdivision 15-1
- Judge Robert J. Egan – Subdivision 16-1
- Judge Michael J. Snure – Subdivision 17-1
- Judge Leticia Marques – Subdivision 19-1 for Post-Conviction Matters
- Judge Michael Kraynick – Subdivision 20-1
- Judge Jenifer M. Harris – Subdivision 22-1
- Judge Alicia L. Latimore – Subdivision 23-1 (In-Jail VOP and Unified Problem Solving Court for Veteran’s Court, Adult Drug Court, Mental Health Court, Competency Court)
Types of Criminal Cases Prosecuted in Orange County, FL
The criminal defense attorneys at Sammis Law Firm for Orange County, FL, handle the following types of cases:
- DUI: Defense against driving under the influence charges
- Drug Crimes: Defense for possession, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances
- Violent Crimes: Defense for charges such as assault, battery, or homicide.
- Property Crimes: Defense for theft, burglary, vandalism, and other property-related offenses.
- White-Collar Crimes: Defense for fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, and other non-violent financial crimes.
- Juvenile Crimes: Representation for minors facing criminal charges.
The Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation is a multi-agency task force empowered to conduct narcotics, vice, and organized crime investigations across jurisdictional boundaries throughout the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Orange and Osceola Counties. Although the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation is not a law enforcement employing agency, the officers who are part of this task force are certified under Chapter 943, F.S., under their employing law enforcement agency.
DUI Defense in Orange County, FL
Florida law provides two alternative theories of proving DUI offenses under § 316.193(1)(a)&(b). First, the prosecutor can show driving while normal faculties are impaired under an “impairment theory”) which requires showing impairment of normal faculties. Second, the prosecutor can show DUI under a “strict liability” theory of driving with a blood or breath alcohol level of 0.08 or higher (“DUBAL”), regardless of a showing of actual impairment.
In other words, the prosecutor can show that a person is guilty of driving under the influence (DUI) if a person drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle and the person:
- is under the influence of alcoholic beverages, any controlled substance set forth in s. 877.111, F.S., or any substance controlled under ch. 893, F.S., to the extent that the person’s normal faculties are impaired; or
- regardless of impairment, at the time of driving had:
- a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood; or
- a breath-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.
Read more about DUI defense in Orange County, FL.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should I hire a criminal defense attorney familiar with Orange County courts?
Criminal cases in Orange County are handled in the Ninth Judicial Circuit, which has its own judges, prosecutors, and procedures. Familiarity with the Orlando courthouse and branch courthouses in Apopka, Ocoee, and Winter Park can significantly affect strategy and outcomes. Local experience helps an attorney anticipate how cases are charged, negotiated, and tried.
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What happens after an arrest in Orange County, Florida?
After an arrest, felony cases are prosecuted in Circuit Court and misdemeanor cases in County Court. You may be booked into jail or released with a Notice to Appear, depending on the charge and circumstances. An attorney can begin protecting your rights immediately after arrest or citation.
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What is a Notice to Appear (NTA) in Orange County?
A Notice to Appear is a written order requiring you to appear in court without being held in jail. It is commonly issued for misdemeanor offenses or traffic-related criminal charges. Failing to appear as ordered can result in a warrant for your arrest.
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What happens at arraignment in Orange County?
Arraignment is the first formal court appearance where charges are read and a plea is entered. In many cases, your attorney can waive arraignment so you do not have to appear in person. The clerk’s e-notify system can help you track upcoming court dates.
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Can my Orange County criminal record be sealed or expunged?
If your case is dismissed, dropped, or resolved without a conviction, you may qualify to seal or expunge your record. Eligibility depends on the charge and your prior history. An attorney can guide you through the process after the case concludes.
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Where will my Orange County criminal case be heard?
Your case will be assigned to the courthouse serving the geographic area where the offense occurred. This may be the downtown Orlando courthouse or a branch courthouse in Apopka, Ocoee, or Winter Park. An attorney can confirm the correct location and division for your case.
Additional Resources
Ninth Circuit Courtroom and Attorney Decorum Policy – Administrative order 2003-07-02 outlines the basic principles concerning courtroom behavior and decorum in the courthouses of Orlando, Orange County, and the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (CFACDL) – Visit the CFACDL website to learn more about the Central Florida affiliate of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL). This non-profit organization serves the interests of criminal defense lawyers in central Florida. CFACDL includes private defense counsel and public defenders practicing in state and federal courts throughout Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. CFACDL sponsors Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars and networking events attended by members and judges. CFACDL conducts the Annual Judicial Poll so local defense attorneys and prosecutors can rate the performance of judges in their area.
Finding a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Orlando, FL
If you have been arrested for a DUI, felony, or misdemeanor offense in Orange County, Florida, contact an experienced criminal justice attorney at Sammis Law Firm to discuss the details of your case.
Our main office is located in Tampa in Hillsborough County, FL. We also have a second office in New Port Richey in Pasco County. We fight criminal cases throughout Orange County, FL, and the surrounding areas in and around Orlando, FL.
We provide a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case. We can also schedule same-day consultations with individuals who are being held at the Orange County Jail, for a confidential meeting to review the charges and possible defenses.
Let us put our experience to work for you.
Call (813) 250-0500.
This article was last updated on Wednesday, January 22, 2024.
