You never thought a routine drive down Ronald Reagan Boulevard, a night out near Historic Longwood, or one brief lapse in judgment could flip your life upside down. But now you’re staring at criminal charges and asking yourself how to protect your freedom, reputation, and future. The fear and uncertainty you’re feeling are real and justified.
You need a Longwood criminal defense lawyer who knows the local courts, judges, and prosecutors and understands how to get the best outcome possible.
Common Cases We Handle
These situations often bring people to our firm:
- Drug offenses, including possession, possession with intent to sell, trafficking, and possession of paraphernalia;
- DUIs and other alcohol- or substance-related charges; reckless driving and racing
- Theft, burglary, and fraud-related crimes;
- Assault, battery, sex cases and domestic-related criminal matters; and
- Probation violations or issues needing expungement or record sealing.
If your charges are not listed here, rest assured, we’ve likely handled multiple similar cases—these are just the most commonly encountered in Longwood. Understanding your charges and options is the first step in your defense.
What to Do After an Arrest
After an arrest, your actions or inaction can greatly influence the outcome of your case. If you find yourself detained:
- Remain calm and assert your rights. You have the right to remain silent and to request an attorney before answering any questions. We know it can be tempting to want to “tell your side of the story,” but save this for later after you have spoken to your attorney so you don’t accidentally incriminate yourself.
- Discuss your case only with your lawyer. Conversations with others, including friends, family, or cellmates, can be used against you in court. Prosecutors and juries can misconstrue even innocent remarks.
- Provide complete and honest information to your defense team. Details about your location, who was present, and what was said are crucial for building a strong defense.
To proactively manage the narrative of your case before prosecutors define it, promptly secure the services of a Longwood criminal defense lawyer from Moses & Rooth.
How Will My Case Progress Through the Court System?
Understanding the basic steps your case will take can help you feel more prepared. While every case is different, most follow a similar progression through the court system.
Arraignment
This is your first formal court appearance after being charged. The judge will inform you of the charges against you, advise you of your rights, and ask for your plea: guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Since discovery has not yet occurred, most plead not guilty at this early phase.
Motions
Before trial, your attorney can file motions asking the court to take specific actions. One common example is a motion to suppress evidence if police obtained it in violation of your rights. Winning a suppression motion could mean the court excludes critical evidence, thereby significantly weakening the prosecution’s case.
Pretrial
During the pretrial stage, discovery continues, and the parties can take depositions to find out more about the case. Your attorney will negotiate with the prosecutor to attempt to resolve the case before trial.
Trial
If you don’t resolve your case during pretrial, it will proceed to trial. Here, both sides present their evidence and arguments before a judge or jury. The prosecution must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt for a conviction.
How Can a Criminal Lawyer in Longwood, FL Help Me?
You don’t have to face these charges alone, and you should not try to. Too much is at stake with criminal accusations. Your attorney’s role is to protect your rights, build your defense, and work toward the best possible outcome.
During Arraignment
Your lawyer will ensure you understand the charges and your rights before entering a plea. If you are still in jail, the attorneys can schedule a Motion for Bond and argue for a reasonable bond or request your release on your own recognizance.
When Filing Motions
An attorney knows how to spot legal and constitutional issues in your case. For example, if the police searched your home without a warrant, your lawyer can file a motion to suppress the evidence found. This step can significantly strengthen your defense.
In the Pretrial Stage
Your lawyer will review all evidence against you, interview witnesses, and explore weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. They can negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduced charge or lighter sentence if a plea deal is in your best interest.
At Trial
If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will cross-examine witnesses, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and argue your case to the judge or jury. Their goal is to create reasonable doubt so the judge or jury find you not guilty.
With a skilled criminal defense lawyer guiding you at every stage, you can approach your case with more confidence and a clearer understanding of your options. The earlier you involve legal counsel, the better prepared you’ll be to protect your future.
How We Build Your Defense from Day One
In Seminole County, cases move quickly, sometimes within days of your arrest, so every hour counts. When you work with us, we identify opportunities to strengthen your defense before the State locks in its strategy. Depending on your situation, we may:
- Challenge the credibility or consistency of witness statements;
- Scrutinize the reliability of forensic or lab results;
- Expose procedural missteps, such as mishandled evidence or chain-of-custody errors; and
- File targeted pretrial motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence.
When appropriate, we’ll also explore Seminole County diversion programs for qualifying non-violent offenses, which can lead to dismissal without a conviction on your record. This is about more than fighting charges. It’s about protecting your future in the same community where you live and work.
Why Work with Moses & Rooth for a Longwood Case
Our connection to Seminole County courtrooms isn’t built on advertising. It’s earned through years of showing up, case after case, and delivering results. With nearly three decades of combined trial experience—including time spent as prosecutors—we understand how the State builds its cases and are familiar with the local legal players in the court system.
We’ve defended clients in the very rooms of the Seminole County Courthouse where your case will be heard. Prosecutors and judges know us as attorneys who are prepared, principled, and unafraid to challenge flawed evidence or overblown charges. Let us provide you with a strong defense tailored to your life and circumstances. Call our offices today to set up a consultation.