Criminal Traffic Defense Attorney Florida — Juan Cordero Lawyers
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal Defense Attorney
Facing criminal charges is serious. Our experienced defense attorneys protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.
Florida Criminal Traffic Defense Attorney
Juan Cordero Lawyers handles criminal traffic matters directly connected to personal injury — DUI with serious bodily injury, vehicular homicide, reckless driving causing injury, and leaving the scene of an accident with injury.
These are not general criminal defense cases. We handle criminal traffic charges because they arise from the same accidents that injure our clients — and because the criminal outcome directly affects the civil recovery.
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you or a family member has been charged with a criminal traffic offense in Florida, call us immediately. Early intervention matters.
Your Rights If Arrested or Charged
- Right to remain silent — Do not speak to police without an attorney present.
- Right to an attorney — You have the right to counsel before and during any questioning.
- Right to a hearing — You are entitled to a bond hearing and a speedy trial under Florida law.
- Presumption of innocence — The state must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
Criminal Traffic Cases We Handle
Felony vs. Misdemeanor in Florida
Misdemeanor
- Up to 1 year county jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Probation possible
- No loss of voting rights
Felony
- 1+ years state prison
- Fines up to $10,000+
- Loss of voting rights
- Loss of firearm rights
Florida Criminal Statutes of Limitations
The state must file charges within these deadlines. If you have already been arrested, the state may proceed regardless.
Charge Type
Filing Deadline
Florida Statute
Misdemeanor (1st degree)
2 years
F.S. § 775.15(2)(b)
Misdemeanor (2nd degree)
1 year
F.S. § 775.15(2)(c)
Felony (3rd degree)
3 years
F.S. § 775.15(2)(a)
Felony (2nd degree)
3 years
F.S. § 775.15(2)(a)
Felony (1st degree)
4 years
F.S. § 775.15(2)(a)
Vehicular homicide
No limit
F.S. § 775.15(1)
DUI manslaughter
No limit
F.S. § 775.15(1)
Note: These deadlines apply to when the state files charges. If you have already been arrested, the state may proceed regardless of these limits. Consult an attorney immediately.
Florida Criminal Traffic Law Explained
Key Florida statutes and rights that apply to criminal traffic charges.
Speedy Trial Rights
Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.191 gives you the right to trial within 90 days for misdemeanors and 175 days for felonies from arrest. If the state is not ready, charges may be dismissed. Your attorney can strategically waive or invoke this right depending on your case.
Stand Your Ground
Florida Statute §776.012 provides a Stand Your Ground defense — you have no duty to retreat before using force if you reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm. This defense can result in immunity from prosecution if established at a pre-trial hearing.
Mandatory Minimums
Florida's 10-20-Life law (§775.087) imposes mandatory minimum sentences for crimes committed with firearms: 10 years for possession, 20 years for discharge, 25-to-life for injury or death. Drug trafficking also carries mandatory minimums. An experienced attorney may challenge the charge itself to avoid these harsh sentences.
The Criminal Defense Process
What to expect from your first call through resolution.
Immediate Consultation
Call us the moment you are arrested or charged. Early intervention — before you speak to investigators — is critical.
Case Review
We review the police report, accident reconstruction, witness statements, and any video evidence to identify weaknesses in the state's case.
Defense Strategy
We build a defense tailored to the specific charge — challenging the state's evidence, the traffic stop, or the causation theory.
Resolution
We negotiate with prosecutors and, when necessary, try the case. Our goal is the best possible outcome — dismissal, reduction, or acquittal.
Injured? Call Now for a Free Consultation.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We come to you — home, hospital, or our offices.