FAQs

Smith and Eulo Criminal Defense Lawyers handle a wide range of Florida criminal cases, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. This includes DUI, drug offenses, domestic violence, theft, fraud, violent crimes, probation violations, and certain traffic-related charges. Our focus is protecting your rights, investigating the facts, and building a strategy to minimize the impact on your freedom and future.

Yes. We offer an initial consultation so you can understand your options before making decisions. You can schedule by calling our office, submitting a contact form on our website, or requesting a phone or Zoom consultation if you cannot come in person. During the consult, we review the basic facts, answer your questions, and outline potential next steps.

If you have them, bring paperwork from the police or jail (citations, charging documents, release paperwork), court notices (dates/times/locations), bond paperwork, restraining orders, probation documents, a list of prior arrests/convictions (even out of state), and contact info for witnesses. If you cannot gather everything, still come in — we can help you obtain missing records.

For most criminal cases, we use flat fees instead of hourly billing so you know the cost upfront. Fees depend on the type of charge, complexity, and whether a case may go to trial. In many situations, payment plans are available. We explain fees in writing before you hire us, including what is and is not included.

Your case is assigned to a specific attorney responsible for strategy, court appearances, and communication with you. That attorney may be supported by staff, but you will know who your primary lawyer is. We provide updates at key stages (after court dates, major negotiations, and important evidence developments), and you can contact us with questions when something urgent comes up.

Stay calm and do not resist. Do not discuss your case with officers or anyone on jail phones, since calls may be recorded. Politely state you want to remain silent and request a lawyer. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can check for warrants, advise whether to turn yourself in, and help with bond and early strategy.

Misdemeanors are generally less serious offenses and can carry up to one year in county jail and lower fines. Felonies are more serious and can carry prison sentences of more than one year (up to life in the most serious cases), higher fines, and more severe long-term consequences for civil rights, employment, and immigration.

It depends on the hearing and the judge. In many misdemeanor cases, and some early felony dates, your attorney may be able to appear for routine hearings. For key hearings — such as arraignments, plea hearings, violation of probation hearings, and trial — you should expect to attend unless the court excuses you. Your lawyer will tell you what requires your presence.

Most cases resolve without trial through dismissal, reduced charges, diversion programs, or negotiated pleas. Still, we prepare every case as if it could go to trial because strong trial preparation can lead to better offers. Whether to go to trial depends on the evidence, defenses, your goals, and the risks of trial versus a plea — and the final decision is always yours.

Penalties vary by statute, your prior record, and the facts, but can include jail or prison, probation (classes, community service, drug testing, counseling), fines and court costs, driver’s license suspensions/revocations, and restitution. There can also be collateral consequences like immigration issues, professional licensing problems, housing issues, and long-term record impacts.

Do not discuss the facts of your case with police without speaking to a lawyer first. Even if you think you can “clear things up,” anything you say can be used against you. The safest approach is to politely say you want an attorney before answering questions.

A lawyer can still help significantly. There may be legal issues with how statements were obtained, how evidence was collected, or how charges were filed. A defense attorney can challenge admissibility, negotiate reduced charges or better sentencing outcomes, pursue diversion or treatment-based options, and present mitigation to the court.

Yes. We can review your charges, record, and circumstances and seek bond reduction or alternative conditions. We can file a motion, request a bond hearing, and present information about community ties, employment, family, and flight risk. While the judge decides, having counsel argue your request can improve your chances.

Your case must still be handled in Florida courts. In some situations, we can appear for certain hearings to reduce travel, but you may need to attend key hearings or trial. We work to coordinate dates, minimize travel when possible, and explain how a Florida case may affect your record and driver’s license in your home state.

Some cases may be eligible for sealing or expungement, but Florida rules are strict. Eligibility depends on the charge, how the case resolved, whether you were adjudicated guilty or received a withhold, and whether you have sealed/expunged before. We review your record and case outcome to determine eligibility and guide you through the process if you qualify.

Charges and convictions can show up on background checks and impact employment, housing, and professional licensing. Some industries have reporting requirements and disciplinary rules. We help you understand how your charge may appear, advise on disclosure timing when appropriate, and tailor strategy with your career and future plans in mind.

Criminal charges can create serious immigration consequences, including visa issues, denial of naturalization, detention, or deportation. Certain offenses — including drug crimes, domestic violence, and crimes involving moral turpitude — can be especially risky. Tell your defense lawyer immediately so immigration consequences can be considered when evaluating offers and negotiating outcomes.