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DUI & DWI

admin — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 16:41:17 +0000

DUI charges in Florida happen frequently and can happen to almost anyone who drinks any alcohol and drives. A DUI is an extremely subjective, opinionated charge, which places heavy weight on the officer’s opinion. This can result in a person, who had 1 or 2 drinks while out to dinner, getting arrested for DUI, based on 1 officer’s opinion. When you couple the subjective opinions of a DUI, the complex legal nature of a DUI, and the potential impact that a DUI would have on someone’s life, having an experienced attorney retained quickly is extremely important.

If arrested and you either refuse to take the breath test or blow over .08, the DMV will administratively suspend your driver’s license. This suspension does allow you the ability to challenge that suspension, but it must be done within 10 days.

In addition to the 10 day time constraint to challenge the DMV suspension, you will also be scheduled for an Arraignment. If you plead guilty or no contest to the DUI charge, you will be convicted, placed on probation and given a long list of mandatory requirements, even if you have never been arrested before. Do not go Court alone and plead Guilty or No Contest without consulting with an experienced lawyer, as there may be ways to get the charge dismissed or reduced.

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Speak to an attorney NOW! Contact us for a completely FREE consultation with an experienced former prosecutor. Call 407-514-2699 or send us an Email for immediate assistance with your criminal defense.

Our office is convenient to all of Central Florida.

We offer reasonable fees, flexible payment plans, and accept major credit cards.

Drug Possession

admin — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 16:40:35 +0000

Drug possession crimes will result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the type and quantity of the drugs. Different forms of possession carry different penalties. For example, possession of a small quantity of marijuana is a misdemeanor, whereas possession of a large quantity of marijuana with intent to sell or distribute will qualify as a felony charge. These charges carry large fines and significant jail time. Additionally, a background check that reveals a drug possession charge may make it difficult to acquire certain jobs, receive loans, and apply for student aid. A drug possession conviction may even result in the loss of your driving privileges.

Marijuana, methamphetamines, cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, and heroin are just a few examples of illegal substances that if found in your possession could result in a drug possession charge. In some cases, drug paraphernalia containing trace quantities of the above drugs may also lead to drug possession charges. Even possession of raw chemicals commonly used in the production of some drugs can lead to drug possession charges.

The Law Office of Terrance R. Rooth, P.A., is ready and willing to assist you with your drug possession case, no matter how large or small the charges are. You have rights too. We will evaluate all details associated with your case, will assess the arresting process to confirm probable cause, and will scrutinize the collection of evidence and testimony in an attempt to uncover any wrongdoing on the prosecution’s part.

Remember that you have the right to remain silent. Always request the presence of your attorney prior to any questioning. We can also provide information to help you to secure bond prior to your initial court hearing so that you can enjoy the comfort of your home and the support of your family and friends while awaiting your trial.

A drug possession conviction may have a significant impact on the rest of your life, but quality, experienced legal representation—like the services offered by attorney Terrance R. Rooth—can help you to avoid or lessen the charges and the resulting penalties.

Completely FREE Consultation

Our office is convenient to all of Central Florida.

We offer reasonable fees, flexible payment plans, and accept major credit cards.

Domestic Violence

admin — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 16:39:13 +0000

Domestic Violence is a public and sometimes abused charge. It often happens behind closed doors with no witnesses other than the victim and the accused. An arrest typically follows a 911 call with officers showing up and the desire to quickly quell the disturbance, which often happens with an arrest. Victims sometimes feel pressured by law enforcement to press charges, which can lead to an arrest that no one wanted. Victims sometimes also exaggerate claims, and sadly sometimes completely lie. A completed version of the events needs to be seen, with both sides having the opportunity to be heard. When handled correctly with the assistance of dedicated legal representation like criminal defense lawyer Terrance R. Rooth, some cases for the alleged offender may be dismissed and other cases may get reduced charges.

A domestic violence conviction qualifies as a misdemeanor in lesser cases and for repeat offenders or in cases where serious bodily injury or minors are involved may result in a felony. In the state of Florida, if convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence charge with a finding that the person has caused intentional bodily harm to another, the offender will serve a minimum five days in the county jail, unless the Court sentences the person to a nonsuspended period of incarceration.

Domestic violence convictions may also result in mandatory participation in a 6 month domestic violence counseling program, anger management classes, community service, and probation.

To protect yourself, your assets, and your family, it is important that you choose an attorney capable of handling your case. As a former prosecutor with the Florida State Attorney’s office in the 18th Judicial Circuit, criminal defense attorney Terrance R. Rooth is familiar with both sides of the domestic violence conviction process and has the knowledge and skills necessary to defend you in and out of court. In some cases, the defense is able to settle the charges prior to trial while in many other cases a strong defense has yielded positive results in court with reduced or dismissed domestic violence charges.

Contact the Law Office of Terrance R. Rooth, P.A., today to arrange your first consultation. With a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side, you can enter the courtroom with renewed confidence and rest assured that your rights and record are well-protected.

Completely FREE Consultation

Our office is convenient to all of Central Florida.

We offer reasonable fees, flexible payment plans, and accept major credit cards.

Tourist Crimes

admin — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 16:37:52 +0000

If a recent vacation to Florida resulted in a bad situation that has now led to criminal charges, then call the Law Office of Florida criminal defense attorney Terrance R. Rooth, P.A. today! We understand the unique needs of our out-of-area (and even out-of-state) clients. We also understand how different laws, confusing traffic signs, or hectic situations can result in a misunderstanding between tourists and the local law enforcement. Don’t let a simple mistake become a bigger issue by trying to tackle these charges alone.

It is not uncommon for people unfamiliar with the area to accidentally put themselves in a bad situation. We have successfully defended many clients with tourist crime cases, including more common charges like: disorderly conduct, shoplifting, reckless driving, DUI, resisting arrest, or indecent exposure. We have also defended clients with more serious charges like: drug possession, drug trafficking, assault or battery.

Don’t let your out-of-state affect the outcome of your Florida case. By acquiring strong legal representation that is also local, you ensure that your attorney is familiar with your charges, their associated penalties, and all available methods of defense. As a former prosecutor with the Florida State Attorney’s Office in the 18th Judicial Circuit, you can rest assured that criminal defense attorney Terrance R. Rooth also understands the local Court rules and is familiar with the local Judiciary.

Many people charged with tourist crimes simply return to their place of residence and let the criminal process take its own course without any influence or input on there behalf. Left unanswered, criminal charges will typically result in a warrant for an arrest, which will most likely show up in every states record search. Don’t let a silly mistake ruin your vacation or your life.

We understand that most people do not want to come back to Florida for Court, and are often successful in resolving cases without having the person required to return. Take action now by calling the Law Office of Terrance R. Rooth, P.A., for a personal, confidential, and totally free consultation. We will begin the defense process here in Florida immediately, so that you can rest easy at home.

Completely FREE Consultation

Our office is convenient to all of Central Florida.

We offer reasonable fees, flexible payment plans, and accept major credit cards.

DUI Stages

admin — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 06:06:18 +0000

Once a person is either released from jail or is seen by the First Appearance Judge, they will receive an Arraignment Court date. The Arraignment is the time in Court when the Judge will advise the accused what they are being charged with and ask the accused to enter a plea – Guilty, Not Guilty, or No Contest. Many people go to this Court date alone in an attempt to “put it behind them” or to “take care of it as quick as possible”. They may feel that they want to take responsibility for what they did, or they may just not have the time to deal with going to Court more than once. It however is generally a bad idea to go Court alone and plead Guilty or No Contest with the advice of an attorney. Allow a trained professional to review your case and speak with the Prosecution before making any decisions. The potential consequences are too great and too lasting to do it any other way.

The typical response for a lawyer hired on a case is enter a Not Guilty plea on behalf of the Defendant, waive the Arraignment, and file a Demand for Discovery. This will eliminate the need for the accused to have to go to their Arraignment Court date, along with allowing the lawyer the ability to review the strength and weakness of the Prosecutor’s case.

The next Court Date that is set is a Pre-Trial Conference. This is a hearing where the Judge wants to know the status of the case. The case may be set for another Pre-Trial if good cause is shown for more time, it could be set for a plea if a deal has been reached, or it could be set for Trial. The Court will also be informed if there are pending motions or hearings, which could eliminate evidence and impact negotiations.

Whether you want to end the case as soon as possible or you have been wrongfully arrested and are demanding a trial, call the Law Office of Terrance R. Rooth to get an experienced opinion. The call is free and confidential.

Completely FREE Consultation

Our office is convenient to all of Central Florida.

We offer reasonable fees, flexible payment plans, and accept major credit cards.

Drug Paraphernalia

admin — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 06:03:47 +0000

The drug paraphernalia is defined in Florida Statutes 893.145 as all equipment, products, and materials of any kind which are used or intended for use, or designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, transporting, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body an illegal controlled substance.

The charge is rarely alone and usually accompanies other drug charges. Typical paraphernalia items are smoking pipes, rolling papers, and scales, but as you can see from the definition it could potentially include nearly anything associated with drug possession.

Call today for a free case evaluation, getting an experienced lawyer retained on your case as soon as possible, may assist in reduced or dismissed charges.

Completely FREE Consultation

Our office is convenient to all of Central Florida.

We offer reasonable fees, flexible payment plans, and accept major credit cards.

Drug Trafficking

admin — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 05:57:20 +0000

Drug trafficking (also commonly referred to as drug distribution) is a serious charge in any state, but carries especially high penalties in the state of Florida. Criminal defense attorney Terrance R. Rooth is prepared to fight for you and to protect your good name, reputation, and record from damaging drug trafficking charges. Terrance R. Rooth has extensive experience defending clients accused of narcotics crimes and may be able to get your charges reduced or even dropped.

Drug trafficking charges may be entered for a variety of reasons including but not limited to: the sale, the importation, the movement, the manufacturing, and the possession of a high quantity of drugs. The severity of the drug trafficking charges and their associated penalties will depend on the type and quantity of drug as well as the defendant’s prior criminal record. In most cases, a conviction of trafficking any type of drug will include severe prison time and extreme fines. With that understanding, get an experienced attorney working on your case as soon as possible, working towards getting the case dismissed or having the charges reduced.

Be sure to apprise your arresting officers that you would like to have your attorney present for all questioning. This is your right regardless of the charges and should be exercised at all times to protect yourself from making incriminating statements that may be used against you later in a court of law. Even if you have already given statements, your attorney may be able to provide pertinent damage control and will be invaluable in providing future support and counsel. Any arrest is stressful, but because of the stigmas attached to narcotics crimes, drug trafficking charges can be especially difficult for a client. The Law Office of Terrance R. Rooth, P.A., can handle any and all of your needs as we build your case.

We will not only act as a legal liaison with law officials, but will thoroughly supervise the prosecution’s conviction process including their motive for arrest and the methods used for collecting evidence. Any break in mandatory protocol could mean the dismissal of your case. If you have been accused of drug trafficking, or suspect that you will be implemented in a drug trafficking violation, then contact the Law Office of Terrance R. Rooth, P.A., today. We have the skills and expertise necessary to protect and defend you in and out of court.

Completely FREE Consultation

Our office is convenient to all of Central Florida.

We offer reasonable fees, flexible payment plans, and accept major credit cards.

Petit Theft – Shoplifting

admin — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 05:54:49 +0000

In general, “petit theft” charges cover all thefts and attempted thefts of goods or services valued at less than $300. However, if the accused is a repeat offender the charges may be altered to reflect their criminal record and may be elevated to more serious Misdemeanor and Felony theft charges.

In most cases, shoplifting (also frequently referred to as “retail theft”) falls under the category of petit theft. While most petit thefts only qualify as misdemeanors, a petit theft conviction still bears serious penalties. For petit thefts of less than $100, the defendant may receive a fine of up to $500 and/or 60days in jail. For petit thefts of more than $100 but less than $300, the maximum fine and jail time are increased to $1000 and a year in jail. As Petit Theft is an enhanceable crime, any prior theft convictions will increase the severity of the charges and their associated penalties. In addition to the above penalties, a suspension of a driver’s license is also a possibility.

If this is your first offense, then an criminal defense attorney like Terrance R. Rooth may be able to get your charges and penalties reduced, possibly dismissed. If this is a repeat offense, then it is even more pertinent that you acquire legal representation immediately so as to avoid felony charges, large fines, or an extended jail sentence. When you call the Law Office of Terrance R. Rooth, P.A., your first consultation is entirely free. We will discuss your case details and possible methods of defense, as well as your options in and out of court.

Don’t let a petit theft charge ruin your record and future professional life. Call the Law Office of Terrance R. Rooth, P.A., today to learn about your alternatives.

Completely FREE Consultation

Our office is convenient to all of Central Florida.

We offer reasonable fees, flexible payment plans, and accept major credit cards.

Grand Theft

admin — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 05:50:40 +0000

A theft is defined by Florida Statues as happening when a person knowingly obtains or uses, or endeavors to obtain to use, the property of another with intent to either temporarily or permanently: a) deprive the other person of a right to the property or a benefit from the property, b) appropriate the property to his or her own use or to the use of any person not entitled to the use of the property.

The Felony part of the charge, the “Grand”, comes from the amount of the theft. A theft of over $300 constitutes a Felony of the Third Degree. Higher amounts of the theft and circumstances can create Second Degree and possibly First Degree Felonies.

Grand Theft charges can be as simple as a shoplifting from a retail store where the value exceeds $300. Do not however take any Felony charge lightly, where possible consequences include a Felony Conviction, large fines, and Prison.

Grand theft charges are very serious and should not be faced alone. Contact the Law Office of Terrance R. Rooth, P.A., for your free initial consultation. As a former prosecutor himself, criminal defense attorney Terrance R. Rooth knows what you are up against, and he knows how to use the system to secure the best possible outcome for his clients. We can start building your defense today.

Completely FREE Consultation

Our office is convenient to all of Central Florida.

We offer reasonable fees, flexible payment plans, and accept major credit cards.

Property Crimes

admin — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 05:41:22 +0000

Property Crimes is a category of charges that include the damage or destruction of typically another person’s property. Insurance, restitution, and negotiation play a very large part in these types of cases. Call today to consult with Terrance Rooth regarding these accusations today.

Criminal Mischief

According to Florida Statutes, this charge occurs if a person willfully and maliciously damages the real or personal property of another. The degree of charge ranges from a Misdemeanor of the Second Degree to a Felony of the Third Degree, depending on the amount of alleged damage.

Arson

According to Florida Statutes, this charge occurs if a person willfully and unlawfully, or while in the commission of any felony, by fire or explosion, causes damage to any dwelling, structure, or vehicle. This charge ranges from a Second Degree Felony to a First Degree Felony.

Completely FREE Consultation

Our office is convenient to all of Central Florida.

We offer reasonable fees, flexible payment plans, and accept major credit cards.