Defending Your Future.
Protecting Your Rights.

Smith & Eulo Law Firm is a Florida criminal defense firm handling every category of criminal matter, including DUI, drug crimes, violent crimes, theft crimes, sex crimes, weapons charges, domestic violence, juvenile offenses, federal criminal cases, and involuntary commitment proceedings under the Florida Baker Act and Marchman Act. Our attorneys represent clients in local, state, and federal courts throughout the State of Florida.

Immediately. You should contact a Florida criminal defense attorney within the first 24 hours of an arrest — ideally before speaking with police or investigators. Early legal representation preserves evidence, protects your right to remain silent, and gives your attorney time to intervene before formal charges are filed. Smith & Eulo Law Firm answers calls 24/7 at 407-930-8912.

Yes. Our attorneys frequently represent clients who are under investigation but have not yet been charged. Pre-file representation is often the most important stage of a case — it allows us to communicate with detectives, provide favorable evidence, negotiate cooperation, and sometimes prevent charges from ever being filed.

Not always. Under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.180, some hearings can be handled by your attorney without your presence, particularly on misdemeanor and certain third-degree felony cases. Arraignments, plea hearings, and trial always require the defendant’s presence unless waived by the court.

Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request an attorney. Under the Fifth Amendment and Article I, Section 9 of the Florida Constitution, you have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel during questioning. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Give police your name and identification if lawfully required, then say: “I would like to speak to my attorney.”

Attorney fees vary depending on the charge, court, and complexity of the case. Misdemeanor cases in Florida generally range from $1,500 to $5,000, while felony representation can range from $5,000 to $25,000 or more. Federal cases and trial-track felonies are typically higher. Smith & Eulo Law Firm offers free, confidential consultations and flat-fee pricing so clients know exactly what to expect.

A misdemeanor in Florida is a criminal offense punishable by up to one year in county jail (first-degree) or up to 60 days (second-degree). A felony is punishable by more than one year in state prison and ranges from a third-degree felony (up to 5 years) to a capital felony (life in prison or death). Felony convictions also result in loss of civil rights, including the right to vote and possess firearms.

Yes. Our attorneys represent clients and families in both Baker Act (Chapter 394, F.S.) mental-health commitment proceedings and Marchman Act (Chapter 397, F.S.) substance-abuse assessment and treatment proceedings anywhere in Florida. We handle filing petitions, hearing representation, and appeals.

In Florida, the statute of limitations depends on the charge: misdemeanors generally must be prosecuted within 1 to 2 years, third-degree felonies within 3 years, second-degree felonies within 3 years, and first-degree felonies within 4 years. Certain sex offenses, murder, and DNA-related crimes have no statute of limitations (Florida Statute § 775.15).

Yes. Our attorneys are admitted to practice in the U.S. District Courts for the Middle, Northern, and Southern Districts of Florida and defend clients facing federal charges including drug trafficking, wire fraud, healthcare fraud, money laundering, firearms offenses, and conspiracy.

Smith & Eulo Law Firm serves clients across Florida, with primary service areas in Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Clearwater, Lakeland, Gainesville, Daytona Beach, Kissimmee, Melbourne, Sanford, Ocala, and Tallahassee — plus surrounding counties throughout Central, North, South, and Panhandle Florida.

In many cases, yes. Under Florida Statutes § 943.0585 and § 943.059, a person who has never been adjudicated guilty of a criminal offense may be eligible to seal or expunge one Florida criminal history record. Eligibility depends on the offense and outcome. Our attorneys can review your record and determine whether you qualify.

→ Take our free expungement eligibility check to see in under 2 minutes whether you may qualify.

An arraignment is a defendant’s first court appearance. The judge reads the charges, informs you of your rights, sets or reviews bond, and receives a plea (typically not guilty). Having an attorney at arraignment is critical because pretrial release conditions, discovery demands, and speedy-trial deadlines all begin at this stage.

Yes. We offer free, confidential case evaluations to anyone facing criminal charges or investigation in Florida. Call 407-930-8912 24/7 or request a consultation online — an attorney will review the facts of your case and outline your options at no cost.