Out of State Clients

Clearwater Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you reside outside of the state of Florida and were arrested in Clearwater while visiting, it would be in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced attorney in this area. At The Law Office of Timothy Hessinger we understand that the potential cost and inconvenience of having to litigate a criminal matter while residing out of town, or out of state, can be tremendous. We will provide a strong defense for your case while helping to minimize any unnecessary appearances for you in a Florida courtroom.

Providing a Strong Defense for Out of State Cases

For out of state clients charged with felony offenses, we will first evaluate the strengths and weaknesses in the State's case and determine whether a reduction in charge to a misdemeanor is a viable option. Where a reduction is not likely, we will negotiate the best possible resolution for our clients while appearing in court on their behalf.

When a plea agreement is reached, we will schedule the case for a date and time that is convenient for our clients to return to Florida for sentencing. In situations where the state attorney's office is willing to reduce the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor, we are usually able to resolve the matter without our clients ever having to return by filing what is referred to as a "plea in absentia". In either scenario, if a period of probation is imposed as part of the plea agreement, we will ensure that our client's supervision is transferred to his or her home State.

If the client qualifies for Pre-trial Intervention, whether the charge is a felony or misdemeanor, we can usually process the client's application and related paperwork here, and have their PTI supervision transferred to their home state without the client having to return to Florida.

Some of the cases that we defend that involve visitors, tourists, students or business professionals who have come to Florida include:

• DUI/drunk driving
• DUI refusal of testing
• Public intoxication
• Disorderly conduct
• Felony DUI
• Drug trafficking
• Possession of marijuana or other drugs
• Shoplifting and other theft crimes
• Outstanding warrants
• Probation violations

With over two decades of criminal defense experience, our team at The Law Office of Timothy Hessinger has the intimate knowledge of Florida's court system and procedures that you, as an out of state client, need to bring about a positive outcome to your case.