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Orlando Criminal Defense Attorneys
Defense Group has dedicated decades to providing comprehensive criminal defense services across Central Florida. With over 100 years of combined legal expertise, our team specializes in navigating complex criminal cases, including DUIs, drug offenses, violent crimes, and white-collar crimes. We prioritize client communication, offering 24/7 availability and personalized legal strategies tailored to each case's unique circumstances. Our attorneys have successfully secured dismissals, reduced penalties, and protected clients' rights in state and federal courts.We emphasize transparency, refusing to make unrealistic promises while delivering aggressive representation grounded in factual evidence and procedural knowledge. This commitment to ethical practice and client-centered advocacy has earned us recognition in high-profile cases and sustained trust within the community.
Services
DUI Defense
Drug Crimes
Expungement
Felonies
Misdemeanors
Property Crimes
Sex Crimes
Traffic Crimes
Violent Crimes
Weapons Charges
Highlights and features
- We offer free case evaluations for all potential clients.
- Our team has over 100 years of combined criminal defense experience.
- We provide 24/7 availability for urgent legal matters.
- We develop customized legal strategies for each case.
- We focus exclusively on criminal defense cases.
What people say
Experienced and skilled
Best of the best
Successfully handled all my legal challenges
Best attorneys in Florida
Explained the process clearly
Services
DUI Defense
Our DUI defense attorneys handle first-time and repeat offenses, including CDL DUIs and felony DUI charges. We challenge evidence, negotiate reduced penalties, and protect driving privileges. With extensive courtroom experience, we analyze police procedures, breathalyzer accuracy, and legal thresholds to build strong defenses tailored to Florida statutes.
Drug Crimes
We defend against drug possession, trafficking, and manufacturing charges across Florida. Our approach examines search warrant validity, chain of custody issues, and lab analysis procedures. We leverage constitutional protections against unlawful searches while developing strategies to suppress evidence or negotiate charge reductions through pretrial interventions.
Expungement
Our expungement services help clients clear non-violent criminal records through legal processes. We guide clients through eligibility requirements, petition preparation, and court appearances to seal or destroy arrest records, improving employment and educational opportunities while maintaining strict confidentiality standards.
Violent Crimes
We defend against domestic violence, aggravated assault, and homicide charges with strategic courtroom representation. Our approach challenges witness credibility, examines forensic evidence, and protects clients' rights during police interrogations. We handle complex cases involving protective orders, weapon enhancements, and mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines.
Weapons Charges
Our attorneys defend against illegal possession, carrying, and trafficking charges under Florida's strict gun laws. We analyze federal and state jurisdictional issues, challenge unlawful searches, and demonstrate lawful ownership claims. We handle cases involving concealed weapon permits, straw purchases, and firearm enhancements in related criminal charges.
People
Hal Uhrig
Attorney
Hal Uhrig has practiced criminal defense law in Florida for over 30 years. His expertise includes complex felony cases, DUI defense, and appellate representation. He maintains active memberships in the Florida Bar Association and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Peter J. Basil Zies
Attorney
Peter J. Basil Zies specializes in drug crime defense and white-collar criminal cases. With 25+ years of trial experience, he focuses on federal sentencing guidelines and asset forfeiture proceedings while maintaining active participation in Florida criminal law reform initiatives.
H. Manuel Hernandez
Attorney
H. Manuel Hernandez concentrates on violent crime defense and appellate litigation. He has handled numerous homicide cases and serves as a court-appointed special public defender in Central Florida jurisdictions while mentoring junior attorneys through the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Gail Garner
Legal Professional
Gail Garner provides case management and client support with 18 years of experience in criminal defense operations. She coordinates client communications, trial preparation, and legal documentation while maintaining strict confidentiality protocols for sensitive case information.
David Mollison
Legal Professional
David Mollison supports case strategy development and legal research with 15 years of experience in Florida criminal law. He specializes in evidentiary motion preparation, sentencing guideline analysis, and courtroom technology integration for trial presentations.
Questions
What happens after a person is arrested?
After arrest, the person is booked, processed, and may be released on bail. A criminal complaint is filed, followed by an arraignment hearing.
Do you have to speak to police after arrest?
You have the right to remain silent. Only provide your name; consult an attorney before answering further questions.
What is an arraignment?
An arraignment is where charges are formally announced, and you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
Can criminal records be sealed?
Non-violent, non-sexual arrests may qualify for record sealing or expungement through court processes.
What differentiates felonies from misdemeanors?
Felonies carry harsher penalties including prison time, while misdemeanors typically result in shorter jail sentences or fines.
When should I hire a defense attorney?
Immediately upon learning of charges. Early representation helps protect rights and build defense strategies.
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