Appealing to a Higher Power.

Fortunately, in Florida and throughout the country when you are pronounced guilty of a crime you have the right to appeal the decision.  Please understand that an appeal is not considered to be a brand new trial, but rather an opportunity to have a higher court consider the original decision to be sure that it was fair and accurate.

If you think that appellate judges receive new evidence, you would be wrong!  They only consider the decision of the trial court.  Here is the challenge of the appellate process.  You need someone to effectively frame appealable issues which necessitates decades of experience and substantial knowledge of complex legal issues.

An effective appeal begins with an experienced appellate lawyer.  In Nat Kidder and Bill Bennett, you will find a combined half-century plus of that very experience.  They have dealt with Florida appellate courts and know how to navigate them.  Please make an appointment at their St. Petersburg office by calling (727) 821-8000.

Please Divert your Attention for a Moment.

No, don’t divert it from these next three paragraphs.  We want to tell you something that you may need to know.  Are you, or someone you love a first-time offender?  Please take note…there could be a program that keeps you free from incarceration as well as providing counseling to help you or that loved one overcome obstacles and move forward with your hopes and dreams to lead a productive life.

Upon successfully completing the program, the court will then dismiss the charges, so there is no record of a conviction!  Here are some of the areas that are covered.  A second degree felony, many violent crimes, driving with an invalid license, eluding arrest, participating in organized crime, and even the dreaded DUI charge.

Nat Kidder and Bill Bennett know all about Florida’s Diversion Programs (that is what they are called).  They will help you navigate successfully through the system with their combined 50+ years of practicing Florida criminal law.  Call their St. Petersburg office for a consultation as soon as you can at (727) 821-8000.

Abuse of the Young and Old.

Anyone that has been accused of abusing a child or a senior citizen is wrapped in a terrible stigma.  The alleged abuse may not even be true.  Cases such as these can turn into witch hunts as prosecutors take a vigorous approach in pursuing the alleged perpetrator.  Just being accused of child abuse is devastating enough.

The result of a conviction is often a “throw away the key” type of prison sentence.  If sexual battery is deemed to have caused the death of someone under the age of 12 it is considered a capital crime in the State of Florida.  When there is a child custody battle in play, one parent may “trump up” charges against the other with false accusations.

You need a strong team on your side if you are accused of child or elder abuse in the Sunshine State.  That team is a phone call away to the office of Nat Kidder and Bill Bennett.  They have been practicing Florida criminal law for a combined half-century plus.  Call their St. Petersburg office today to discuss your case at (727) 821-8000.