Criminal Law in Bradenton, FL

At Pallegar Law, P.A. we represent people charged with criminal offenses in the Bradenton-Sarasota area. If you are arrested or charged with a crime your worst nightmare may be coming true, however, rest assure we are here to help you weather the storm. We represent individuals charged with misdemeanors, felonies, and DUI charges in Bradenton, Florida and throughout Manatee County. If you, a friend, or a loved one is charged with a crime, call an experienced Bradenton criminal defense attorney at Pallegar Law, P.A. Call 941-893-5816 for a comprehensive no-charge consultation. We are available 24/7 to take your calls and will provide you options to get you the most favorable resolution on your case.

At Pallegar Law, P.A. we specialize in criminal defense. This means we stay on top of the newest case law with access to top of the line criminal law databases. We understand the gravity of criminal cases and the impact they can have on your life. Just one arrest results in a permanent criminal record, and a conviction can put stress upon your family, your job, and your livelihood.

When you retain Pallegar Law, P.A., you will be represented by a Bradenton criminal defense attorney who will obtain the facts and procedural status of your case. We will discuss possible options with you and provide you with a comprehensive defense strategy. Communication is key for a successful attorney-client relationship. We keep you informed every step of the way, and are always available if you have questions or concerns.

Our primary objective is to fight the charges against you and resolve the case with the best possible outcome. Typically, the best possible outcome is a complete dismissal of the charges. We work with law enforcement and the State Attorney’s office to discuss your case before charges are formally filed. After you are arrested, the investigation is handed over to the State Attorney’s office to decide whether or not there is enough evidence to formally charge you with the crime. This period of time is called the pre-file investigation, and it is crucial to hire an attorney during this stage so that we can get to work contesting the charges before they are filed. We conduct our own investigation of the case—reviewing evidence, speaking to witnesses primarily law enforcement and prosecutors. We research case law so that we can provide the State Attorney with defense information to mitigate the case. The best-case scenario is that charges are not filed. You may then qualify to seal or expunge the case removing all arrest information.

When you are arrested for the first time, that arrest results in the creation of a permanent criminal record. Even if the charges are dropped or the case dismissed, that arrest and case information will still be available to the public and potential employers. At Pallegar Law, P.A., our goal is to resolve your case in such a way that this criminal record can be removed.

Certain charges cannot be expunged or sealed, even if the case is dismissed. These charges are typically violent or sexual crimes, including: arson, aggravated battery or assault, child abuse, homicide, sexual battery, sexual activity with a child, aggravated stalking, or kidnapping. Also if you have been convicted of any crime in the past you are disqualified from sealing or expunging your record.

You can only seal or expunge one criminal case from your record. If there are multiple charges included in one case or resulting from one arrest, they will all be removed from your record. If you have multiple cases that are eligible for sealing or expunging, you will have to choose just one to remove from your record.

If you completed a diversion program like MIP (Misdemeanor Intervention Program) or PTI (Pre-Trial Intervention Program) and had your case dismissed, you maybe eligible to expunge your record. If your case was dismissed or dropped in any way that did not result in a conviction or a withhold of adjudication, you are eligible to expunge your record. Expunging your record is a complete removal of all information related to the case and that information can only be accessed with a court order.

If your case was not dismissed and you did not complete a diversion program that resulted in dismissal, you may still be eligible to seal your record. Sealing your record will hide the information from the public like expunging, but certain government agencies will still have access to the sealed information. Unlike expunging, a sealed record does not require a court order to access. You maybe eligible for sealing if your case resulted in a withhold of adjudication (a withhold of a conviction). If your record has been sealed for at least 10 years, you can then expunge the record.

There are certain circumstances in which you must reveal that your record has been sealed or expunged. These are: if you are applying for employment in certain government or criminal justice agencies, you are charged with another crime, you are applying to work for the Dept. of Education, if you want to purchase a gun, or you are applying for admission to the Florida Bar. If you think you may be eligible for sealing or expunging, contact a knowledgeable Bradenton sealing and expunging attorney.

If you are arrested while on vacation in Bradenton, Florida, it may be your worst nightmare. A Bradenton arrest will result the creation of a Manatee County case, even if you reside in another jurisdiction. At Pallegar Law, P.A. we represent out-of-state clients every day. We work hard to ensure that you will likely never have to appear in court. You can fly back home with the knowledge that your case is in good hands. We will handle your criminal case and update you every step of the way, so that you can resume normal activities in your home state. Call Pallegar Law, P.A. for out-of-state legal representation.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime, or is interested in sealing or expunging their record, call a skilled Bradenton criminal defense attorney at Pallegar Law, P.A. Call 941-893-5816 for a consultation.