Over the years, Ali & Blankner has handled hundreds of thousands of criminal defense cases. And with over 35 years of experience, our lawyers understand what it takes to defend a case. No matter what situation you are in, we are here and will be at your side.
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Case Dismissed Disorderly ConductAli & Blankner represented a client charged with disorderly conduct.
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Case Dismissal. TheftAli & Blankner obtained a case dismissal on behalf of a client charged with Trespassing.
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Case Dismissed DUIAli & Blankner worked to get a case dismissed involving a client with both a DUI and citations.
Criminal Defense Attorneys in Orlando
Fighting Criminal Charges in Florida
Whether you have been accused of a crime or your loved one has been arrested, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer by your side as soon as possible. Even if you are simply under investigation, it is absolutely critical that you hire an attorney right away. The state may already be building its case against you; you need someone in your corner who can aggressively advocate for you, protect your rights, and fight for your future.
Our free consultation can give you an idea of what we can do to help you or your loved one. We also offer different payment plans to help make the process easier for you and your family.
The best thing you can do to protect your rights is to speak to an Orlando criminal defense lawyer at Ali & Blankner right away. Contact us today at (407) 753-1312 to get the legal help you need. Hablamos español.
Why You Need an Experienced Defense Attorney
A criminal defense attorney in Orlando is essential when it comes to protecting your rights in the face of serious criminal charges. Not only that, but an experienced lawyer will know how to handle complex situations. You want a professional at your side when it comes to criminal cases and all the details involved, or you could end up in the worst-case scenario.
Ali & Blankner is the team that’s ready to serve you. With our combined experience and intense focus on criminal defense, you have everything you need with us.
At our firm, we’ve handled various types of criminal cases, so we’re fully capable of aggressively fighting for your rights and preparing a sturdy defense. We have connections to experts in different fields to help analyze the evidence and find various defense opportunities when they arise. We also have someone ready to negotiate on your behalf, so you don’t get pressured into deals that will ultimately harm you.
We always treat our clients as if they’re our closest friends and family; you can count on our team to tirelessly examine every angle and see how we can provide you with what you need.
How the Ali & Blankner Team Can Help
When you work with us, you have a team you can trust. We’ll work on all the details necessary to ensure you have what you need for your defense ahead of time.
We understand that it’s a difficult time, and we always account for the gravity of the situation. A conviction can leave you financially distraught. You could end up with years in prison and miss out on many parts of life outside it. With our commitment to turning your situation around, we strive to give you the best chance of winning your case. When you work with us, you are investing in your future.
As a part of our service to you, we’ll work with you until the case’s resolution. We’ll assist you in any way we can.
Here are some of the most common ways we’ve helped our clients:
- Removing or eliminating probations or jail time
- Reducing fines
- Acting as a representative during trials
- Ensuring that there is due process and that your rights are upheld
- Gathering compelling evidence that helps your case
- Expunging or sealing existing criminal records
One of the biggest concerns many of our clients have involves the cost of hiring an attorney. However, it is important to remember that you are trying to avoid a conviction that could significantly impact not only your financial security but also your very future. Felonies alone can have fines ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on severity. Facing imprisonment is another issue you’d have to consider.
Our legal team is ready to help you fight against professionals who are out to get you. Hire us today, and we’ll be your advocate and someone you can trust.
Criminal Defense FAQs
What should I do if I’ve been accused of a crime?
If you have been accused of a crime—even if you have not been arrested or charged with anything yet—you should immediately contact a criminal defense lawyer. You should also remember and enact your right to remain silent. This holds during an arrest, as well. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. While it can be tempting to try to explain yourself and what you were doing at the moment, you should not. Law enforcement is looking for you to make a mistake or say something incriminating that they can then use against you later. They may even ask you questions, but you do NOT have to answer any questions other than to identify yourself.
Can the police search my home or vehicle without my consent?
You have the right to refuse a search of your home, vehicle, and other personal belongings. Unless the police have a signed search warrant, they are not legally allowed to conduct a search if you do not permit them to do so. You should clearly state that you do not consent to a search of your belongings. If the police conduct a search anyway, do not try to stop them. Instead, repeat that you do not consent to a search and contact a lawyer immediately. An unlawful search and/or seizure could serve as grounds for a motion for suppression or a motion to dismiss.
Will I have to go to court?
Whether or not you will need to go to court depends on the specifics of your case. Many of our clients never have to step foot in the courtroom. At Ali & Blankner, we are committed to making the process as easy and painless as possible for our clients. However, if you are required to go to court, you can rely on our attorneys to fully prepare you for what to expect from the process.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
Generally speaking, misdemeanors are considered to be less serious crimes than felonies. As such, they carry less severe penalties. However, do not make the mistake of believing a misdemeanor charge is not serious at all. You could still face jail time, thousands of dollars in fines, and other significant penalties if you are convicted of a misdemeanor. The maximum sentence for a misdemeanor in Florida is one year in county jail, along with various fines and probation. Felonies, on the other hand, carry much harsher penalties, including time in state prison. The maximum prison sentence for felonies (other than life and capital felonies) in Florida is 30 years in prison. Life and capital penalties may result in a life sentence or capital punishment (death), respectively.
Can I have my criminal record sealed or erased?
It is possible to have your criminal record sealed or erased (expunged) if you meet all the applicable criteria. Specifically, you can only have your record expunged if you have never been convicted of a crime. If your case is dismissed, and you have no past convictions, you could qualify for expungement or record sealing. Contact Ali & Blankner to learn more, including how we can help.
Contact us online or call (407) 753-1312 to set up your no-cost consultation and case evaluation with one of our criminal defense attorneys in Orlando, FL. Hablamos español.
Florida's Criminal Process
In our experiences as former prosecutors, the offer given to you at arraignment will not be favorable. The prosecutor has not had time to review the evidence in your case. In many circumstances, the prosecutor does not even have a file prepared for the proceeding. Therefore, the prosecutors give a high offer in order to cover themselves, as they know nothing about the facts and circumstances of your case.
Here, we have provided a high-level overview of the Florida criminal process:
- Plea Negotiation: Plea negotiations take place throughout your case in the form of meetings with the prosecutor, pretrial conferences, and plea conferences. The goal of a plea negotiation is to come to a favorable resolution of the case, which begins with an "offer" from the prosecutor or judge. If the offer is unfavorable, then litigation is the course of action.
- Pretrial Diversion: Pretrial Diversion is offered by the State Attorney’s office and, depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, generally involves a term of probation, community service, classes for rehabilitation, a substance abuse treatment program, random testing at your expense, and fines including the cost of supervision, cost of prosecution, cost of a law enforcement investigation, and court costs, as well as other sanctions depending on the nature of your charges. Upon completing the program, the State Attorney’s office will drop your charges.
- Pretrial Intervention: Pretrial Intervention is a program offered by the court and may be used for repeat offenders in certain circumstances. Similar to the State Attorney's pretrial diversion program, the court may order you to complete a term of probation, community service, classes for rehabilitation, a substance abuse treatment program, random testing at your expense, and fines including the cost of supervision, cost of prosecution, cost of a law enforcement investigation, and court costs, as well as other sanctions, depending on the nature of your charges. Upon successfully completing the program, the court will drop your charges.
- First Time Offenders/Certain Repeat Offenders: For first-time offenders and certain repeat offenders, there are a wide variety of programs available depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, as well as your criminal history. If you are eligible for pretrial diversion, pretrial intervention, or drug court and you successfully complete the program, your charges will be dropped.
- Drug Court: Drug Court is intended for repeat offenders who suffer from drug addiction. The program involves weekly supervision and an extensive substance abuse treatment program that can last anywhere from 18 to 24 months.
- Litigation: If plea negotiations are unsuccessful, the next course of action is to litigate your case. This may be done in a couple of ways. Before trial, we will file motions to suppress or motion to dismiss, depending on the facts of your case. If either or both motions are unsuccessful then upon your approval, the next step will be to try the case before a jury.
- Motion to Suppress (Evidence/Statements): A motion to suppress is a hearing in which your defense attorney will challenge the constitutionality of the officer's ability to stop you or your vehicle, detain you for purposes of conducting an investigation, and conduct an arrest. In addition, there may be other challenges, including statements unlawfully taken in violation of your Miranda rights and issues regarding consent to search your person, vehicle, house, etc.
- Motion to Dismiss: Generally, there are three types of motions to dismiss, which, if successful, will result in the court dropping the charges against you. These include:
- The undisputed facts do not support the crime for which you are charged
- The prosecutor failed to bring you to trial within a certain amount of time from the point you were arrested in violation of your right to a speedy trial
- The case has gotten so old that it violates the statute of limitations
- Trial: If the motion to suppress/motion to dismiss is unsuccessful, Ali & Blankner is fully prepared to bring your case before a jury in order to prove your case.
If you have any questions or concerns about the Florida criminal justice system or how it may affect your case, please do not hesitate to contact our firm for a free, confidential consultation.
What to Do After An Arrest
After you are arrested or have any notice to appear before the court, the best course of action is to contact us immediately. Any action you take without legal counsel could end up affecting the case. We can quickly review the details of your situation and have a lawyer ready to work with you. Hiring an attorney right away can also prevent you from getting surprises like:
- Suspensions
- Criminal records
- Jail Time
- Probation
Whatever your position is with the crime, an experienced criminal defense attorney is someone you can trust with your case. We understand how to navigate the legal process and use opportunities when they’re available.
Our philosophy is to represent our clients in a full spectrum approach. Both legal and practical solutions are explored by our legal team, and each client’s situation is evaluated and pursued in accordance with his or her specific needs.
Enforcing Your Rights
No two cases are the same, which is why an experienced legal team benefits you most. Our understanding of different scenarios allows us to navigate these cases with ease. We know how the prosecution moves and have a solid foundation that your defense will stand on.
In all criminal cases, the presumption is defendants are innocent until proven otherwise. Even in scenarios where there’s false or misleading information, we protect your rights. We always communicate this fact in court and will aggressively defend your case.
There can only be a guilty sentence if there is proof beyond all reasonable doubt. That means there is sufficient evidence that the crime happened. The prosecution will try to make this case possible, and we’ll protect you against any charges that have no solid ground. We’ll also use evidence to show your innocence and refute claims made by other lawyers.
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Fighters & Advocates in the Courtroom
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Prosecutor Insight & Knowledge
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Large Firm Results, Small Firm Attention
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Dedicated & Experienced Counsel
Types of Criminal Defense Cases We Handle
The team at Ali & Blankner understands the intricacies of criminal cases. As former prosecutors, we know how the other side operates and can effectively prepare for their attacks.
We have extensive experience representing clients against all types of criminal defense charges, including but not limited to:
- Assault
- Burglary
- Child pornography
- Domestic violence
- Drug crimes
- DUI
- Federal crimes
- Juvenile crimes
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Probation violations
- Rape
- Robbery
- Sex crimes
- Shoplifting
- Theft crimes
- Traffic offenses
- Vehicular manslaughter
- Violent crimes
If you or someone you care about is facing criminal charges, reach out to our Orlando criminal defense lawyers right away for a free, confidential consultation. We serve all of Brevard and Orange Counties, as well as the surrounding areas.
Put Ali In Your Corner
Don't Face This Fight Alone
