Kissimmee Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are looking for a Kissimmee criminal defense attorney, chances are you are scared, short on sleep and trying to figure out what happens next. At Ali & Blankner, we hear the same questions from people in Kissimmee every week: Will I go to jail? Should I talk to the police? Will this follow me on my record? This page walks through how criminal cases move through Osceola County, in plain English, so you know what to expect and what to do next.
How Our Florida Criminal Defense Team Handles Your Case
Our attorneys are former prosecutors, so we know how the State Attorney’s Office builds a case and where those cases can have weak spots. At Ali & Blankner, a typical defense follows a clear path:
- Listen first. We start by hearing your side and reading the arrest report, charging documents and any bond paperwork.
- Gather the evidence. That can include body camera footage, dash camera video, 911 recordings, witness statements, breath test records and lab reports.
- Look for legal problems. We check whether the stop was lawful, whether officers had probable cause and whether your rights were respected during questioning.
- File motions when they fit. A motion to suppress asks the judge to exclude evidence that was gathered improperly. A motion to dismiss asks the court to throw out a charge.
- Talk with the prosecutor. In some cases that means discussing a plea bargain, which is an agreement to resolve the case on specific terms. In others, it means preparing for trial.
- Explain every decision. You decide whether to accept an offer or go to trial. Our job is to make sure you understand the options and the risks of each.
Every Florida criminal case has its own facts, so think of this page as a starting point rather than legal advice for your situation.
What Happens After an Arrest in Kissimmee
An arrest in Kissimmee usually starts with the Kissimmee Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office or the Florida Highway Patrol. From there, the person is booked into the Osceola County Jail, which means the jail records their name, fingerprints and charges.
The next step is first appearance. Under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.130, a person who is arrested and not already released must be taken before a judge within 24 hours. At that hearing, the judge looks at whether there was probable cause for the arrest, which just means a reasonable basis to believe a crime happened. The judge also sets bond (money or conditions that allow release while the case is pending) and any rules for release, such as no contact with an alleged victim.
After that, the Office of the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit decides which charges, if any, to file. Misdemeanors and criminal traffic cases generally go to Osceola County Court. Felonies go to the circuit court. Both are handled at the Jon B. Morgan Osceola County Courthouse at 2 Courthouse Square in downtown Kissimmee.
What to Do (and Avoid) After a Kissimmee Arrest or Investigation
The first hours matter, because small choices can shape the rest of the case. Here is general guidance that applies in most situations:
OUR WINNING STRATEGY
Why You Want Ali & Blankner In Your Corner
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Fighters & Advocates in the Courtroom
The criminal lawyers in Orlando at Ali & Blankner are aggressive advocates who are willing to do whatever it takes to obtain a favorable resolution. We are committed to defending your rights and protecting your future.
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Prosecutor Insight & Knowledge
All of our Orlando criminal attorneys are former prosecutors and understand how the other side thinks. When you work with our team, you get a group of individuals who knows how to prepare and fight a winning case.
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Large Firm Results, Small Firm Attention
Our criminal defense team in Orlando understands the ins and out of the legal industry, and we have the infrastructure and resources to handle any case that comes our way. We focus on your case specifically to ensure we get the best result for you.
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Dedicated & Experienced CounselWith over 35 years of experience and thousands of clients helped, Ali & Blankner has the skills, resources, and determination to get you the best possible result.
Charges Our Kissimmee Criminal Defense Attorneys Handle
Our criminal defense practice covers a wide range of cases that come out of Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Celebration, Poinciana and the rest of Osceola County:
- DUI and other traffic offenses, including driving on a suspended license
- Drug possession, intent to sell and trafficking charges under Chapter 893 of the Florida Statutes
- Domestic violence and battery under Florida Statutes section 784.03
- Theft, shoplifting, burglary and fraud
- Assault and other violent crimes
- Weapons charges
- Sex crimes and internet crimes
- Juvenile charges
- Probation violations
- Federal crimes
- Expungements and record sealing
Kissimmee draws millions of visitors each year. Some people end up with an Osceola County case while living in another state or country. If that is you, ask early whether an attorney can appear at certain hearings for you, since repeat travel is hard.
Osceola County Courts and Local Situations in Kissimmee Criminal Defense
Cases that start in Kissimmee are heard in the Ninth Judicial Circuit, which covers both Osceola and Orange counties. That means the same State Attorney’s Office handles prosecutions in both places, but each county has its own courthouse, judges, and routines. Knowing how things run at the Osceola County Courthouse helps with the basics. That includes which division your case is in and how hearings are scheduled.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 407-753-1312 today!
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Do you speak Spanish?Yes. Our firm serves Spanish-speaking clients, and you can call 407-753-1312 to ask about an appointment.
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Will an arrest stay on my record?An arrest can appear on background checks even when the case does not end in a conviction. Depending on the outcome, you may be able to ask a court to seal or expunge the record, and an attorney can review whether you qualify.
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Can charges be reduced or dropped?Sometimes. It depends on the evidence, how it was collected, and the law that applies. No honest attorney can tell you the result in advance, so be careful with anyone who tries.
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What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?A misdemeanor is a less serious offense, and in Osceola County these are heard in county court. A felony is more serious and goes to circuit court. The level of the charge affects possible penalties, so it helps to have an attorney read the exact charge.
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How soon will I see a judge after an arrest?If you are held, Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.130 requires a first appearance within 24 hours of arrest. That hearing is where bond and release conditions are usually set.
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Do I have to answer police questions?No. You can politely say you would like to speak with a lawyer before answering. Anything you say can be used in the case, and even a casual explanation can be taken the wrong way later.
KNOCKOUT RESULTS
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Case Dismissal Drug Possession
Ali & Blankner obtained a case dismissal on behalf of a client charged with Drug Possession.
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Case Dismissed Battery & Resisting Arrest
We represented an individual charged with battery on an officer and resisting arrest, successfully getting the case dismissed.
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Case Dismissed Battery & Assault
Ali & Blankner secure a case dismissal on behalf of a client charged with battery.
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Case Dismissed DUI & Citations
Ali & Blankner worked to get a case dismissed involving a client with both a DUI and citations.
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Case Dismissal Trespassing
Ali & Blankner obtained a case dismissal on behalf of a client charged with Trespassing.
