Gainesville Criminal Defense Attorney

The Law Offices of Michael P. Maddux represent clients with criminal matters in both Federal and State Court. The attorneys are zealous advocates for clients with pending felony cases, misdemeanor cases or violation of probation cases, as wells as juvenile delinquency cases. The Law Offices of Michael P. Maddux also represent clients with criminal appeals and post conviction relief matters.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or a controlled substance is a very serious offense that can carry very serious consequences. Not only does driving while intoxicated threaten the lives of the impaired driver, but also innocent drivers, bystanders, passengers, or pedestrians. DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE! However, if you are charged with a DUI, whether it be a misdemeanor or felony, it is imperative to have ambitious legal counsel who can walk you through your case. Whether your case is dismissed, reduced to reckless driving, or, if you plead guilty or no contest to the charge, the Offices of Michael P. Maddux may be able to help you keep some privileges that will allow you to fulfill your important responsibilities, such as work, school, etc.

Drug Crimes

As the government proceeds in the “war against drugs,” drug offenses are one of the most widely prosecuted crimes in the State of Florida. Charges vary from misdemeanor to felonies depending on the facts of each case and can carry mandatory minimum sentences. The Offices of Michael P. Maddux represent clients who have pending felony and misdemeanor narcotics charges involving marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamines, prescription drugs, heroin, ecstasy, other controlled substances, or synthetic drugs. It is imperative to contact an attorney immediately in order to evaluate your potential defenses and prevent further incrimination.
Many drug offenses are the result of illegal search and seizures by police agencies, which can result in the case being dismissed by the Court. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael P. Maddux will evaluate whether or not probable cause existed for the traffic stop, the search of your vehicle or dwelling and/or your arrest. Contact our office today for a free case evaluation.

Possession of Marijuana/Cannabis

Marijuana is illegal to possess in the State of Florida and can carry serious consequences to those who are convicted with the possession. The penalty that most are not aware of, but yet can be most debilitating, is the suspension of one’s drivers’ license for two years for a misdemeanor possession of marijuana. Felony marijuana charges can carry mandatory minimum sentences for which the judge can not go under. 
Marijuana is frequently used as a pretext to conduct a further search of a suspect and/or their vehicle. The odor of marijuana provides law enforcement officers probable cause to search a person or a vehicle for contraband. Theses searches can lead to more serious charges/penalties. It is imperative that you know your rights, and you contact an attorney immediately to evaluate any potential defense you may have and prevent further incrimination.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence means any assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another family or household member.
Family or household member includes spouses, former spouses, persons related by blood or marriage, persons who are presently residing together as if a family or who have resided together in the past as if a family, and persons who are parents of a child in common regardless of whether they have been married.

Domestic violence allegations have an immediate impact on the person accused of the crime, even before a conviction, and can lead to serious criminal consequences if not properly investigated. Arrest for domestic violence often leads to injunctions and/or no contact orders being filed. These legal papers can leave an individual without a place to stay or with limited contact with their children. Immediate action is the key to having domestic violence cases dismissed or resolved with the least personal impact as possible. Contact the Law Offices of Michael P. Maddux for a free consultation.

Battery

A battery is commonly known as a physical altercation between two or more individuals. Legally, a battery occurs when a person actually and intentionally touches or strikes another person against the will of the other; or intentionally causes bodily harm to another person. A battery change can range from a misdemeanor to a felony depending on the seriousness of the injury and/or type of weapon that is used.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael P. Maddux analyze each case individually to determine the best defenses. Common defenses include self-defense, defense of others, or consent. Call our firm today and schedule your free consultation.

Violation Probation

Many criminal charges result with an individual being placed on probation for a specified period of time. Probation requires strict adherence to probation terms and conditions, which may include community service hours, paying fines and court costs, completing anger management or drug school, and/or random drug screens. A violation of probation (VOP) can have serious consequences which may include an adjudication/conviction on the charges, additional terms and conditions of probation, and extension of probation and/or revocation of probation and the imposition of a jail or prison sentence.

The attorneys at Michael P. Maddux, P.A., will aggressively defend your rights in attempting to achieve the best outcome in your case.

Record Sealing Expunging

A criminal conviction, whether it is a misdemeanor or felony, can be a large hurdle to new and better opportunities in the work force or in attempting to get a higher education. Expunging or sealing a record limits access to criminal records and can help you move forward with your life. However, not all charges/convictions can be sealed and/or expunged. Therefore, it is imperative that you speak with a criminal defense attorney prior to entering into any plea deal with the State of Florida. If possible, our attorneys will work diligently on your case to help fashion a plea deal which will allow you to clear your record. Please contact our office to determine whether you are eligible for a Seal or an Expungement of your record and will work quickly to clear your name.

Driving With Suspended or Revoked License

Driving with a suspended license (DWLS) or driving with a revoked license (DWLR) can result in an individual being unable to get a valid license to an extended period of time. What most people don’t know is if you plead guilty or simply pay the ticket, the charge will qualify under the habitual traffic offender statute. Three qualifying offenses within 5 years of each other will result in a license suspension for five years. It is important to obtain an attorney in order to fight your charges or have them reduced to a civil infraction which is not a qualifying offense under the Habitual Traffic Offender statute.

Gainesville Criminal Defense Lawyer

Firearm Gun Weapons Charges

Firearm charges can have serious consequences in the state of Florida. It is a crime for a convicted felon to possess a weapon, which can result in a extended prison sentence. Under the law, possession can be either actual or constructive possession. If charged with a firearm offense, it is important for an attorney to evaluate the facts of the case immediately and preserve any defenses which may be possible. Call the Offices of the Michael P. Maddux for a free consultation.

Theft Charges

Theft charges can range from misdemeanor offenses to serious first degree felony cases. Theft charges include: petit theft, retail theft, grand theft, grand theft auto, carjacking, robbery, aggravated robbery, and dealing in stolen property. A conviction of any theft charge can have an impact on the opportunities a person may have in life. If arrested for theft you may face jail or prison time, have to pay restitution to the alleged victims, and pay court costs and fees. In addition, in some case you may have your driver’s license suspended. Our lawyers will evaluate all potential defenses. Please contact our office for a free consultation.

Juvenile Charges

The United States Supreme Court, in recent years, has given further attention to juveniles convicted of crimes. The Supreme Court has noted that scientific studies show that juveniles are less culpable for their crimes. Yet juveniles are in many cases charged as adults and face adult consequences for their actions. Our firm understands this developmental difference between a juvenile and adult and provides caring and effective representation of juveniles. Our goal in dealing with juvenile cases is rehabilitation.

If you are a minor, or your minor child has been arrested, it is very important to contact a criminal defense attorney in order to start representation immediately. Law enforcement tactics, made to induce adults to confess, can easily lead to wrongful confessions by juveniles who are overwhelmed by law enforcement's show of authority. In addition, parents, in an effort to help, may harm the juvenile's defenses by communicating sensitive information to law enforcement. The goal of law enforcement and prosecutors is to get a conviction, even if the facts are in your favor. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael P. Maddux will stand up for your rights.

Criminal Appeals

Time is of the essence in criminal appeals. Florida and Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure provide strict deadlines for filing an appeal. A defendant has the opportunity to appeal several crucial points in their criminal conviction. The Law Offices of Michael P. Maddux will investigate the grounds for an appeal, draft and file a brief in the requisite appellate court, and if necessary orally argue your case to the appellate court. You must contact an attorney immediately because time is of the essence. Generally, an appeal must be filed within 30 days from the judgment and sentence.

Forfeiture of Assets

When property is allegedly used in the commission of criminal activity law enforcement generally will attempt to seize it by using Florida’s Asset Forfeiture Laws. Property can included, but is not limited to, a vehicle, money and weapons. You should know that you are entitled to an adverse preliminary hearing in order to fight the forfeiture of your property. If the State cannot prove by clear and convincing evidence that the property was related to criminal activity then the property cannot be forfeited and must be returned to you. Our attorneys will argue against any forfeiture and attempt to put your property back in your hands.