Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

Re: criminal matter

A felony adjudication is the worst possible outcome other than prison time. Your public defender should be answering these questions.

Re: criminal matter

NOTE: This communication is not intended as and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Rather, it is intended solely as a general discussion of legal principles. You should not rely on or take action based on this communication without first presenting ALL relevant details to a competent attorney in your jurisdiction and then receiving the attorney's individualized advice for you. By reading the "Response" to your question or comment, you agree that the opinion expressed is not intended to, nor does it, create any attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. If you do not agree, then stop right here, and do not read any further.

An adjudication is a conviction which will appear on your son's record. It can never be sealed or expunged. As a convicted felon, he will lose many of his rights otherwise guaranteed to all citizens in this country.

If the witnesses will not cooperate, your son may wish to take a chance and go to trial. If the State cannot produce the witnesses for deposition prior to trial as scheduled, their testimony may be excluded by the court and the case may unravel against your son. If he is represented by the public defender, now may be the time to consider hiring private counsel. He should have the best attorney you can afford to make this case go away.

Scott R. Jay, Esq.