Sarasota Criminal Defense Attorney

Getting an Aggressive Criminal Defense Lawyer Is Your First Priority

If you or a loved one has been arrested in Sarasota or Arcadia, your first step should be to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you avoid conviction. A conviction may result in jail or prison time, steep fines, and other significant consequences, including a criminal record that could make securing a job, obtaining housing, or maintaining a normal life much harder.

At the Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, P.A., we have over two decades of experience protecting our clients’ rights and freedom inside and outside the courtroom. As a former prosecutor, Attorney Eric Reisinger knows how the court approaches each case, helping you develop an effective, personalized legal defense to seek the best possible outcome. He is ready to represent you at trial if needed.

Call us today at (941) 541-5335 and request a free initial consultation. We serve Sarasota, Arcadia, Manatee and Charlotte Counties.

Types of Criminal Charges We Handle in Sarasota

Our Sarasota criminal defense lawyer can handle a broad range of cases, from minor infractions to serious felony charges. Each case requires a detailed strategy based on the facts, the nature of the charge, and the unique circumstances of the arrest.

We provide strategic defense in cases involving:

• DUI and traffic offenses, such as reckless driving or speeding.
• Drug crimes such as possession, sale, and trafficking.
• Theft, burglary, and other property crimes.
• Domestic violence and restraining order violations.
• Violent crimes such as assault and battery, manslaughter, and homicide.
• White collar offenses such as fraud, embezzlement, and forgery.
• Juvenile delinquency matters.
• Probation violations.
• Federal charges.
• Sex crimes such as prostitution, sexual abuse, and child molestation.

Each type of case presents its own challenges and opportunities. Our goal extends beyond fighting charges—we analyze the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and work to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Potential Penalties of a Criminal Conviction in Florida

Criminal offenses in Florida fall into two main categories: misdemeanors and felonies.

Misdemeanors carry jail sentences of up to one year in county jail. Common examples include DUI, marijuana possession, battery, petty theft, and disorderly conduct.

The following are the two types of misdemeanors in Florida:

• First-degree misdemeanor – Jail sentence up to one year and a maximum fine of $1,000
• Second-degree misdemeanor – Maximum jail term of 60 days and a fine up to $500

Felonies are more serious and punishable by up to life imprisonment or the death penalty. Examples of felonies include murder, sex offenses, most drug crimes (excluding some cannabis cases), kidnapping, burglary, grand theft, aggravated battery, and child abuse.

Felonies in Florida include:

• Capital felony – Life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty
• Life felony – Life imprisonment and a maximum fine of $15,000
• First-degree felony – Up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
• Second-degree felony – Up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
• Third-degree felony – Up to five years in prison and a fine not exceeding $5,000

A conviction could impact your ability to get certain licenses, take away the right to vote, or make travel outside the United States difficult. Because many jobs in Sarasota involve working with the public or require background checks—including tourism, healthcare, and government roles—these “collateral” consequences are especially significant here. 

Our attorneys guide clients through the full scope of possible impacts, helping you understand both short- and long-term effects. We also review whether sealing or expunging your record may be an option, so you can make more informed choices about your future employment and housing.

How the Florida Criminal Process Works

Understanding how a criminal case unfolds helps you make informed choices. A Sarasota criminal defense attorney guides you through every stage of the process, ensuring your rights are protected and you don’t miss key opportunities.

1. Investigation: Before charges are filed, law enforcement gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, or conducts surveillance. If you learn you’re being investigated, take the opportunity to involve a Sarasota criminal defense attorney early. Guidance before charges can help shape what is ultimately filed or even prevent charges altogether.
2. Arrest and Booking: After an arrest, you go to jail, are photographed, fingerprinted, and held until a bond hearing. Your choices at this stage—particularly about whether to speak to police—carry lasting impact. Always ask to remain silent and request a lawyer immediately.
3. First Appearance and Bond Hearing: Within 24 hours, you’ll see a judge who informs you of the charges and sets conditions for your release. An experienced Sarasota criminal defense lawyer presents information on your background and ties to the area to argue for fair bond or release terms.
4. Arraignment: At arraignment, you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The court sets discovery and pre-trial dates at this appearance.
5. Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: Your criminal defense attorney reviews prosecution evidence and may file motions to challenge unlawful searches, dismiss unsupported charges, or limit certain testimony.
6. Plea Negotiations or Trial: Many cases resolve through plea deals that reduce charges or penalties. If you don’t accept a plea—or wish to go to trial—your lawyer defends you in court, challenges the prosecution’s witnesses, and makes your case for acquittal.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense in Sarasota & Arcadia: Local Insights

When you face criminal charges in Sarasota or Arcadia, working with a defense attorney who knows the local legal landscape is essential. The Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, P.A. is deeply familiar with the details of the Sarasota County and DeSoto County court systems.

We know how to work with local agencies, from the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office to the DeSoto County Clerk of Court. Familiarity with court personnel and local legal processes helps us move your case efficiently through the system.

Common Legal Defenses Available

When facing criminal charges in Sarasota, you need strategies designed to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and methods. 

• Independent Investigation: We will not simply rely on the evidence collected by law enforcement. We will conduct our own investigation, interviewing witnesses, consulting with private investigators, and reviewing all relevant documentation to find evidence that supports our client’s innocence.
• Challenging the Evidence: We will aggressively challenge every piece of evidence the prosecution plans to use against you. This includes scrutinizing how evidence was collected, demanding the calibration records for any machines used, and filing motions to exclude evidence that was obtained in violation of your constitutional rights.
• Asserting Strong Legal Defenses: We will work to identify and leverage a variety of legal defenses, such as:
  • Self-Defense: We can argue that your actions were justified because you reasonably believed you were in imminent danger. Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law gives people the right to use force to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.
  • Alibi: Proving that you were not at the location of the crime when it occurred.
  • Lack of Intent: Proving that you did not have the necessary criminal intent to commit the crime.
• Negotiating with Prosecutors: We have a strong track record of negotiating favorable plea agreements with the state. As former prosecutors, we have a unique understanding of how to leverage this process to get your charges reduced or dismissed.

What a Sarasota Criminal Defense Lawyer Provides

Facing the criminal justice system alone puts your future at risk. A skilled defense attorney is more than someone who speaks for you in court—they are your advocate, strategist, and shield.

Here’s what we deliver:

• Thorough case analysis – No charge is too small for us to examine every detail.
• Aggressive pre-trial motions – We challenge unlawful evidence and require the state to prove its case.
• Smart negotiation – Through diversion programs, plea agreements, or seeking reduced charges, we work for your strongest path forward.
• Trial advocacy – We stand ready to defend your case before a jury when needed.
• Open communication – Clients receive updates and guidance at every step, so you always know the status of your case.

Criminal cases in Sarasota require paying close attention to local rules, like strict deadlines set by the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. We act quickly to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and respond to any actions from local prosecutors. This approach can keep your case on track and maintain the full range of defense strategies. 

With strong ties to area defense lawyers and membership in regional criminal defense organizations, we stay informed on current trends and advocate for Sarasota clients with reliable, up-to-date guidance.

Don’t let criminal charges dictate your future. Contact the Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, P.A. today by calling (941) 541-5335 for a free initial consultation and take the first step towards protecting your rights and freedom.