HANSON LAW OFFICE | CRIMINAL | CIVIL | BANKRUPTCY

With 28 years experience in representing clients in Florida and Federal Courts, our attorneys have handled tens of thousands of criminal cases. Many of our clients' cases can be settled without going to a trial. Our attorneys are well known and respected in the courthouses throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties.

Unlike civil law, which involves private law suits between two or more private entities, attorneys practicing criminal law represent clients who are being prosecuted by the state or federal government for an act that has been classified as a crime. With the exception of strict liability crimes, most crimes consist of three elements: an act (actus reus), a mental state (mens rea) and the intent to do social harm. Crimes are classified as misdemeanors--less serious offenses that are normally punishable by a fine like some traffic violations, petty theft, or possession of a small amount of marijuana, and felonies--more serious offenses that warrant imprisonment of one or more years, such as rape, grand theft, assault and battery, assault with a deadly weapon, or homicide/murder.

In criminal law, the case is initiated by the state or federal government through a prosecutor rather than being initiated by the victim, as it is in civil law. Plaintiffs in a civil law suit only need to show by a preponderance of the evidence that a defendant is 51% or more liable (responsible) for the damages. But, the prosecutor in a criminal law case has to prove to the judge or jury "beyond a reasonable doubt" that the defendant is guilty of the crime charged.

Do you need a criminal lawyer to represent you? Generally, the sooner a criminal lawyer is brought into a criminal case or investigation, the better potential results for the client. Do not take a wait-and-see approach to a criminal situation. Do not seek answers to questions about your rights and legal status from police officers and prosecutors who do not have a legal duty to act in your best interest.

A serious criminal charge can have a defendant fighting for his or her fundamental freedom. Do not gamble while your freedom is at stake! Contact us, and we will stand up for your legal rights and fight for your exoneration.

Need more information? You can call us 24/7 at (813) 626-7304, or send us or CLICK HERE to complete an information request. Our office will get back to you quickly and confidentially.