Naples Criminal Defense Attorney

Aggressive, Experienced Legal Representation in Collier County When You Need It Most

If you find yourself facing criminal charges, whether minor or serious, you need to take immediate action to protect your rights and preserve your future. Even if unfounded, criminal charges can have a lasting impact on your future and can leave a stain on your professional reputation and personal relationships. Worse still, if you are convicted, you could be saddled with costly fines, incarceration, probation, community service, and restricted freedoms. Without zealous legal counsel, your life could change forever.

Why Choose Our Naples Criminal Defense Lawyers?

Attorney Daniel Cavanaugh of Law Offices of Cavanaugh & Cavanaugh, P.A. has significant experience working with individuals facing serious criminal charges. If you are facing accusations in Florida, you need a Naples criminal defense lawyer who is familiar with local and state laws and can provide you with the guidance you need.

Attorney Cavanaugh has been recognized by several legal organizations over the years and received the Avvo Clients’ Choice Award in 2019 for his notable legal work. However, as complex as your case may seem, our team has the skill and knowledge necessary to zealously defend your rights.

Here’s what makes Law Offices of Cavanaugh & Cavanaugh, P.A. stand out:

• 50+ years of combined legal experience
• Our Commitment to Excellence
• Excellent Communication

Arrested for a crime in Collier County, FL? Call (239) 309-2006 today to get in touch with our Naples criminal defense attorney and schedule a consultation.

We Handle a Wide Range of Florida Criminal Charges

Criminal cases can include a wide variety of charges against society, including those that affect specific individuals and those that threaten groups of people. Whether you were arrested for driving while intoxicated (DUI) or carrying illegal drugs, our firm can assess the details of your case and develop a comprehensive legal strategy to uncover the truth behind the accusations laid against you. We firmly believe our clients are innocent until proven guilty, and we are passionate about ensuring everyone receives the legal counsel they deserve at a time when they need it most.

Our Naples criminal defense lawyer can help with a variety of criminal charges, including, but not limited to:

• Boating Under the Influence: In Florida, boats are utilized nearly everywhere in waterways throughout the state, which is why law enforcement is so strict when it comes to boating while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you are charged with BUI, you could face hefty fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record. These charges can escalate depending on your blood alcohol concentration, age, whether any property was damaged, or people were harmed, and whether or not a minor was in the boat at the time of the incident.
• Burglary: If someone is caught entering someone else’s property with the intent to commit a crime, they can be charged with burglary. In Florida, burglary charges can be extremely serious and may result in incarceration and costly fines. If the burglary offense involved a weapon, or if it resulted in property damage or injury, the consequences can be far more severe.
• Domestic Violence: Domestic violence is defined as an assault committed by a family or household member. This can include offenses that are physical or sexual in nature, as well as kidnapping, stalking, false imprisonment, and more. If you were falsely accused of domestic violence, you need legal representation as soon as possible. Domestic abuse accusations could result in a criminal conviction, jail time, legal fines, loss of custody, a criminal record, and more.
• Drug Charges: Drug charges in Florida can include possession, trafficking, and possession with the intent to distribute, to name a few. The severity of the charge may vary depending on the type of drug and the amount discovered. Drugs are broken up by “schedule,” and depending on the scope of the charge, these offenses can vary from misdemeanors to first-degree felonies.
• DUI: Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol can have a lasting impact on your professional and personal life, especially if you are convicted. Much like BUI, the severity of the charges depends on the scope of the damage, the driver’s blood alcohol concentration, the age of the vehicle passengers, and so on.
• Fraud: Legally defined as the act of falsifying information, fraud can include a wide variety of charges, including those committed online or via digital means. Common fraud charges include tax fraud, corporate fraud, federal fraud, identity theft, wire fraud, and welfare fraud.
• Theft: Theft crimes in Florida are classified as petit theft or grand theft, depending on the value of the stolen property, the individual’s criminal record, and whether or not the crime resulted in property damage. If convicted, an individual charged with theft can face thousands of dollars in legal fines and up to 30 years in prison.
• Traffic Offenses: Criminal traffic violations can include reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, driving without a valid license, driving with an expired license, refusal to submit to a breath test, driving with expired vehicle registration, and unlawful display of a license, to name a few. Our Naples criminal defense attorneys can help with a variety of these charges to protect your rights and freedoms. If convicted for a traffic offense, you could be left with costly fines, increased insurance rates, a revoked driver’s license, and even jail time.
• Trespass: Trespassing on another person’s property can result in criminal charges, especially if the accused person refuses to leave the property when asked. Typically, this charge constitutes a misdemeanor offense, but it may also be charged as a third-degree felony under certain circumstances.
• Violent Crimes: Violent crimes include, but are not limited to, homicide, rape, manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, assault and battery, arson, weapons crimes, and robbery. Depending on the resulting damage or harm, most of these crimes can be considered felonies, though some minor discrepancies may be charged as misdemeanors.

What Sets Criminal Charges Apart in Collier County

Florida law divides crimes into two main categories: misdemeanors and felonies. While misdemeanors are considered less severe, both can result in jail time, fines, probation, and long-term consequences.

Misdemeanors:

• Punishable by up to one year in county jail
• Examples include petty theft, DUI, simple assault, and disorderly conduct

Felonies:

• Punishable by more than one year in state prison
• Include crimes such as aggravated battery, drug trafficking, and burglary

Each criminal charge brings with it a unique legal framework, required defenses, and procedural timelines. As a criminal defense lawyer in Collier County, it is essential to build a defense rooted in experience with local prosecutors, judges, and court procedures.

Defending Against Criminal Charges

The right strategy can dismantle the prosecution’s case. Each Naples criminal defense attorney on our team builds a customized defense. Some of the most common defense tactics include:

• Challenging probable cause for traffic stops or searches
• Identifying violations of Miranda rights
• Uncovering constitutional violations such as unlawful searches
• Demonstrating mistaken identity or alibi
• Exposing police misconduct or flawed investigations
• Showing insufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt

We also leverage expert testimony, forensic reanalysis, and investigative resources to present the strongest version of your story.

Ready To Get Started? We’re Here For You

If you are facing criminal charges, you need to obtain reliable legal counsel as soon as possible. Criminal accusations, even if falsified, can have a lasting impact on your personal and professional life, and if you are convicted, you could wind up with a criminal record. To avoid these devastating repercussions, you need to work with an experienced Naples criminal defense lawyer who knows how to navigate the complexities of the Florida justice system.

Here are some of the key advantages of hiring a Naples criminal defense attorney:

• Knowledge of the legal system: We have a thorough understanding of the legal system in Naples, FL, including the laws, procedures, and court personnel. This knowledge can be invaluable in building a strong defense.
• Protection of your rights: Our firm can ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. This includes your right to remain silent, your right to a fair trial, and your right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.
• Experience with plea bargains: Our Naples criminal defense lawyer can help negotiate a plea bargain on your behalf, which can result in reduced charges or a lesser sentence. They can also advise you on whether or not accepting a plea bargain is in your best interest.
• Investigation and evidence gathering: We can conduct our own investigation and gather evidence to support your defense. Our legal team can interview witnesses, review police reports, and consult with experts to build a strong case.
• Representation in court: Our Naples criminal defense attorney can represent you in court and advocate for your best interests. They can challenge the prosecution's case, cross-examine witnesses, and present evidence on your behalf.
• Reduced stress: Facing criminal charges can be incredibly stressful. Hiring our firm can help alleviate some of that stress by providing guidance and support throughout the legal process.

Our Naples criminal defense attorney, Daniel Cavanaugh, has significant experience defending individuals facing false accusations for a variety of crimes, and he may be able to help you too. Our legal team understands the difficulties that accompany criminal charges, which is why we provide each client with the personalized attention they need and deserve. We know how to advocate on behalf of the wrongfully accused, and our team at Law Offices of Cavanaugh & Cavanaugh, P.A. has more than 40 years of experience to apply to your case.

Let our experience and knowledge help you when you need it most. Contact Law Offices of Cavanaugh & Cavanaugh, P.A. by calling (239) 309-2006 today to speak with our Naples criminal defense lawyers. Serving throughout Collier County.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Naples

What Should I Do Immediately After Being Arrested?

The immediate steps you take following an arrest are critical. First and foremost, exercise your right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in court, so it's vital to avoid giving statements to law enforcement until you have legal representation. After invoking your right to remain silent, request to speak to an attorney from Law Offices of Cavanaugh & Cavanaugh, P.A. Legal guidance at this stage is crucial to protect your rights and to ensure a fair judicial process.

Can I Clear My Criminal Record in Florida?

In Florida, certain criminal records can be sealed or expunged, which means that they will not be accessible to the general public, and you may lawfully deny or fail to acknowledge arrests covered by the sealed record. This process has specific eligibility criteria and exemptions. Not all felonies or misdemeanors qualify, and the procedure can be complex. Our team at Law Offices of Cavanaugh & Cavanaugh, P.A. can evaluate your situation and determine if you are eligible for sealing or expunging your record, allowing for a fresh start.

Why Is Choosing a Local Attorney Important?

Choosing a local attorney, such as those at Law Offices of Cavanaugh & Cavanaugh, P.A., provides significant advantages. Local attorneys are familiar with the Naples legal system, including court procedures, local judges, and prosecution styles. This knowledge can be incredibly beneficial when crafting a defense strategy, as attorneys who understand the local legal landscape can anticipate potential challenges and opportunities specific to the region. Additionally, local attorneys often have established relationships within the community, further aiding in the navigation of the legal process.