A Former Manatee County Prosecutor’s Perspective on Your Defense
When accusations threaten your freedom, future, and reputation, you deserve a criminal defense lawyer in Bradenton who takes the time to understand your circumstances from the beginning. At Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA, our team brings more than two decades of litigation experience and knowledge of Bradenton’s courts and legal procedures to each case.
We know how quickly circumstances can change after an arrest. Our phone is answered 24/7, and we prioritize open communication from the start. We review your arrest paperwork, explain upcoming hearings, and help you understand your rights and options at each stage of the Manatee County court process.
Below are some of the criminal charges we handle in Bradenton:
DUI (Driving Under the Influence): Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs; penalties may include fines, license suspension, and jail time.
Drug Crimes: Possession, distribution, trafficking, or manufacturing of illegal substances, including prescription drug offenses.
Theft and Property Crimes: Shoplifting, burglary, robbery, auto theft, and other offenses involving stolen property.
Assault and Battery: Physical altercations or threats of violence that can result in misdemeanor or felony charges.
Domestic Violence: Allegations of abuse, threats, or harassment involving a spouse, partner, or family member.
Sex Crimes: Charges such as sexual assault, statutory rape, child pornography, or solicitation.
White Collar Crimes: Fraud, embezzlement, forgery, identity theft, and other financial crimes.
Probation Violations: Failing to comply with probation terms, which can result in additional penalties or incarceration.
Traffic Offenses: Reckless driving, hit-and-run, driving with a suspended license, and other serious traffic violations.
Penalties & Collateral Consequences of a Conviction in Florida
A criminal conviction in Florida can lead to penalties that extend beyond time in jail or prison. The consequences depend on the charge, disposition, your individual circumstances, and applicable law:
Imprisonment and Fines: Sentencing exposure varies by classification. A second-degree misdemeanor may carry up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500; a first-degree misdemeanor may carry up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. For felonies, a third-degree felony may carry up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000, a second-degree felony up to 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000, and a first-degree felony up to 30 years and a fine of up to $10,000, subject to offense-specific statutes and sentencing rules.
Loss of Civil Rights: A felony conviction in Florida can result in the loss of certain civil rights, including the right to own or possess a firearm. Voting rights may be restorable for certain felony convictions upon completion of all sentence terms, including fines, fees, and restitution, though the process and eligibility vary by offense and applicable law.
Employment and Professional Licenses: A criminal record can affect employment prospects and may lead to the suspension or revocation of certain professional licenses. The consequences depend on the conviction, occupation, licensing rules, and individual circumstances.
Immigration Consequences: For noncitizens, a criminal charge or conviction can carry serious immigration consequences that depend on the specific offense, disposition, and individual circumstances. Obtaining immigration-specific legal advice before resolving any charge is essential.
Other Consequences: Depending on the charge, disposition, and applicable rules, a conviction may also affect housing, educational opportunities, and eligibility for certain government benefits.
In appropriate cases, we also review whether sealing or expunging a record may be an option under Florida law. Addressing the charge early gives us more time to examine the evidence, identify procedural issues, and explain the available defense options.
Former Prosecutor Insight & More Than Two Decades of Experience
Our defense approach includes:
Investigating the circumstances to identify evidence, witness information, procedural issues, and facts relevant to your defense.
Drawing from courtroom experience, including prosecutorial insight and criminal trial work, to assess how the state may approach the evidence and charges.
Monitoring changes in Florida law through ongoing involvement with the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Attorney Reisinger previously served as an Assistant State Attorney in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, handling matters ranging from DUIs to armed robbery and murder. That prosecutorial background allows us to identify procedural weaknesses or evidentiary issues that can meaningfully affect how a case is evaluated. He was also the first attorney in Sarasota County to successfully argue a motion for immunity in a murder case under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, resulting in dismissal of the charge.
Clients value our clear feedback and commitment to transparency. We explain the reasoning behind legal decisions and the options available at each stage, allowing clients to participate meaningfully in their defense.
We represent clients facing both misdemeanor and felony charges in Bradenton. Our approach is evidence-focused and prepared for negotiation or trial, depending on what each case requires.
What to Do After an Arrest in Bradenton
After an arrest, don’t discuss the facts of the case with anyone other than your attorney. This includes conversations over jail phones or other recorded detention-facility communications. Exercise your right to remain silent and request counsel before answering questions about the allegations.
Ask a family member to contact counsel if necessary, gather basic information about the charges, and keep every document you receive. These materials can help your defense team understand your situation and identify immediate priorities.
Take these practical steps as your case moves forward:
Preserve any evidence you may have, such as text messages, call logs, social media posts, or photos that relate to the incident.
Write down your recollection of what happened while it’s still fresh, including names of witnesses, locations, and times.
Avoid new legal problems by following any release conditions the court sets, such as no-contact orders or travel restrictions.
Keep track of court dates and verify the location and time of each hearing through your paperwork or current court records.
When you speak with us after an arrest, we review your paperwork, confirm the charges, and explain what to expect at upcoming hearings. We also address urgent questions and begin developing a plan that accounts for the legal issues in your case and the effects on your home and work life.
From Consultation to Trial: Our Bradenton Defense Process
Florida criminal cases may involve arraignment, discovery, pretrial motions, negotiations, hearings, and trial, depending on the specific charge and circumstances.
Here’s what you can expect from our defense attorneys in Bradenton:
Initial Consultation and Evaluation: We discuss your charges, listen to your account, and review any related documents. This meeting helps us gather critical facts and outline your potential options.
Evidence Review and Investigation: Our legal team examines police records, interviews potential witnesses, and analyzes video or forensic evidence. We look for errors, constitutional issues such as unlawful searches, and irregularities in law enforcement procedures.
Strategy Development: We identify potential defenses, look for procedural or constitutional issues in the charging documents or evidence, and explain possible outcomes clearly. You stay involved and informed throughout this planning stage.
Representation in Negotiation or in Court: Our attorneys advocate for your interests in negotiations with prosecutors and court proceedings, based on the evidence, legal risks, and your circumstances.
Consistent Communication and Support: You receive updates about your case and explanations of significant developments, court dates, and available options.
Why Local Knowledge Makes a Difference
Manatee County misdemeanor matters are handled in County Court, while felony matters proceed through Circuit Court within the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. Attorney Reisinger’s background as a prosecutor in both Sarasota and Manatee Counties gives our team direct familiarity with that court structure. Because court division assignments and procedures can change through administrative orders, we base our guidance on current court records, applicable procedures, and case-specific orders.
Reach out to Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA for a free, confidential consultation with a criminal defense attorney in Bradenton. We take the time to understand the charge, review the available information, explain your legal options, and prepare for negotiation or court proceedings as the case requires. Our phone is answered 24/7.
Can I Look Up My Manatee County Criminal Case Online?
Yes. Manatee County court records can be searched through the county clerk’s online records system. Your case number, scheduled hearings, and filed documents may be available there. We review arrest paperwork and court records with you at the outset so you understand the charges and upcoming hearings.
Can a Florida Criminal Record Be Sealed or Expunged?
Potentially. Eligibility for sealing or expungement depends on the offense, how the case was resolved, your prior record, and Florida statutory requirements. Not every charge qualifies, but we review whether this option applies to your situation as part of our representation.
What Should a Noncitizen Know Before Resolving a Criminal Charge?
Criminal charges and their dispositions can carry serious immigration consequences, including risks to visa status, lawful permanent residency, or admissibility, depending on the specific offense and circumstances. Noncitizens should obtain immigration-specific legal advice before entering any plea or accepting any resolution.
Does Every Criminal Case Result in a Conviction?
No. A criminal charge is an accusation, not a conviction. A case may end through dismissal, a negotiated resolution, a diversion program, or a trial. The result depends on the evidence, charges, procedural history, and available defenses. We evaluate those factors to determine whether negotiation or litigation is appropriate.
What Information Should I Gather Before a Criminal Defense Consultation?
Bring any paperwork you received at the time of arrest, including the arrest report or citation, bond paperwork, and any court notices. If you have preserved texts, photos, call records, or witness contact information related to the incident, that material can help us evaluate the facts and available defenses from the start.
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.
Not Guilty Verdict2016 CF 004875 NC – Life Felony Second Degree Murder
Not Guilty Verdict2017 CF 000169 – Life Felony Armed Robbery
Successful Resolution2017 CF 002479 AX – 15 Counts of Possession of Child Pornography
Not Guilty Verdict2017 MM 11498 – Misdemeanor Battery and Misdemeanor Sex Offense -Unnatural and Lascivious Act
Case Dismissed2018 CF 000323 – Two Counts Felony Battery on a Person 65 or Older
Case Dismissed2018 CF 002675 AX–Felony Battery on a Person 65 or Older
When you hire the Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA to defend you on a criminal charge, we will conduct a full investigation of the circumstances leading to your arrest. As a former prosecutor at the State Attorney’s Office, Attorney Reisinger has in-depth knowledge and understanding of how the state prepares and presents its cases.
