Florida Criminal Attorney Blog

Published on: June 18, 2012

Central Florida Elementary School Principal Arrested in Undercover Drug Bust :: Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 43-year-old elementary school principal was arrested on drug charges Friday after deputies searched his St. Cloud home and allegedly found methamphetamine, marijuana, GHB and drug paraphernalia.

Authorities claim the arrest stems from an undercover sting operation.

The man allegedly provided an undercover agent with drugs, including methamphetamines.

He was charged with possession and delivery of drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was transported to the Osceola County Jail.

State and federal prosecutors take drug charges quite seriously. They tend to show no mercy to those suspected of dealing drugs and usually seek heavy jail time for those facing delivery charges. On top of jail time, you could be facing the forfeiture of your home, vehicles and other property. The Florida Drug Crimes Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can examine the events leading up to your arrest and review the search and seizure of your property to find any violations of police protocol. In many drug cases, illegal search and seizure has resulted in a suppression of evidence and charges being dismissed entirely.

Selling or distributing drugs in Florida is always a felony offense. The sentencing can vary based on the type of drug and other conditions. The potential penalties associated with a felony drug charge usually involve lengthy prison time and substantial fines. Law enforcement officers as well as prosecutors work vehemently towards obtaining a conviction in all areas of drug delivery or sales. Because of this, it is essential to launch an aggressive line of defense right away. Unfortunately, many people arrested for drug charges fail to secure a criminal defense lawyer’s help because they feel they cannot fight the charges stacked against them. However, a powerful defense strategy may be all that stands between you and your freedom.

The Florida Drug Crimes Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton strive to reduce any penalties you may face as a result of drug charges. It is important to understand that early representation is critical to the success of your case.

Published on: June 12, 2012

U.S. Commerce Secretary Accused of Hit-And-Run in San Gabriel Valley :: Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson was found unconscious in his Lexus after allegedly hitting two vehicles shortly after 5 p.m. Saturday in San Gabriel Valley.

An agency official confirmed Secretary Bryson suffered a seizure. He was given medication, but it is unknown what kind of treatment he received or where it was given.

The 68-year-old was cited for felony hit-and-run, but was not booked and taken to the hospital where he remained overnight.

Sources said Bryson was unaccompanied by security during the crashes because he was driving his own vehicle on personal time.

Bryson allegedly voluntarily submitted to a Breathalyzer test following the accident, but it did not detect any alcohol.

Los Angeles authorities apparently took a blood test and are awaiting the results before deciding whether or not to file charges in connection with the accidents.

Whether or not the collisions were due to a medical condition is part of the investigation, which is ongoing.

Authorities claim Bryson was driving a Lexus Saturday just after 5 p.m. when he allegedly rear-ended a Buick that was waiting for a train to pass.

Bryson apparently got out of his vehicle to talk to the three occupants inside the Buick, and then left the scene and struck the Buick a second time, authorities said. According to a police report, the occupants in the Buick followed Bryson’s car and dialed 911 for assistance.

Bryson allegedly continued driving his Lexus and crashed into a second vehicle with two people inside.

When officers arrived at the scene, they apparently found Bryson alone and unconscious behind the wheel of his vehicle.

A Commerce official said Secretary Bryson was given medication to treat the seizure.

In Florida, leaving the scene of an accident, also known as hit-and-run, is a serious criminal offense that can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor depending on the specifics of the case. This crime is charged when a person involved in an accident flees the scene without providing the other party involved with their name, address, driver’s license and registration information. Additionally, if an accident you are involved in results in the death or injury of another person, you are obligated to stop and reasonably assist any injured parties by calling for medical care. Failing to render appropriate assistance after an accident you were involved in could lead to a felony conviction of leaving the scene of an accident.

If you leave the scene of an accident that causes only property damage, you could be facing second-degree misdemeanor charges carrying consequences of up to 60 days in jail and fines up to $500. Leaving the scene of an accident with a serious injury can result in third-degree felony charges punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $5,000. A hit-and-run causing death can lead to first-degree felony charges punishable by up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 in fines. Furthermore, if you are convicted of leaving the scene of an accident your driver’s license will be suspended or revoked and your insurance premiums will increase.

If you were charged with a hit-and-run, it is essential to consult with a Florida Criminal Traffic Defense Lawyer as soon as possible to make sure your rights are protected. At Whittel & Melton, we can help you present your side of the story, so that none of your statements to law enforcement can be misinterpreted and used against you in trial. Our experienced criminal traffic offense lawyers can work towards getting your charges reduced or dismissed entirely.

Published on: May 2, 2012

Florida White Collar Crime Defense Lawyers Whittel & Melton :: FBI Undercover Bust Results in the Arrest of Three Former Football Players

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Two ex-NFL football players and a former high school football star were arrested in an undercover operation set up by FBI agents Monday for allegedly cashing dozens of fraudulently obtained tax-refund checks and seeking a loan, totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars.

FBI agents apparently set up a check-cashing store “front” in Miami as a response to the escalating number of reported identity-theft crimes in South Florida and nationwide. The FBI claims the bust was designed to prevent an alleged identify-theft and tax-refund scheme.

The men arrested include: William Joseph who was drafted in the first round by the New York Giants in 2003 and last played with the Oakland Raiders in 2010, Michael Bennet who also was drafted in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings in 2001 and finished his career with the Raiders in 2011 and Louis Gachelin, a Miami Jackson High and Syracuse University defensive lineman who signed as a free agent with the New England Patriots in 2004, but failed to make the final roster.

The former football players, Joseph, 32, of Miramar, Gachelin, 31, of Miramar, and Bennett, 33, of Tampa were granted bonds Tuesday. Arraignments are apparently scheduled for May 15.

The sting operation yielded five other arrests Monday as well.

Joseph, Gachelin and those five defendants were charged with cashing a total of about $500,000
in fraudulently obtained tax-refund checks, forging signatures on the checks and unlawfully using identification documents such as a driver’s license.

As part of the undercover sting, the FBI apparently charged 35 percent to 45 percent in fees to cash their checks with the bureau’s own funds.

Bennet allegedly tried to obtain a $200,000 loan on April 18 from the check-cashing store front using a UBS financial statement falsely showing that he had $9 million in collateral for the loan. He was charged with wire fraud.

The FBI claims fraudulently obtained tax refunds are costing the government $5 billion or more.

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, people filing false tax returns have abused a hole in the IRS electronic filing system.

It appears that the IRS does not actually match tax returns to the W-2 income forms that employers file until several months after the filing season ends on April 15. Employers file returns at the end of February or early March, but the agency apparently does not match them up with employees’ incomes reported on 1040 forms until sometime in June.

According to the GAO, the number of identity theft-related fraud incidents on tax returns reached 248,000 in 2010, which is around five times more than in 2008.

Federal investigations into white collar or financial crimes can arise out of nowhere. In fact, these investigations can intensify quite rapidly, sometimes even before you are ever approached by investigators. It is critical to consult with a criminal defense lawyer if you have any reason to believe that you are under investigation for a financial crime. Often there are signs that can clue you into whether or not an investigation is in progress, including behavior changes in those around you, unusual questions or suspicious activities.

White collar crimes can include:

• Tax Crimes
• Fraud

• Identity Theft

• Embezzlement
• Antitrust Crimes

• Hacking
• Forgery
Financial crimes require a strong defense, and in order to be effective you must retain a trial attorney prepared to practice in state and federal court. The Florida White Collar Crime Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton understand how a strong defense against financial crimes is built. We know how to identify loophole’s in the prosecutor’s case and leverage them to work in your favor.

It is important to realize that when you are charged with a crime, your future depends on early representation. Unfortunately, early mistakes cannot be undone and the prosecution will use any information they can against you.

Published on: April 21, 2012

Florida Fraud Defense Lawyers Whittel & Melton :: Two Volusia Women Face Charges in Alleged Timeshare Scheme

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Investigators claim more than a dozen people, possibly more, have been bilked out of thousands of dollars related to an alleged timeshare scam in Ormond Beach.

The investigation began in January after the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the Hillsborough County Consumer Protection Agency, which claims they had received complaints about a company selling timeshares.

People that wanted to sell their timeshares apparently sent money to the company through wire transfers. Police claim the money was picked up in Volusia County, but the alleged victims never heard anything from the company again.

A 45-year-old Ormond Beach woman was allegedly identified by police as the person who had picked up 15 of the wire transfers.

The Ormond Beach Police Department was apparently investigating the woman and combined forces with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office to complete the investigation.

A 39-year-old Ormond Beach woman was also investigated by the two agencies for her alleged involvement in the scheme. She was arrested a month ago and accused of two counts of grand theft.

Police claim that during an interview she admitted to the fraud scheme. She allegedly told investigators she was provided with “lead sheets” that contained information about potential victims, and she would call them to offer to sell their timeshares.

The women would allegedly tell people how much money to send for nonexistent services and how to send it through a wire transfer.

The pair apparently picked up the wire transfers together. The 45-year-old woman was allegedly the one that actually had to collect the cash because the other woman was apparently banned from using Western Union.

Police believe the 39-year-old woman gave the 45-year-old woman 5 percent to 20 percent of the payment.

The 45-year-old woman was arrested this week on charges of organized scheme to defraud and five counts of grand theft.

The 39-year-old woman is now facing two counts of theft from a person 65 or older, six counts of obtaining property by fraud and four counts of grand theft in addition to the charges filed last month.

Federal and state government agencies are cracking down more than ever on timeshare fraud violators. Prosecutors tend to show little mercy on those accused of timeshare fraud, making the need for a criminal defense lawyer extremely vital. To successfully defend yourself against fraud accusations, you often need to deal with a large and complicated investigation that may have been constructed over several months or possibly years by government investigators. An effective defense is an absolute necessity when facing such a serious situation.

Courts take fraud charges quite seriously and a conviction often results in jail time and other consequences. Dealing with these charges can be overwhelming and stressful as you may not fully realize the extent of your case. Understanding the charges against you can prepare you for what to expect in court. You do have rights and options in defending your case. The Florida Fraud Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help you face your criminal charges properly, so that you can move forward with your case and your life.

Published on: April 17, 2012

South Florida Extortion Defense Lawyers Whittel & Melton :: Former TSA Officer Admits to Accepting Cash Bribe from Drug Trafficker

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 46-year-old former Transportation Security Administration officer pleaded guilty Monday to federal charges of extortion and receipt of a bribe.

According to the U.S. attorney’s office, the Palm Beach Gardens resident admitted to accepting cash in exchange for allowing illegal prescription painkillers to pass through airport security without detection.

Authorities claim the man accepted cash from a trafficker to guarantee that he would not be detained by TSA as he made his way through airport security carrying oxycodone pills while en route to Connecticut. He was one of 20 people arrested last year following an investigation by a Drug Enforcement Administration task force.

The man allegedly accepted $500 from the trafficker last year on four separate occasions while employed as a TSA officer at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The trafficker was apparently working with authorities.

The man is scheduled to be sentenced on July 5.

The man faces up to 20 years in prison for the extortion count and another possible 15 years on the bribe count.

Extortion is classified as a white collar crime, often penalized with automatic incarceration. A person charged with extortion is accused of acquiring money, goods, services or a desired outcome from another through the use of threats or violence. There are several offenses that are categorized under the crime of extortion, including:

• Bribery
• Ransom
• Blackmail
If a public servant receives money that is not owed to them legally, this is considered extortion. Extortion is a federal crime, and therefore taken quite seriously. A conviction for extortion can result in a number of criminal penalties, including prison time, fines, probation, parole and possibly restitution to the victim. Penalties can vary depending on the severity of the crime and the defendant’s criminal record. It is important to be aware that even the attempt to commit extortion can result in criminal charges carrying potential jail time.

As former prosecutors, the Florida Extortion Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton have the background needed to aggressively defend extortion charges in both state and federal court. Defending these charges often requires gathering physical evidence to establish the defendant’s true character as well as expert and witness testimony. To be able to deliver a strong defense, early preparation and a thorough investigation into the facts of the case needs to be conducted as soon as possible. Early intervention is critical when facing extortion charges.

Published on: April 12, 2012

Florida Criminal Defense Lawyers Whittel & Melton :: Judge Denies Bail for Woman Accused of Burying her Husband in Backyard Herb Garden

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A judge refused to set bail Wednesday for a 64-year-old Lake Alfred woman accused of killing her 77-year-old husband and burying his body in the couple’s backyard garden.

The woman’s lawyer argued that the woman has seriously health issues that cannot be properly addressed in jail.

The woman is diagnosed with fibromyalgia — a chronic disorder that affects the muscles and causes extensive pain.

The woman apparently takes more than 20 pills a day, including pain killers.

Her attorney asked the Polk County judge to set bail for the woman because her case is “unique,” and because she voluntarily submitted to questioning in front of investigators and a grand jury.

However, the Assistant State Attorney claims the woman has not been truthful in her answers to law enforcement.

The woman was indicted Tuesday on a charge of premeditated first-degree murder.

First-degree premeditated murder is the intentional killing of another person with a deliberate plan to kill. In all homicide cases, the State typically assigns veteran law enforcement officers and prosecutors to investigate and handle these cases. Usually advanced technology is utilized when conducting homicide investigations and more money is spent by the department to perform a thorough investigation, which is why these charges require the assistance of an aggressive criminal defense lawyer to provide an applicable defense. Generally, a person charged with first-degree murder will be denied bond and will sit in jail throughout the entire duration of the legal process.

There are possible defenses to first-degree murder, including:

• Self-defense
• Excusable Homicide
• Justifiable Homicide
First-degree murder is a capital felony, meaning your life is on the line. It is imperative to begin building a zealous defense immediately as this is viewed as the most serious crime on the books in Florida. There are only two potential outcomes following a conviction for first-degree murder: the death penalty or life in prison with zero possibility of parole. Prosecutors may choose to waive the option for the death penalty, but if they do not, and a defendant is convicted, the choice is left to a jury to decide between life and death. Because of the extreme penalties attached to murder charges, it is important to start fighting the process early on.

Published on: April 10, 2012

Tampa White Collar Crimes Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: “Millionaire” Date Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 36-year-old Tampa resident that appeared on Bravo television’s The Millionaire Matchmaker in 2009 claiming he was worth $400 million and operated a company with business in 36 nations plead guilty Monday in federal court to bank fraud charges.

The man apparently confessed that he received a $3 million loan in the months before his television appearance by faking he had tens of millions of dollars squirreled in two banks.

The plea came in Monday afternoon and was a shock to lawyers working the case who had apparently spent the morning selecting a jury in a trial that was anticipated to last a week.

The man entered an open plea, which means he has no deal on a sentence arranged with prosecutors. The judge scheduled his sentencing for Aug. 9.

The man’s court-appointed attorney claims the man feared losing at trial and decided against taking a risk.

The man will remain in custody until sentencing. His bail was revoked last year after prosecutors accused him of attempting to purchase two luxury vehicles while awaiting trial.

Prosecutors allege the man began pursuing the loan in 2008, telling the bank he needed the funds for his business, a company specializing in processing electronic payments on the Internet.

The man had two co-conspirators, prosecutors allege. One apparently worked at a bank and produced a fraudulent letter confirming the man had $21 million on deposit, which the man used as collateral on the $3 million loan.

Additional fraudulent documents were allegedly used to obtain the loan including bank statements and tax returns for 2006 and 2007. According to reports, the man did not file returns in those years.

The man apparently met with a bank official in the Caribbean regarding the loan in November2008. Another alleged co-conspirator impersonated a Caribbean bank representative claiming the man had $145 million on deposit there.

Also on Monday, one alleged co-conspirator pleaded guilty to bank fraud charges. He will also be sentenced in August.

A second alleged co-conspirator has apparently agreed to cooperate with authorities.

In the state of Florida, bank fraud is classified as a serious federal crime that can carry consequences of up to 30 years in state prison and fines up to $1,000,000. These cases are investigated by federal agencies that devote countless hours and resources to uncovering evidence of bank fraud and other financial crimes. In an effort to seek the maximum penalties, these same agencies will often employ federal prosecutors to try these cases in court.

Bank fraud may be committed in a number of ways. Some of these may include:

• Falsifying loan documents
• Making false statements
• Forging checks
• Wire fraud involving a bank

• Mail fraud involving a bank

• Loan Fraud
• Counterfeiting loan documents

• Forging Letters of Credit
Regardless of the specific bank fraud charges you are facing, the Florida White Collar Criminal Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help. The federal laws related to bank fraud can be confusing. If you are suspected of bank fraud, do not waste any time seeking legal counsel. These charges are serious and can deliver life-altering consequences.

Published on: April 3, 2012

Florida Credit Card Fraud Defense Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Volunteer Firefighter Accused of Using an Agency Fuel Credit Card to Purchase Gas for Himself and Friends

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A volunteer firefighter with the Columbia County Fire Department was arrested on March 7 for allegedly using an agency fuel credit card to pay for more than $7,500 worth of gas for his personal vehicle and his friends’ vehicles.

The 19-year-old Lake City, Florida man was charged with grand theft and fraudulent use of a credit card.

According to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, 181 fraudulent transactions were made using the fuel card, which was apparently reported stolen from a fire department vehicle on March 2 after a number of charges were allegedly made on the card.

Police claim they identified the volunteer firefighter as the suspect after apparently viewing surveillance footage from gas stations.

The man was held on $21,000 bond.

Florida has very specific laws set in place to protect the public against credit card fraud. A misdemeanor or felony credit card fraud offense can be charged when someone is accused of signing, taking, forging, using, obtaining, selling or buying someone else’s credit card, debit card or account information. Simply put, knowingly using a stolen, expired, altered, counterfeited, forged or revoked credit card will likely result in theft charges. It’s very important to recognize that while credit card fraud is charged as either petty or grand theft, you could also face forgery and identity theft charges. As you may or may not know, grand theft is classified in Florida as any theft totaling more than $300. It can be a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison if the total falls under $5,000, but if the theft is more than $5,000 it can be labeled a second or first-degree felony.

The Florida Credit Card Fraud Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help you understand the complex legal issues that arise following charges of grand theft and fraudulent use of a credit card. By initially investigating the circumstances involved, we can often uncover flaws and irregularities in the government’s case that may help protect your legal rights. State and federal agencies may pursue cases of credit card fraud, however usually these cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Secret Service. Many of these typed of theft-related charges require the prosecution to prove there was intent to commit fraud. For many accused of credit card fraud, this is their best chance at avoiding a conviction.

Published on: April 2, 2012

Florida Illegal Prescription Drug Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Former San Diego Chargers Quarterback Ryan Leaf Accused of Breaking into Montana Home to Steal Drugs

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Ex-NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf was arrested Friday in his hometown of Great Falls, Montana following a month-long investigation regarding accusations he broke into an acquaintances home to steal pain medications.

He was been charged with burglary, possession of a dangerous drug and theft. He is currently free on $76,000 bail and is scheduled to make his first court appearance Monday.

In 2008, Leaf was accused of burglarizing a player’s home while he was a quarterbacks coach for Division II West Texas A&M. The investigation alleged he obtained nearly 1,000 pain pills from area pharmacies in an eight-month span. A plea agreement was reached leaving Leaf with 10 years’ probation.

According to reports, the prosecutor for that case plans to file a motion Monday to revoke Leaf’s probation following his Montana arrest.

The investigation apparently began when postal workers in Great Falls brought it to the police’s attention that Leaf was allegedly receiving c.o.d. packages once or twice a week worth $500 or more.

Police claim the packages were small, rattled and were sent from a Florida address apparently identified as a mailbox company. Police decided the activity was suspicious and decided to watch the man. Authorities apparently made the decision to confront the man after packages allegedly started arriving more frequently.

Leaf’s probation officer was told by police to call the man in. A search of Leaf and his truck allegedly revealed two prescription bottles in a pocket of a golf bag embroidered with the man’s initials.

Officers claim one unlabeled bottle contained 28 pills of oxycodone, which Leaf does not have a valid prescription for. Another bottle was allegedly found empty but its label indicated it was oxycodone prescribed for another person.

Police apparently interviewed the man and owner of the home Leaf is accused of breaking into, his live-in girlfriend and his housekeeper, and gathered that Leaf entered the house without permission on Thursday afternoon and took the man’s prescription drugs.

Leaf is accused of entering the man’s home Thursday, surprising the housekeeper and stealing the man’s prescribed medication.

The man allegedly discovered his pills to be missing Thursday evening and called Leaf to confront him, asking him to return the pills. The man claims Leaf did not return the pills.

A search of Leaf’s home did not yield any more painkillers or any evidence that he was receiving illegal prescriptions via mail.

Leaf allegedly told police that he had been receiving medication through the mail for which he has a prescription, but he did not provide proof.

Leaf had surgery last year to remove a benign tumor from his brain stem and later underwent additional radiation treatments.

Leaf could be looking at a prison sentence of longer than the 10-year probation term, should the Texas judge revoke his probation. Due to the plea deals agreed upon regarding Leaf’s drug charges in Texas — seven counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and one count of delivery of a simulated controlled substance — the judge could treat each count separately.

Some of these charges carry prison sentences up to 20 years.

If convicted of illegally possessing prescription drugs, you face a slew of consequences including expensive fines, prison time and a permanent criminal record. Unfortunately, prescription drugs are highly addictive and many people find themselves struggling with an addiction to pain killers following an injury or surgery. Once their prescription runs out, they may experience symptoms of withdrawal and resort to any means possible to feed their habit – even through illegal means.

The Florida Illegal Prescription Drug Attorneys at Whittel & Melton defend people facing prescription drug charges. In fact, we work together with medical experts and drug counselors in order to convey the addictive qualities found in prescription pills, in addition to their physiological and psychological impacts. Every case is unique and the court may take into consideration the distinct set of circumstances surrounding your case. Our attorneys will make certain the court fully understands your situation as well as the medical and psychological reasons that justify any possible abuse of prescription drugs.

Despite whether you are under investigation or have already been arrested, it is necessary to take the first step towards protecting your rights by contacting the Florida Drug Crimes Attorneys at Whittel & Melton. As with all drug cases, there are various factors that must be discussed. Prosecutors are interested in getting you to talk or admit your guilt to avoid going to trial. Many times these plea deals promise less severe consequences than if you are convicted at trial. However, plea bargains are not always in your best interest. As trial attorneys, we can evaluate your case and any evidence against you to determine the best plan of attack.

Published on: March 31, 2012

South Florida Criminal Defense Lawyers Whittel & Melton :: Pompano Beach Woman Ordered not to Abuse 911 for Non-Emergency Calls

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 44-year-old Pompano Beach woman accused of placing 15 calls to 911 laced with racial slurs was ordered by a Broward judge Wednesday to not dial 911 for non-emergencies and to undergo a mental health evaluation.

The woman was arrested Tuesday and charged for misusing the 911 system after allegedly calling police for no apparent emergency 15 times between 4:40 and 9 p.m. Monday.
Investigators claim the woman was on their radar for calling 911 an estimated 1,000 times in recent months.

Before Tuesday’s arrest, the woman allegedly dialed 911 around 100 times on March 20.

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, they tracked the woman down using two cellphone numbers the woman had previously used. They asked employees at the woman’s apartment complex to call if she walked into the rental office.

After the woman stepped into the office Tuesday, police were notified and arrested her.

While non-emergency phone calls made to 911 may seem innocent, police claim these calls are actually a real problem and can serve as a distraction from true emergencies in need of immediate assistance. In fact, calling 911 for any other reason than to report an emergency situation could result in criminal penalties. Abuse of an emergency line like 911 is actually a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Following an arrest for a misdemeanor in Florida, you will want to review the Florida criminal guidelines to understand the full scope of what is at stake in your particular case. The Florida Criminal Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can provide you with the specific details related to a misdemeanor offense in Florida. When facing any type of criminal charges a legal team is always your best defense. A criminal defense lawyer can investigate the particular facts of your case and possibly find ways to beat your Florida misdemeanor charge.