Criminal Defense FAQ

Questions & Answers on Criminal Defense Cases

When the stakes are high, you might believe that experience matters. If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Florida, it is critically important to find a criminal defense attorney who is experienced, aggressive, and knowledgeable to protect your rights.

We understand that being involved in a criminal defense case can be a scary scenario for those individuals involved. Understanding the court procedures and terminology can make the process easier for you. Below is a compiled list of common questions and answers about criminal defense law cases. 

General Criminal Trial Questions

• What is a Motion to Dismiss?
• What is an Opening Statement in a Criminal Trial?
• What is the Difference Between Criminal & Civil Law?
• Are Plea Bargains Enforceable?
• What is the Defense of an Alibi?
• The Secrets of Police Searches- Your Right to Say No!
• What is Embezzlement? 
• What is a Criminal Appeal?
• What is the Criminal Charge of Assault?
• What is the Rebuttal Phase of a Criminal Trial?
• What is the Criminal Charge of Arson?
• Can I Be Convicted of Perjury By Saying "I Don't Remember"?
• What Happens if the Police Officer Does Not Read Me My Rights?
• The Pros and Cons of a Plea Bargain
• What is the Role of Probable Cause When It Comes to Police Searches?
• What is the Difference Between Felony and Misdemeanor Charges?
• What is Direct Examination in Criminal Trials?
• What is Prostitution?
• How is DNA Evidence used in a Criminal Trial?
• How to Expunge Criminal Records
• What is the Role of a Jury in a Criminal Trial?
• Secrets of Police "Knock and Talk" Searches: A Search without Warrant
• Understanding the First Amendment of the Constitution
• 3 Savvy Ways to Keep You from Getting Arrested
• What is Character Evidence?
• What is the Presumption of Innocence?
• What is a Motion to Suppress?
• What is the Plain View Search and Seizure?
• Why Hiring a Criminal Lawyer can Save you Thousands
• What are the Conditions of Probation?
• What is the Arraignment Process?
• What is the Criminal Charge of Domestic Battery?
• What is the Criminal Charge of Disorderly Conduct?
• What is the Consumer Credit Protection Act?
• What is Testimonial Evidence?
• Can a Polygraph Test Be Used in Criminal Proceedings?
• What is the Charge of Rape or Sexual Battery?
• How Does a Prosecutor Decide Whether or Not to File Charges?

Drug Defense Questions

• What is Forensic Toxicology?
• Can A Urine Test Reveal Marijuana and the Degree of Impairment?
• Drug Dog Searches
  
• What is Horizontal Gaze Nystgamus
• How Does the July 2011 Ruling of Judge Mary Scriven in Orlando Affect the Hundreds of Pending Drug Cases Here in the State of Florida?
• What Effects are Caused by Crystal Meth?
  

Driving & Traffic Defense Questions

•  What is a BOLO Traffic Stop?
• Will a Red Light Camera Ticket Affect My Driving Record?

DUI Defense Questions

• Should I Take A Breath Test If I'm Arrested On DUI?
• What is a Breathalyzer?
• Understanding Field Sobriety Tests
  
• What are the Top Mistakes Made After a DUI Arrest?
• How to Avoid a DUI Arrest?
• What is the Difference Between Whole Blood and Serum Blood?
• How Does Ecstasy Affect a Person's Normal Faculties in a DUI?
• Finger to Nose Field Sobriety Test
• Why You Should Not Take Field Sobriety Tests
• Legal Update-- Forced Blood Draws at DUI Roadblocks
• The Fruit of the Poisonous Tree Doctrine
• What is a DUI or Sobriety Checkpoint?
  
• Do Police Have to Read You Your Rights in a DUI Case?
• The Role of Roadblocks in Your DUI Case
• The Walk & Turn Test
• What Are Anticoagulants and How Do They Relate to Blood Tests?
• How Does Marijauana Affect Your DUI Case
• Can Urine Testing Determine Blood Alcohol Levels?
• How Do Presumptive Impairment Laws Affect Your DUI Case?
• What is an Administrative Suspension Hearing in a DUI Case?

The criminal defense attorneys at Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett, P.A., are fighting for our clients rights in arbitration cases in Clearwater, Tampa, Bradenton, Spring Hill, Pinellas, Pasco, New Port Richey, Manatee, Hillsborough and Hernando Counties in Florida.

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