Criminal Defense in Sarasota, FL
After being accused of a crime in Sarasota, FL, law enforcement officers might begin an investigation or make an arrest.
Cases are prosecuted at the main courthouse at the Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center in the City of Sarasota or the South County courthouse located in the R. L. Anderson Administration Building in Venice, FL.
Law enforcement agencies that investigate crimes in Sarasota County, FL, include:
- the Florida Highway Patrol;
- the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office;
- the Sarasota Police Department;
- the Venice Police Department;
- the North Port Police Department;
- the New College Police Department; or
- the Longboat Key Police Department.
After you learn of the criminal accusation, contact an experienced criminal justice attorney for Sarasota, FL, as early in the process as possible.
Criminal Defense Attorneys in Sarasota County, FL
The attorneys at Sammis Law Firm are familiar with the criminal courts in Sarasota 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 of felony, misdemeanor, and ordinance violations throughout the 12th Judicial Circuit Court at either the main courthouse at the Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center in the city of Sarasota or the South County courthouse located in the R. L. Anderson Administration Building in Venice, FL.
We are familiar with the operating procedures used by officers throughout Sarasota County, FL. We represent clients charged with a crime throughout Sarasota, Osprey, Nokomis, Venice, North Port and Englewood.
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 help obtain a court-ordered sealing or expungement of a criminal record in Sarasota County, FL.
Call 813-250-0500.
Overview of Criminal Charges in Sarasota County
- Notice to Appear in Sarasota County, FL
- What Happens at Arraignment in Sarasota County, FL?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Additional Resources
Notice to Appear in Sarasota County, FL
The “Notice to Appear” in court for a misdemeanor is issued by a law enforcement officer in Sarasota County, FL. Sometimes, the notice to appear is issued when a person is released from jail.
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 Twelfth (12th) Judicial Circuit to deduct any criminal penalties, court fees, costs of representation, or unpaid costs of prosecution from the bond.
A notice to appear in court might also be issued for a county ordinance violation, such as illegally marketing kratom or other designer drugs.
What Happens at Arraignment in Sarasota 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 Sarasota County, FL, or use the name search feature or look for the case number on the public access search feature of the clerk’s website.
The clerk’s office in Sarasota, FL, offers the e-notify service for reminders about upcoming court hearings. Although the notification service provides text and email reminders of upcoming 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, be sure to look at your docket each week for updates about upcoming court dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where are criminal cases prosecuted in Sarasota County?
Criminal cases in Sarasota County are prosecuted in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit at the Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center in Sarasota or the South County courthouse in Venice, Florida. Felony, misdemeanor, and ordinance cases are assigned based on the location of the alleged offense. An attorney can confirm the correct courthouse and division for your case.
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What happens after a criminal accusation in Sarasota, FL?
fter an accusation, law enforcement may conduct an investigation, issue a notice to appear, or make an arrest. The case then proceeds through first appearance, arraignment, pretrial hearings, and possibly trial. Early involvement of an attorney helps protect your rights from the start.
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Which law enforcement agencies investigate crimes in Sarasota County?
Criminal investigations may involve the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota Police Department, Venice Police Department, North Port Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, or other local agencies. Each agency follows its own procedures and policies. An experienced defense attorney understands how these agencies operate.
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What is a Notice to Appear in Sarasota County, FL?
A notice to appear is a court summons issued for certain misdemeanor, traffic, or ordinance violations. It may be issued instead of a custodial arrest or upon release from jail. Failing to appear can result in a warrant being issued.
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What happens at arraignment in Sarasota County?
At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. Court dates, conditions of release, and deadlines are also set. An attorney can waive arraignment or enter a written plea in many cases.
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Can criminal records be sealed or expunged in Sarasota County?
If a case ends in a qualifying disposition, you may be eligible to seal or expunge your criminal record. This can limit public access to arrest and court records. Eligibility depends on the outcome of the case and prior criminal history.
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How do I find my Sarasota County court date?
Court dates can be found through the Sarasota County Clerk and Comptroller’s online public access system. The clerk also offers e-notify reminders by email or text. Defendants should review their docket regularly for updates.
Additional Resources
Criminal Justice Commission in Sarasota – Visit the website of the Advisory Councils for Sarasota County to learn more about the Criminal Justice Commission. The purpose of the Commission for Criminal Justice is to maintain a high level of public safety through the planning and managing a criminal justice system. The Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) in Sarasota County monitors potential legislation changes and recommends changes that improve the criminal justice system in Sarasota County. Members include the public defender, state attorney, chief circuit judge, a representative from a Community Group who works with Offenders or Victims, a representative from a State or County Jobs Program, the Criminal Justice Policy Coordinator of the Sarasota County Health and Human Services Department, a State Probation Circuit Administrator, the Director of Local Substance Abuse Treatment Program, the Clerk of the Circuit Court, the Director of County Probation or Pretrial Intervention Program, and the County Commissioner.
Criminal Court Services in Sarasota—Opened from 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday, the Criminal Court Services in Sarasota County uses the Main Office at the Historic Courthouse at 2000 Main Street in Sarasota, FL. A full-service office is also located at the R.L. Anderson Administration Center located on the 2nd floor of 4000 S. Tamiami Trail in Venice, FL.
Criminal History Background Check in Sarasota – Visit the Sarasota Sheriff’s Office website to find information on how to obtain a local criminal history. The request can be made in person at the Records Section on the first floor of the Criminal Justice Center, 2071 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL, between 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday. A criminal history information check request must be submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). A request for national criminal history information (NCIC) must be submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Criminal Division of the 12th Judicial Circuit – Visit the 12th Judicial Circuit Court Administration website to learn more about the Circuit Criminal Court in Sarasota County, which has jurisdiction over all criminal felonies and any appeal from the county court. The County Courts in Sarasota County have jurisdiction over all misdemeanor criminal and criminal traffic cases.
Finding a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Sarasota County, FL
If you have been arrested for a DUI, felony, or misdemeanor offense in Sarasota 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 located in New Port Richey in Pasco County. We represent clients in criminal cases throughout Sarasota County, FL, and the surrounding areas, including Sarasota, Venice, North Port, and Englewood.
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 Sarasota 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 Friday, September 6, 2024.
