Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal charges can immediately impact your life and have long-term consequences. You may face fines, time behind bars, and difficulty obtaining certain jobs. Having an accomplished attorney who understands your rights from the moment you are questioned or arrested by the police is essential.
Written and edited by our team of expert legal content writers and reviewed and approved by Attorney Mark O’Mara
Content last updated on: April 25, 2024
Our Orlando criminal defense lawyers have significant experience handling misdemeanor and felony cases. They know your rights and how to fight back when police or prosecutors try to trick you during interrogations or unfairly accuse you of a crime. We will protect you against overzealous law enforcement officials and fight tirelessly to protect you against your charges.
- Choose an Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney With a National Reputation
- Awards and Recognition
- Benefits of Hiring the O’Mara Law Group If You’ve Been Arrested in Orlando
- Can I Afford To Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Orlando?
- Types of Criminal Cases We Handle at the O’Mara Law Group
- The Criminal Defense Attorneys at O’Mara Law Group Are Ready To Fight for You
Choose an Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney With a National Reputation
Our founder, Mark O’Mara, is a renowned attorney leading the O’Mara Law Group criminal law team. We are well-known for our dedication to our clients, as evidenced by our defense of George Zimmerman in one of the most high-profile criminal trials in recent memory.
The defense team secured an acquittal despite facing enormous pressure and controversy while defending Mr. Zimmerman. That is just one example of the skill, dedication, and commitment to justice you can expect from our firm.
Mark O’Mara is a former Seminole County prosecutor with over 35 years of legal experience. He’s board-certified in criminal law by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and has an in-depth knowledge of the laws that matter most in your criminal case. He’s handled some of the nation’s most difficult criminal cases, gaining national recognition and invitations to appear on CNN and other platforms.
Bert Barclay has over 35 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney. He has represented clients in cases ranging from misdemeanors and traffic violations to first-degree murder charges. He and Mark O’Mara have been friends and colleagues for over 30 years, making them formidable opponents for any prosecutor.
Awards and Recognition
We are honored when our clients and professional community take note of our commitment to the rule of law and the people we represent. Our firm has exceptionally high ratings and recognition from numerous respected legal organizations and publications, including:
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating, the highest possible
- 10.0 Avvo Superb rating, the highest possible
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers
- The Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Super Lawyers
“So when people come to see me and ask about a criminal case, they want to know what's going to happen and they're afraid. They say on TV that all cases go to trial and all people get convicted and go to prison . . . quite honestly, that's not true in either case. Most cases resolve themselves short of trial, that is, either through some type of plea negotiations where we work something out with the prosecutor to minimize your damage . . . There are even diversion programs where we take you out of the court system and into what's a bit like a probation sentence, and then resolve the case in that way.
So, there are many opportunities or alternatives to trying the case in front of a jury. Of course, if we have to go in front of the jury, we're very capable and willing to do so. But, for the most part, we can help you resolve this case, minimizing the damage to you, and at least finding out how we can get you through this process with the least amount of stress and concern.”– Mark O’Mara
Benefits of Hiring the O’Mara Law Group If You’ve Been Arrested in Orlando
Criminal cases are complicated. All too often, the government is more interested in securing a conviction than uncovering the truth. You absolutely must have a criminal defense lawyer to stand up for your rights. Remember, you are innocent until proven guilty, and you deserve a lawyer who can fight back against a justice system set up against you.
Hiring a legal team led by an attorney with decades of experience handling cases on both sides of the criminal justice aisle will help protect you against unfair charges and potentially life-altering consequences. When you choose O’Mara Law Group, our criminal defense lawyers will:
- Be present during all questioning to protect your rights and object to unlawful questions.
- Fight for reasonable bail if it is set too high in your case.
- Conduct an independent investigation, including into the crime alleged and evidence that you didn't commit it.
- Scour discovery materials and information from our investigation to find exculpatory evidence.
- Identify weaknesses in the state's case that we can use to your advantage.
- Determine if your constitutional rights were violated in any way, such as through an unlawful arrest or illegal search and seizure.
- Lead conversations with the police, investigators, and state attorneys and advise you on plea agreements.
- Carefully question potential jurors during voir dire and try to dismiss those who seem inclined against you before hearing evidence.
- File pre-trial and trial motions asking the judge to toss evidence that is not valid, reliable, or permissible.
- Investigate and thoroughly cross-examine the state's witnesses.
- Argue persuasively in front of a judge and jury that you are not guilty of the charges against you.
You need an experienced criminal defense team with knowledge of the area, courts, and key players involved in your case. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience helping people like you facing both state and federal charges.
Can I Afford To Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Orlando?
Criminal charges in Florida carry harsh penalties, so you should ask yourself instead whether you can afford the consequences of a conviction. People often make the mistake of thinking they don’t need representation for misdemeanor charges. However, even misdemeanors can carry fines and potential jail time for each charge. People facing felony charges face even higher fines and longer prison sentences.
Potential fines and incarceration lengths for criminal offenses in Florida include:
- Second-degree misdemeanors – $500 fine and up to 60 days imprisonment
- First-degree misdemeanors – $1,000 fine and up to 1 year imprisonment
- Third-degree felony – $5,000 fine and up to 5 years imprisonment
- Second-degree felony – $10,000 fine and up to 15 years imprisonment
- First-degree felony – $10,000 fine and up to 30 years imprisonment or life for certain crimes
- Life felonies – $15,000 fine and 40 years imprisonment to life
Florida also has severe penalties for DUI offenses. A first DUI offense results in a fine of at least $500, up to $1,000, and potentially up to six months in jail. Subsequent convictions carry increasingly higher penalties, and there are enhancements based on factors such as blood alcohol content and whether a child was in the car.
Other Consequences of Florida Criminal Convictions
In addition to criminal penalties, people convicted of crimes in Florida potentially face numerous collateral consequences, including:
- Loss of employment
- Inability to hold certain work licenses or apply for certain jobs
- Loss of driver's license
- Loss of the right to carry a firearm
- Adverse family law decisions
You have too much to lose to face criminal charges without the assistance of a battle-hardened Orlando criminal defense attorney. Partner with our skilled defense team so we can use our extensive criminal law experience to your advantage. We will fight tirelessly for your freedom and shield you against a potential lifetime of hardships related to a criminal conviction.
What Our Clients Have To Say
Protecting our clients is much more important than our personal achievements. We are honored when they take the time to leave testimonials highlighting our legal skills and ability to get results.
“Mark and Alyssa saved my husband's life considering he was facing years of losing his freedom. Not only are they excellant lawyers but put their whole hearts into their work. I could see it clearly from watching them in trial. Mark fought for my husband like he was his own family. From how he prepared for and then spoke in trial, I can see he is in the highest league of excellence as a lawyer. They have a great understanding of the law and strategy needed for defense. Always 5 steps ahead of the other side. If it were not for their hard work and perseverence, I don't think the outcome would have been successful. We needed someone to really fight for my husband and they did it 200 percent. They went above and beyond and are worth more than every penny they cost. I am forever grateful to them for saving my family. I will never forget what they did for us.”
Criseyde Brew5-star Google Review
“The O'Mara Law Group team is a dedicated firm to the best representation of every client no matter how long it takes them to secure justice for their client. My personal experience with Mark spans 23 years, and in that time . . . he has always been there to help me with my legal needs. Most recently through the representation of the O'Mara Law Group he secured my release from prison ten years early. I would encourage anyone experiencing the difficulty of the criminal justice system to trust Mark and his team of attorneys, you will not be upset you did. Thank you Mark for all the work you put into my case and securing my freedom.”
Richard Midkiff5-star Google Review
“Bert Barclay recently represented me in a legal matter and I can honestly say that my life is better today thanks to his knowledge, open and honest communication, and years of legal experience. It's clearly a very good sign when the judge recognizes and starts a conversation with your attorney even before the case is being heard, that's the kind of relationship Bert has with legal professionals. Attorneys and judges know him and hold him in very high regard. Bert was crucial in achieving the best possible resolution to my case. If you are in need of an attorney, look no further, Bert and the O'Mara Law Group team can help you too. 5 stars!!!”
Brian Bodnarik5-star Google Review
“I wish I could give more stars. Stacey and Mark were absolute lifesavers for me very recently in Jacksonville and I cannot thank them enough. I highly recommend hiring them-especially if you are in Jacksonville. They absolutely know how to handle a case with extreme professionalism, expert advice, and honesty and will be absolutely straight with you. I am so grateful to them for being there and cannot recommend this firm enough to get you through challenging times.”
Kristina Donegan5-star Google Review
Types of Criminal Cases We Handle at the O'Mara Law Group
Our Orlando criminal defense lawyers have experience handling a wide variety of case types, including:
- Assault and battery
- Child pornography
- Domestic violence
- Drug crimes
- Drunk driving charges
- Federal crimes, including conspiracy, embezzlement, forgery, fraud, and RICO violations
- Internet crimes
- Juvenile crimes
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Probation violations
- Self-defense
- Sex crimes
- Theft crimes
- Weapons offenses
- White-collar crimes, such as healthcare fraud, money laundering, mortgage fraud, PPP fraud, securities fraud, tax fraud
Our attorneys can also assist you in trying to get a previous conviction sealed or expunged. They will file the applications and argue why you deserve to have convictions protected from public view. If successful, you can seek more jobs and pursue opportunities usually unavailable to those with criminal records.
The Criminal Defense Attorneys at O’Mara Law Group Are Ready To Fight for You
If you need more information about specific crimes or the benefits of having a skilled defense attorney is essential, visit our criminal law FAQs page. Your future is too important to take chances when facing criminal charges in Florida’s justice system, which harshly punishes even minor crimes.
Our attorneys have developed a strong national reputation for zealously representing our clients, and we will ensure your case receives the personalized and undivided attention it deserves. Schedule a consultation today with O’Mara Law Group by calling (407) 634-6604 or completing our online contact form.
“Such a professional and personable firm. Everyone treated me with respect throughout my entire process. I absolutely dread ever needing the services of an attorney again but I would certainly go straight back to Mark. Susan was awesome and she totally got me from day one. I can’t begin to say how helpful that was for me. Thank you to the entire team!!"
Susan Dolan5-star Google Review
“By far, the best person, if you ever need an attorney and someone who will always be there for you. I am truly proud to have Mark as my attorney, advisor and friend. Thanks Mark and Alyssa. Michael Hoffman, Attorney at Law and C.P.A."
Michael Hoffman5-star Google Review
“O’Mara Law Group I would highly recommend Mark O’Mara to anyone seeking legal representation and will keep your best interest at the forefront. Should a situation arise, I would not hesitate to obtain representation from the O’Mara Law Group."
Mike Shwagger5-star Google Review
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