Aggressive Defense for All Florida Criminal Charges
Protecting Your Rights, Freedom, and Future
Former State Trooper & Deputy Sheriff | Proven Defense Strategies
Request a Confidential Case ReviewNavigating Florida's Complex Criminal Justice System
Being accused of a crime in Florida can be a daunting and life-altering experience. The state's criminal statutes, found within Title XLVI (Chapters 775-896), cover a vast array of offenses, each with its own specific elements, procedures, and potential penalties. Whether you're facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony, the consequences can extend far beyond the courtroom, impacting your reputation, employment, and personal life.
At Lotter Law, we understand the gravity of any criminal charge. With Jeff Lotter's unique background as a former Florida State Trooper and Deputy Sheriff, we bring an unparalleled insider's perspective to your defense. We are equipped to handle the full spectrum of criminal allegations, providing tenacious and strategic representation aimed at achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Understanding the Scope of Florida Criminal Law
Florida law categorizes crimes primarily as misdemeanors or felonies, with varying degrees of severity and corresponding penalties. Our firm is experienced in defending against a wide range of charges, including but not limited to:
Crimes Against Persons
- Assault & Battery (Ch. 784)
- Homicide (Ch. 782)
- Kidnapping & Custody Offenses (Ch. 787)
- Sexual Battery (Ch. 794)
- Abuse of Children, Elderly, or Disabled (Ch. 825, 827)
Property Crimes
- Arson & Criminal Mischief (Ch. 806)
- Burglary & Trespass (Ch. 810)
- Theft (often covered under Fraudulent Practices Ch. 817)
- Forgery & Counterfeiting (Ch. 831)
- Fraudulent Practices (Ch. 817)
Public Order & Justice Offenses
- Obstruction of Justice (Ch. 843)
- Perjury (Ch. 837)
- Bribery & Misuse of Public Office (Ch. 838)
- Drug Offenses (Ch. 893 - Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act)
Weapons & Firearm Offenses
Chapter 790 violations, including unlawful possession, improper exhibition, or carrying a concealed weapon without a permit.
Computer-Related Crimes
Chapter 815 offenses, such as unauthorized access, intellectual property theft, or online fraud.
And Many More...
This list is not exhaustive. Florida's criminal code is extensive. If you are charged with any crime in Florida, we urge you to seek experienced legal counsel immediately.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Your Defense
Challenging Law Enforcement Actions: Reasonable Suspicion & Probable Cause
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. This means law enforcement cannot stop, detain, search, or arrest you without a legitimate legal basis. Two critical standards govern these interactions: Reasonable Suspicion and Probable Cause. Understanding these is key to protecting your rights.
Reasonable Suspicion: This is the standard required for police to briefly detain you for an investigatory stop (often called a "Terry stop"). To have reasonable suspicion, an officer must be able to point to specific and articulable facts, taken together with rational inferences from those facts, that would lead a reasonable officer to believe that criminal activity is, was, or is about to be afoot and that you may be involved. It must be more than a mere hunch or an unparticularized suspicion. If an officer also has a reasonable belief based on articulable facts that you are armed and presently dangerous, they may conduct a limited pat-down (frisk) for weapons. A stop or frisk without the necessary level of reasonable suspicion is unconstitutional.
Probable Cause: This is a higher and more demanding standard than reasonable suspicion. For an arrest, probable cause exists when the totality of facts and circumstances within the officer's knowledge are sufficient to warrant a prudent person in believing that the suspect has committed or is committing an offense. For a search (often requiring a warrant issued by a judge), probable cause means there is a fair probability that contraband or evidence of a crime will be found in a particular place.
At Lotter Law, we meticulously examine the timeline and justification for every police action in your case:
- Was the initial encounter consensual, or was it a seizure requiring legal justification?
- If you were stopped, did the officer possess sufficient reasonable suspicion?
- Did any reasonable suspicion lawfully escalate to probable cause for an arrest or search?
- Was there sufficient, lawfully obtained probable cause for any arrest warrant issued or warrantless arrest made?
- If a search was conducted, was it based on a valid warrant, probable cause with a recognized exception to the warrant requirement, or your valid consent?
If law enforcement overstepped their bounds and violated your constitutional rights by acting without the necessary legal justification, any evidence obtained as a result of that illegality (known as the "fruit of the poisonous tree") may be suppressed by the court. Suppressing key evidence can cripple the prosecution's case, often leading to reduced charges or even a complete dismissal. Jeff Lotter's extensive experience as a former Florida State Trooper and Deputy Sheriff provides him with unique insight into how these standards are applied—and critically, how they are often misapplied or overlooked—in the field.
Meticulous Evidence & Video Footage Analysis
The prosecution's case is built on evidence. We conduct an exhaustive review of all discovery materials, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, forensic analysis reports, and informant information. A critical component of modern defense is detailed video footage analysis. This includes body-worn camera footage, dash-cam videos, surveillance recordings, private security footage, and any other visual evidence. We analyze these frame-by-frame to identify inconsistencies, procedural errors, witness credibility issues, or exculpatory evidence that can weaken the state's case or support your innocence.
This scrutiny also extends to digital evidence, such as data from cell phones (call logs, texts, location data), computers, social media platforms, and other electronic devices, which often play a crucial role in modern criminal cases. Our thorough analysis aims to uncover every detail that can be leveraged in your favor, including challenging the methods of collection and interpretation of such evidence.
Understanding Felony vs. Misdemeanor Stakes
In Florida, crimes are broadly classified as either misdemeanors or felonies, each carrying different levels of potential penalties and long-term consequences.
Misdemeanors are generally less serious offenses than felonies. They are typically punishable by up to one year in county jail, fines, probation, and other court-ordered conditions. Misdemeanors are further divided into first-degree (up to 1 year jail, $1000 fine) and second-degree (up to 60 days jail, $500 fine). Examples include petit theft, simple battery, disorderly conduct, and some first-offense DUIs.
Felonies are much more serious crimes, carrying potential punishments of more than one year in state prison, substantial fines (up to $15,000 or more), lengthy probation, and the loss of significant civil rights (such as the right to vote, serve on a jury, or possess a firearm). Felonies are categorized by degree: third-degree, second-degree, first-degree, life felonies, and capital felonies, with penalties increasing with the severity of the degree. We ensure you understand the specific classification of your charge, the potential statutory penalties, possible sentencing enhancements (e.g., habitual offender status), and its broader ramifications, tailoring our defense strategy to mitigate these severe consequences.
Strategic Pre-Trial Motions
Before a case ever reaches trial, critical battles can be won, or the entire trajectory of a case altered, through pre-trial motions. These are formal written requests made to the court asking the judge to make a specific ruling or order on a legal issue. Filing well-crafted and timely motions is a cornerstone of an effective defense. Common and impactful motions include:
- Motion to Suppress Evidence: If evidence was obtained in violation of your constitutional rights (e.g., due to an illegal stop, unlawful search, coerced confession, or Miranda rights violation), we will file a motion to ask the court to exclude that evidence from being used against you.
- Motion to Dismiss: If the state lacks sufficient evidence to prove a prima facie case, if the statute of limitations has expired, if your speedy trial rights have been violated, or if there are other fatal legal flaws in the prosecution's case, we may seek a dismissal of the charges.
- Motion in Limine: This motion asks the court to prohibit certain anticipated prejudicial, irrelevant, or inadmissible evidence from being mentioned or presented to the jury during trial.
- Motion to Compel Discovery: To ensure the prosecution has provided all evidence it is legally obligated to disclose.
- Motion for Change of Venue: If extensive pre-trial publicity makes a fair trial in the current location impossible.
Successful pre-trial motions can significantly weaken the prosecution's case, sometimes leading to a favorable plea offer, reduced charges, or even an outright dismissal. Leveraging Jeff Lotter's deep understanding of police procedure and prosecutorial tactics, we strategically identify and aggressively argue those motions most likely to protect your rights and benefit your defense.
Frequently Asked Questions (General Criminal Defense)
Politely but firmly exercise your right to remain silent. State clearly, "I wish to remain silent and I want to speak with an attorney." Do not discuss any aspect of your case with law enforcement, cellmates, friends, or family (other than to arrange for legal help) until you have consulted with a qualified criminal defense lawyer. Anything you say can and likely will be used against you by the prosecution.
Generally, misdemeanors are less serious offenses, punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or fines up to $1,000 (for first-degree misdemeanors). Felonies are more serious crimes, with potential penalties exceeding one year in state prison, substantial fines (often thousands of dollars), and the loss of certain civil rights (like voting or owning a firearm). Both can have significant and long-lasting consequences on your record, employment, and reputation.
The criminal justice system is complex, and the prosecution has vast resources. Even if you are innocent or the charges seem minor, navigating legal procedures, understanding evidence rules, identifying constitutional violations, and countering the prosecution's arguments requires legal expertise. An experienced attorney protects your rights, ensures you are treated fairly, investigates the case thoroughly, and builds the strongest possible defense. A "minor" conviction can still have unforeseen future consequences for employment, licensing, or in the event of future arrests.
Pre-trial motions can be pivotal and, in some cases, can determine the outcome of a case before it ever reaches a jury. For example, a successful Motion to Suppress Evidence can exclude illegally obtained evidence, potentially leaving the prosecution with insufficient proof to proceed. A Motion to Dismiss, if granted, can end the case entirely if there are fundamental legal flaws or insufficient evidence. Effective pre-trial motion practice is a crucial tool for challenging the state's evidence and procedures, and can significantly improve your negotiating position or lead to a dismissal.
Jeff Lotter's extensive background as a Florida State Trooper and Deputy Sheriff provides a unique and invaluable advantage in criminal defense. He possesses firsthand, in-depth knowledge of how law enforcement officers conduct investigations, make stops, gather evidence, write reports, and build cases for prosecution. This "insider's perspective" allows him to critically analyze the prosecution's case from the ground up, anticipate their strategies, and readily identify procedural errors, constitutional violations (like issues with reasonable suspicion, probable cause, or evidence collection), and weaknesses that other attorneys might miss. His experience across a wide array of criminal situations encountered during his law enforcement career translates to a comprehensive understanding of diverse criminal charges and highly effective defense tactics.
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Jeff Lotter
Attorney | Founder
An experienced Orlando attorney, Jeff brings more than two decades of front-line law enforcement and legal experience to every case. As a former Florida State Trooper and Deputy Sheriff, he offers clients a powerful advantage: insider knowledge of police procedures and prosecution strategies. Now solely dedicated to criminal defense, Jeff—a Military Veteran—approaches the courtroom as a battlefield. You, the client, are the General; Jeff is the battlefield commander executing your mission. Grounded in his Christian faith and committed to protecting freedom, Jeff sees every case as an opportunity to push back against government overreach and defend the individual against unjust intrusion. Married for over 20 years with two children, he brings the same unwavering dedication to protecting your rights as he does to his own family.
Stacy Sanchez
Senior Legal Assistant
Since beginning her legal career in 2014, Stacy has brought unwavering dedication to the field of criminal defense. She joined Lotter Law in 2021 and has since become an integral part of the team, known for her reliability, compassion, and sharp attention to detail. Originally from New York and raised in Orlando, Stacy blends tenacity with a warm, client-centered approach. Driven by a deep desire to help others, she believes every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect—especially during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Her strong family values guide her empathetic communication and relentless work ethic. With over a decade of experience and a genuine passion for criminal defense, Stacy continues to make a meaningful impact every day at Lotter Law.
Marissa Rodriguez
Legal Assistant
Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, Marissa joined the firm in 2022 with a strong passion for criminal defense. She has become a valued member of the team, known for her strong work ethic, and dedication to client service. Graduating at the top of her class, Marissa brings both academic excellence and practical experience to her role. Her hardworking and reliable nature ensures that every case is handled with care and precision.
Facing Criminal Charges? Don't Wait.
Your rights and future are on the line. Contact Lotter Law today for a confidential consultation and let our experience work for you.
Or, reach us directly:
Law Office of Jeff Lotter PLLC | 200 E Robinson St Suite 1140, Orlando, FL 32801
Office Consults By Appointment Only
Law Office of Jeff Lotter PLLC
200 E Robinson St Suite 1140
Orlando, FL 32801
Serving Central Florida, including Orange County.
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