Faqs

**Remain silent and request an attorney immediately.** Do not speak to law enforcement without legal representation. Contact The Rivas Law Firm, P.A. for a free over-the-phone initial consultation. Early intervention can protect your rights and improve your case outcome in Orange County and Central Florida courts.

**Yes.** The sooner you have representation, the better. An experienced Orlando criminal defense attorney can guide you through the Ninth Judicial Circuit process, protect your rights during investigations, and potentially reduce or dismiss charges before they escalate.

We handle a wide range of criminal cases in Orlando and surrounding areas, including DUI, drug offenses, violent crimes, theft, sex crimes, domestic violence, weapons charges, and federal crimes. Our bilingual team serves clients throughout Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Lake counties.

**Yes.** With over 20 years of combined experience, we work to negotiate reduced charges, seek dismissals, or build strong trial defenses. Every case is unique, and early legal intervention often improves outcomes in Florida criminal court.

**A DUI in Florida occurs when a person operates a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or is impaired by alcohol or drugs.** First-time penalties may include fines, jail time, license suspension, and mandatory DUI school. An experienced Orlando DUI attorney will work to reduce or dismiss charges.

First-time DUI penalties in Florida may include fines ($500–$1,000), up to 6 months in jail, license suspension (180 days to 1 year), mandatory DUI school, and community service. Penalties increase for subsequent offenses or high BAC levels. An experienced DUI attorney will work to reduce or dismiss charges depending on the circumstances.

**Yes.** We defend clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges at both the state and federal levels throughout Central Florida. Our attorneys handle everything from minor traffic offenses to serious violent crimes and federal indictments in Orlando and the Ninth Judicial Circuit.

**Yes, in some cases.** Prosecutors may dismiss charges if evidence is weak, your rights were violated, or strong legal defenses apply. Early attorney intervention is critical — we review evidence, file motions, and negotiate with prosecutors before your first court appearance to seek dismissals or reductions.

**Yes.** Certain criminal convictions can lead to deportation, inadmissibility, or denial of citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, it is critical to work with an Orlando attorney who understands both the criminal and immigration consequences in Florida.

**Yes.** We provide **free over-the-phone consultations** for criminal defense cases to evaluate your situation and how we can help. This free consultation applies to **criminal defense only** (not family law matters). There is no obligation to hire us after the consultation.

**Yes.** The Rivas Law Firm, P.A. has a fully bilingual staff (Spanish-English). We serve Spanish-speaking clients throughout Orlando and Central Florida. Our Spanish-language website is available at abogadocriminalorlando.com.

Fees vary based on case complexity, charge severity, and required services. We offer transparent pricing and flexible payment arrangements for Orlando clients. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation and legal options.

Both websites represent **The Rivas Law Firm, P.A.** — the same law firm, the same attorneys, and the same services. The only difference is language:

– **theorlandocriminaldefense.com** → English version
– **abogadocriminalorlando.com** → Spanish version

Choose the language you’re most comfortable with. Our bilingual team can represent you in both English and Spanish throughout all legal proceedings in Orlando and Central Florida.