If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Orlando, you need an experienced Orlando criminal defense attorney on your side immediately. Your freedom, your record, and your future are on the line — and every hour you wait without legal representation works against you. At The Rivas Law Firm, P.A., our criminal defense team has defended thousands of clients across Central Florida against charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies.
Florida law is aggressive. Prosecutors at the State Attorney’s Office for the Ninth Judicial Circuit move quickly to build their case the moment an arrest is made. You need an attorney who moves faster.
Call 407‑644‑2466 to speak with an Orlando criminal defense attorney at the Rivas Law Firm, P.A. — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Why Choose The Rivas Law Firm as Your Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney
Not every criminal defense lawyer in Orlando is the same. Here is what sets the Rivas Law Firm apart:
20+ Years of Combined Experience
Our attorneys have spent decades defending people charged with crimes in Orange County, Seminole County, Osceola County, and throughout Central Florida. We know the local courts, the judges, and how the State Attorney’s Office builds its cases — and we use that knowledge to protect you.
Attorneys with Prosecution System Experience
Attorney Jose Rodriguez spent years inside the State Attorney’s Office for the 18th Judicial Circuit, where he served as Division Chief of the Domestic Violence Unit. He knows exactly how prosecutors think, what evidence they rely on, and where their cases can fall apart. That insider knowledge is now working for you.
Recognized Legal Analyst on Local and National Media
Lead attorney Jose Rivas is a bilingual TV legal analyst who has appeared on Fox News, Telemundo, Univision, and Fox 35 Orlando to analyze high-profile criminal cases. When local and national media need an experienced voice on Florida criminal law, they call Jose Rivas. That reputation carries directly into the courtroom.
Bilingual Defense — English and Spanish
Our entire staff is bilingual in English and Spanish. If you or a family member is more comfortable speaking Spanish, we are fully equipped to handle your case in your language, from the first consultation through the final resolution.
You Work Directly With an Attorney — Not a Paralegal
At many large firms, your case gets handed to a junior associate or paralegal after the first meeting. That does not happen here. An experienced attorney at the Rivas Law Firm handles your case from arraignment through resolution, giving you the personal attention your case deserves.
Proven Track Record of Favorable Outcomes
We have helped clients across hundreds of case types. See our case results to understand the difference an aggressive, experienced defense makes.
Criminal Cases Our Orlando Defense Attorneys Handle
The Rivas Law Firm defends clients against the full range of criminal charges filed in Orlando and throughout Central Florida. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony, our criminal defense team is ready to fight for you.
Violent Crimes
Charges like assault, battery, aggravated assault, and aggravated battery carry serious prison time under Florida Statute § 784. An experienced Orlando assault and battery defense lawyer can challenge witness credibility, examine police conduct, and fight to protect your rights.
DUI Defense
A DUI conviction in Florida can mean license suspension, fines up to $2,000, mandatory ignition interlock, and jail time — even for a first offense under Florida Statute § 316.193. We challenge breathalyzer results, field sobriety tests, and the legality of the traffic stop itself.
Domestic Violence
Florida treats domestic violence charges as a top prosecution priority. A conviction brings mandatory jail time, loss of firearm rights, and a permanent record that cannot be sealed or expunged. Our Orlando domestic violence lawyers have defended many domestic violence cases.
Drug Charges
Possession, trafficking, and distribution charges under Florida Statute § 893 carry mandatory minimum sentences that can derail your life. We examine the legality of every search and seizure, challenge chain of custody, and explore diversion and treatment options.
Sex Crimes
Charges including sexual battery, lewd and lascivious conduct, and possession of child pornography carry devastating consequences — including lifetime sex offender registration. Our attorneys provide discreet, aggressive representation from day one.
Weapons Charges
Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, possession by a convicted felon, and improper exhibition of a firearm are all serious felonies in Florida. We know the state’s weapons laws and how to challenge unlawful searches that lead to these arrests.
Felony Defense
Florida felonies are classified from third-degree (up to 5 years) to life felonies (mandatory life in prison). No matter the degree, a felony conviction changes everything — your job, your housing, your voting rights, and your freedom.
Misdemeanor Defense
Misdemeanors may seem minor, but a conviction creates a permanent criminal record that shows up on background checks. We take misdemeanor cases seriously because employers, landlords, and licensing boards do too.
Juvenile Defense
When a young person is charged with a crime, the decisions made in the first 24 hours can determine whether they enter the adult system or get a second chance. Our juvenile criminal defense attorneys fight to prevent juvenile cases from being transferred to adult court.
Expungement & Record Sealing
A past arrest does not have to follow you forever. Florida law allows certain records to be sealed or expunged — removing them from public background checks. Our team can evaluate your eligibility and guide you through the process.
What to Do After You Are Arrested in Orlando
The moments after an arrest are the most critical in your entire case. What you say — and what you don’t say — will be used against you. Follow these steps to protect your rights:
- Stay silent. You have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. Do not answer questions from police or detectives beyond identifying yourself. Anything you say becomes evidence.
- Do not resist. Even an unlawful arrest must be challenged in court, not on the street. Resisting arrest in Florida is a separate criminal charge under Florida Statute § 843.02.
- Ask for a lawyer immediately. The moment you say “I want an attorney,” all questioning must stop. Invoke this right clearly and repeat it if necessary.
- Stay off social media. Do not post about your arrest, your charges, or your case on any platform. Prosecutors actively monitor social media and use posts as evidence.
- Contact Rivas Law as soon as possible. The earlier our attorneys get involved, the more options we have — including contacting the State Attorney before charges are formally filed,.
Meet Your Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney
José Rivas is the founder and lead attorney of The Rivas Law Firm, P.A. He has litigated thousands of criminal cases across Central Florida and is a recognized legal analyst for Fox News, Telemundo, Univision, and Fox 35 Orlando. When major criminal cases break in Florida, local and national media call José Rivas for analysis — because he understands how the criminal justice system works from every angle.
José Rivas maintains a 4.9/5.0 rating on Avvo based on dozens of client reviews. He is bilingual in English and Spanish and serves clients across Orange County, Seminole County, Osceola County, and all of Central Florida.
Call 407‑644‑2466 to speak directly with our team today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after I’m arrested in Orlando, Florida?
After an arrest in Orlando, you will be booked, fingerprinted, and held until a first appearance hearing — typically within 24 hours. At that hearing, a judge will set bail and advise you of the charges against you. Having an Orlando criminal defense attorney present at or before your first appearance gives you the chance of securing a lower bond and understanding your options from the very start.
How much does it cost to hire a criminal defense attorney in Orlando?
Legal fees vary based on the complexity of the charge, the attorney’s experience, and whether the case goes to trial. Many people charged with a crime hesitate to hire a lawyer because of cost — but the cost of a conviction (lost job, prison, permanent record) far exceeds the cost of a good defense. The Rivas Law Firm offers a free initial consultation in criminal cases so you can understand your situation and your options before making any decisions.
Can criminal charges be dropped before trial in Florida?
Yes — charges can be reduced or dropped before trial, and it happens more often than most people realize. A skilled Orlando criminal defense attorney can intervene at the pre-filing stage by presenting mitigating evidence, challenging the legality of the arrest or search, or negotiating directly with the prosecutor. The sooner you hire an attorney after an arrest, the greater the chance of achieving a favorable outcome before the case ever reaches a courtroom.
The sooner you call, the more options you have. Call 407‑644‑2466 to speak with an Orlando criminal defense attorney at the Rivas Law Firm, P.A. — and take the first step toward protecting your future. Our attorneys’ backgrounds vary. Past roles do not guarantee or predict case outcomes.
Jose Rivas has litigated thousands of criminal cases and frequently serves as a legal analyst for both local and national media networks. He is highly rated on professional platforms, maintaining a 4.9/5.0 rating on Avvo based on dozens of client reviews.