The skill and experience to handle any criminal charge
Aggressive and tenacious representation is vital to a successful criminal defense. There are few Tampa criminal defense attorneys as dedicated to strategic advantage as Brian E. Gonzalez. With 38 years of experience and extensive knowledge of Florida Law, he is widely respected across the Sunshine State for his ability to earn acquittals, dismissals, and other favorable outcomes for his clients.
The Law Offices of Brian E. Gonzalez, P.A., has earned national recognition by legal experts and has litigated on behalf of defendants in a variety of criminal cases that have garnered significant media coverage. But more than that, Brian Gonzalez and his team are known for aiding clients with honest counsel and skillful, investigative negotiation. We aim to limit the consequences of arrest and bring to light any false accusations or unlawful arrests. Contacting Brian E. Gonzalez is the only way to get a fair assessment of your situation and sustain a greater likelihood of success in your case.
Pre-Arrest/Pre-Charging Representation
What Happens When You Are Arrested
Being arrested can be scary, especially if you’ve never been arrested before. But even when the police put you in handcuffs and then into the back of a patrol car, you retain your right to not incriminate yourself. Remember, being arrested is NOT the same as being charged which means if you don’t speak to an experienced attorney before speaking to police, your words can still be used against you.
When approached by police, you will likely be asked questions in a common attempt to get you to incriminate yourself. The most any police officer can do without evidence is “book” you, which consists of an arrest, processing through local jail, and holding for a short period of time. But the more you say to a police officer, without a criminal defense attorney present, the more likely it is you will be formally charged.
Remember, police officers are trained to get suspects talking which often is not in their best interest. They may threaten or intimidate you and in some cases, they may even make promises of release or lesser punishment that they cannot deliver. Do not give in to these threats or empty promises! Instead, plead the fifth, ask to speak with your lawyer, and then, if need be, repeat these two things over again. In today’s climate, it’s more important than ever to document your side which means you may benefit from having a dashboard camera for traffic stops or from video recording your exchange with any police officer or as a result of body cameras worn by officers.
One of the most important things to remember about police and other law enforcement officials is that they are not experts in the law. While they may be knowledgeable about Florida law, only prosecutors have the power to charge you which means being arrested does not necessarily mean that you will be charged with a crime. This is why it’s essential to know what it means to be arrested and what your rights and best course of action are throughout the process.
In the event you are arrested, you will be “booked” which essential means you are taken to the local jail for fingerprints, processing, and holding. This is the time you or your loved one must speak to a successful criminal defense lawyer like Brian E. Gonzalez. At this point, an intake attorney will review the report brought forth by police and determine whether or not a law was broken, whether or not there is sufficient evidence against you and whether or not you will be charged.
In some cases, evidence may be sufficient to provide probable cause for prosecution, which is why you need defense attorney Brian E. Gonzalez on your team. Having An Experienced Attorney Hired And Communicating With The State Attorney’s Office During This Intake Process Before Formal Charges Are Filed Is Often Times Critical In Providing Information Suggesting A Lesser Charge Or No Charge At All Should Be Filed. Your side of the story may be the only thing standing between you and prison. Our team of criminal defense lawyers will speak with the State Attorney’s Office, the office making the final decision on charges and we can help negotiate the best possible outcome.
We are available to work with you and answer your questions at any time throughout these hardships, but it’s up to you to call!