Free consultations are always available for new clients at our office in Port Richey, Florida. During that time the nature of the charge(s) and the complexity of the case(s) will be discussed. You will only owe us a fee if you decide to retain us to represent you. The amount of the fee is dependent on many facts and circumstances, but you will be quoted a reasonable fee during the free consultation. You can then decide if you wish us to handle your matter or not.

What To Do When Arrested
The most important thing you can do if you are arrested is to contact us as soon as possible. The best time to get charges dropped or reduced is before the State makes a decision on what, if any, charge(s) to file. This is the time for us to present witnesses and evidence of your side of what happened.

Many criminal charges are time sensitive such as DUIs. We will let you know your rights, the law and what you can expect through the entire process. The more you understand, the less frightened you will be of the process.

Misdemeanors
Any crime which is punishable by no more than one year in jail is a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors are not as serious as felonies, but can still create major problems including time behind bars. In addition to your freedom being at stake, you could be placed on probation, you could lose your Driver’s License and you could have to attend court ordered counseling.

In Pasco County, all misdemeanors are reviewed by an Assistant State Attorney before a filing decision is made. The quicker we can present evidence to the State the better the potential outcome for you.

Laporte, Mulligan & Werner-Watkins, P.A. has been providing quality legal representation to people charged with criminal violations since 1980.

Criminal Defense
Our Tampa Bay area lawyers previously served as prosecutors for the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, and have an incredible array of experience handling matters from ordinance violations all the way up to capital cases. Laporte, Mulligan & Werner-Watkins provides free initial consultations on criminal cases.

Free consultations are always available for new clients at our office in Port Richey, Florida. During that time the nature of the charge(s) and the complexity of the case(s) will be discussed. You will only owe us a fee if you decide to retain us to represent you. The amount of the fee is dependent on many facts and circumstances, but you will be quoted a reasonable fee during the free consultation. You can then decide if you wish us to handle your matter or not.

Call or contact us immediately for a free consultation by phone or at our office located in Port Richey, Florida.

The Types of Cases We Handle

Your Tampa Bay area lawyers at Laporte, Mulligan & Werner-Watkins regularly handle the following criminal defense areas:

Assault & Battery
Battery and assault charges range from misdemeanors to felonies, but regardless of the type of charge, all are extremely serious and quick action on the part of your attorney is very important. We need to present your side to the State as quickly as possible so the State can know the entire story BEFORE they decide to file formal charges.

Domestic Violence
In the case of domestic violence, police will make an arrest if they determine who the primary aggressor is/was even if the victim does not wish to prosecute. This can prove to be a very challenging time since the person charged with this crime is often ordered to have no contact with the victim. This can leave the person without access to their own home.

Drug Crime
There are serious consequences for conviction of a drug possession charge. A conviction will cause your Driver’s License to be suspended for two years and many charges have minimum mandatory prison sentences. Conviction of drug possession has a negative impact on future employment and job opportunities. In addition, it can have a negative impact on your ability to get government assistance including government aid for school such as Bright Futures Scholarships.

DUI
Where you charged with a DUI? Act quickly!  You only have 10 days from the date of the arrest to request a Formal Review Hearing. A Formal Review Hearing is an administrative hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to determine if the suspension of your license should be upheld due to a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) refusal or if you “blow” over 0.08.

Refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test carries a one-year suspension on first time refusals and an 18-month suspension for any subsequent refusals. If you blow a 0.08 or greater, you will receive an automatic six-month suspension.

Traffic Violations
It happens all the time. Someone is driving their car and gets pulled over for a routine traffic violation. Suddenly, the driver discovers they are driving with a suspended license! Many people have no idea their license had been suspended and find themselves in serious trouble!

Violation of Probation
When faced with a probation violation, typically you face arrest and either a high bond or no bond at all. It is imperative to get in front of a Judge with legal counsel as quickly as possible.
It is also important to know the Judge to better position your case. If the violation is a new charge, it is important to conclude the Violation of Probation (VOP) before the new charge is finished.