Criminal & DUI Defense Attorney in Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Flaherty Defense Firm

1817 Lewis Turner Boulevard
Suite E
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32547
USA

(850) 243-6097

www.flahertydefense.com

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Law Firm Overview FREE CONSULTATION

The Flaherty Defense Firm is an experienced, dedicated law firm located in Fort Walton Beach, Florida that focuses exclusively on Criminal and DUI Defense. All of our clients’ rights are protected with passion and purpose by our criminal defense attorney. We have defended thousands of people against criminal charges ranging from simple misdemeanors to serious felonies.

Our Fort Walton Beach criminal defense lawyer, Attorney Tim Flaherty, negotiates with prosecutors, works to suppress illegally obtained evidence before a trial, and uses his extensive courtroom experience. He handles each case personally, effectively.

We handle all types of state criminal offense cases, including but not limited to: DUI (drunk driving), domestic violence, assault and battery, drug charges, sex charges, theft, burglary and robbery and BUI (boating under the influence). I can also assist clients with bond hearings and arrest warrants and can offer my services in record sealing and expungements if you wish to clear your criminal record.

Areas of Law

Additional Areas of Law: Bail Bonds And Warrants; BUI; Hit & Run; Criminal & DUI Defense for Military Personnel; Criminal Defense for Out-Of-Town Visitors; Sexual Battery; Child Molestation; Lewd or Lascivious; Internet Sex Offenses; Lewd Conduct; Indecent Exposure; Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Areas of Law Description

At Flaherty Defense Firm, our Fort Walton criminal defense lawyer handles all types of state criminal offense cases including but not limited to the following:

-DUI (Drunk Driving)

A DUI arrest doesn’t have to mean a conviction. There are many legal strategies that exist to counter a DUI charge. When you come in for a free consultation about your DUI charge, you will receive honest advice about your case. We will aid you in making informed decisions and do everything in our power to protect your rights and prevent a conviction.

-Domestic Violence

Depending on the facts, the Fort Walton Beach, Crestview and Destin domestic violence defense attorney at our firm can negotiate with the prosecutor to get your charges dismissed or reduced. If your best interests include a trial, we will vigorously defend you in court. We will do everything we can to keep you out of jail and keep a conviction off your record. We keep you up to date with the progress of your case and clearly explain your options so that you can make an informed decision every step of the way.

-Assault/Battery

Legal definitions of “assault” and “battery” differ from state to state. In Florida, an assault is when you threaten to hit or harm someone. Battery is committed when you actually do hit or harm someone. If you are charged with either of these crimes in or around the Fort Walton Beach, Crestview and Destin areas, our firm can defend you with passion and purpose. We have experience with both types of cases and will diligently protect your presumption of innocence, doing whatever it takes to defend you against the charges.

-Drug Charges

Our Fort Walton drug crimes defense attorney has dedicated his career to protecting clients outside the courtroom and fighting for them inside it. He is an especially vigilant advocate for your rights when you’re accused of a drug crime in Florida, because simply possessing certain amounts of controlled substances can constitute “trafficking” and the penalties can be extremely severe, including minimum mandatory prison sentences. You do not want to go to prison and a felony on your permanent record can create many unwanted problems. We can help you avoid both.

-Sex Charges

Not many charges have a worse social stigma than criminal sexual conduct charges. An accusation alone can ruin your reputation and destroy your family. If found guilty, you will face a lengthy mandatory prison sentence and you will have to register as a sex offender when you are released. At our criminal defense firm, we know what it takes to prepare the best possible defense to these charges. Our Fort Walton Beach, Crestview and Destin sex crimes defense attorney will not only review all of the evidence, but will interview and challenge the testimonies of the alleged victim and other witnesses for the prosecution. If negotiation is the best option, we will work to negotiate the most favorable agreement. If necessary, we will proceed to trail to produce the best results. In some cases, it is even possible to avoid being designated a sexual offender or predator.

-Theft/ Burglary/ Robbery

The legal process can be confusing and intimidating if you are accused of theft, burglary, or robbery. If you fail to defend yourself effectively in court, you could face serious penalties including lengthy prison sentences. You need a lawyer that will inform you of what charges and penalties you are facing, what you should expect from the system, and what your options are. You need a criminal defense attorney you can trust. Our Fort Walton Beach theft/ burglary/ robbery defense lawyer provides this service for all prospective clients.

-Record Sealing/ Expungements

Record sealing or expungement is a civil legal action in which you petition the court to have your criminal records sealed or removed from view or access by others. If you or someone you know needs assistance with getting a criminal record sealed or expunged in or around the Fort Walton Beach, we can help. We offer a free initial consultation in which we can determine your eligibility for an expungement and advise you of your legal options in regards to this action.

-BUI (Boating Under the Influence)

Florida is a boater’s paradise with over 1200 miles of beaches. But beware. Boating with the smell of alcohol on your breath can land you in jail. As with driving under the influence (DUI), boating under the influence (BUI) is a serious crime in the Sunshine State. The Coast Guard, city police or Fish and Wildlife officers all have the authority to make BUI arrests. If you are someone you know has been arrested or charged with BUI in or around the Fort Walton Beach area, our criminal defense attorney is skilled and knowledgeable in defending cases of BUI and will provide aggressive and thorough representation on your behalf, both in and out of court.

- Bonds and Warrants

If you were involved in an incident where charges might be filed against you, there is a good chance there is an active warrant against you right now. That means that even if you get pulled over for a minor traffic violation (even in another state), you will be arrested and detained. And if you are from another state, you’ll likely be incarcerated pending extradition to Florida. If there is a bond on the warrant, we can arrange for you to turn yourself in, do some paperwork, post bond, and you can walk out without spending one minute in jail.

- Hit and Run

The penalties for a hit and run conviction can be very severe. Depending on your prior record and the extent of injuries, sentencing can include imprisonment, steep fines, extensive community service and more. If another person is killed as a result of a hit and run, the offense may be deemed a 2nd degree felony punishable by 15 years in prison. As you can see, these are very serious circumstances and it is imperative that you get the help of a defense lawyer immediately.

- Juvenile Defense

We realize as much as any parent that young people make mistakes in judgment, and we believe they deserve another chance and an opportunity to get their life going in the right direction. That is why the attorneys at Flaherty Defense Firm work to get charges leveled against children reduced, or dismissed before trial if at all possible. We will work to achieve the best possible result for your child’s case.

- Rape

When it comes to rape charges or any allegations for a sex crime, it is vital that you have the help of a Fort Walton Beach criminal defense attorney who will really listen to your side of things. As defense lawyers, we are fully dedicated to our clients and will do everything we can to get the best outcome possible. We understand the strain that an arrest or charges for rape can put on an individual and that person’s family and friends. Criminal courts and society judge any sexual misconduct very severely.