Criminal Defense Legal Service in Melbourne, FL: What Charges Does a Brevard County Attorney Handle?

If you or someone you care about has been charged with a crime in Brevard County, getting clear information fast can matter more than almost anything else. This article covers the types of charges a criminal defense legal service in Melbourne, FL, can handle and what those charges mean under Florida law.

Brevard County criminal cases are processed through Florida's 18th Judicial Circuit. The main facility is the Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Justice Center in Viera, with a branch courthouse at 51 Nieman Avenue in Melbourne. Cases range from misdemeanors to capital offenses. When evaluating a criminal defense legal service in Melbourne, FL, local experience with this specific circuit is one of the most important factors to consider.

What Types of Charges Does a Brevard County Criminal Defense Attorney Handle?

A Brevard County criminal defense attorney may handle a wide range of charges, from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. Below is a breakdown of the most common charge categories.

DUI and Traffic-Related Offenses

A DUI charge in Florida means a driver was found operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher, or while impaired by drugs. Consequences can include fines, license suspension, ignition interlock requirements, and jail time, even for a first offense. A criminal defense legal service in Melbourne, FL, familiar with local enforcement practices may be able to challenge how a stop was conducted or how chemical tests were administered.

Drug Crimes

Drug crimes in Florida range from simple possession to trafficking charges involving large quantities of controlled substances. Penalties increase sharply once a case crosses into trafficking territory. The specific facts of an arrest, including how evidence was obtained, can play a major role in building a defense.

Domestic Violence

In Florida, domestic violence charges apply when an alleged act of violence or stalking occurs between household or family members. A conviction can affect child custody, housing, and employment. Even if the alleged victim does not want to press charges, the state may still prosecute. An attorney can help navigate no-contact orders and argue for the most favorable outcome.

Felonies

Florida felonies are divided into capital, life, first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree categories. A conviction can mean state prison time and a permanent record limiting future employment and civil rights. Common felonies in Brevard County include robbery, aggravated assault, grand theft, and burglary. Engaging a criminal defense legal service in Melbourne, FL, with proven felony experience may make a meaningful difference in the outcome.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are less severe than felonies but still carry real consequences. First-degree misdemeanors can carry up to one year in county jail. Common examples include simple battery, petty theft, trespassing, and disorderly conduct. Even a misdemeanor on record can affect professional licenses, background checks, and housing applications.

Sex Crimes

Sex crime charges in Florida include offenses from sexual battery to lewd and lascivious conduct. A conviction often requires sex offender registration, which carries lifelong restrictions on where you can live and work. Florida law allows for certain defenses based on consent, age, or evidence reliability, and those defenses must be developed carefully.

Juvenile Defense

When a minor in Brevard County is charged with a crime, the case is typically handled through the juvenile justice system. Serious charges can result in a minor being tried as an adult. Parents and guardians should seek counsel as early as possible to protect a young person's future.

What Should You Know About the Brevard County Court Process?

After an arrest, a defendant may appear before a judge for a bond hearing to determine pretrial release. From there, the case proceeds to arraignment, where charges are formally read. Pre-trial negotiations between the defense and prosecution often determine whether a case resolves by plea or goes to trial. A criminal defense legal service in Melbourne, FL, with Brevard County experience may be familiar with local procedures, how the State Attorney's Office handles certain charges, and what options may exist for diversion or reduced charges.

Can a Criminal Record Be Sealed or Expunged in Florida?

Florida law allows for sealing or expungement of a criminal record in some cases, limiting public access to arrest or conviction information. Eligibility depends on the charge type, case outcome, and prior record. For qualifying charges, a successful petition may help protect access to housing, employment, and professional licensing.

Take the Next Step With an Experienced Melbourne Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing a criminal charge in Melbourne, FL, is stressful, but you do not have to handle it alone. The Law Offices of Geoffrey Golub has been serving Brevard County clients for over 30 years and is recognized by the Florida Bar as a Board Certified Criminal Trial Expert. Whether you are dealing with a DUI, drug charge, domestic violence allegation, or a serious felony, the firm offers personalized representation across a full range of criminal defense matters.

Call (321) 757-6848 for a confidential consultation, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also reach the firm through the contact page or learn more about available criminal defense services. Find the firm on Google at The Law Offices of Geoffrey Golub.