Bushnell, FL Criminal Defense Law Firms & Lawyers

Mugshots can be embarrassing and humiliating, sometimes even costing you a job, because it implies that you are associated with some sort of criminal beghavior, even if you didn’t commit the crime, the State dropped the charges or were eventually found not guilty at trial. The first thing to do is to get the record sealed or expunged, meaning it's no longer "in the public domain" and therefore not newsworthy. Getting the mugshot companies to remove the image is a challenge even with a law on the books allowing you to sue them if it's not removed. The problem is serving them with a lawsuite, since most mughshot companies are based off-shore. An attorney can assist you with some parts and coordinate efforts with mugshot removal/reputation management caompanies.  

I don't know how to get an apartment manager to let you rent an apartment.  However, there are a few things that might make the situation better.  If you have finished all of your sanctions, you may be able to file a motion to request that the court terminate your probation early.  If the judge says yes, since you are a first time felon, you may qualify to get your record sealed.  In any event, you should talk to an attorney about both options.  If your Grant Theft case arose in Lee, Charlotte, Hendry, Desoto, Sarasota or Manatee counties, you can call me and I will be happy to discuss it with you.

You need to hire an aggressive criminal defense attorney, immediately. You must plead not guilty at arraignment. Do not speak to the State Attorney, let your lawyer negotiate or take it to trial if necessary. You probably have a very good reasonable hypothesis of innocence which only an attorney can assert properly. The state must prove each and every element of the offense beyond and to the exclusion of a reasonable doubt. At least set up a few free consultations with criminal defense attorneys in your area, some may take payments, but most will require a substantial retainer. You do not want to admit to anything at this stage, an attorney will get all of the police reports and determine if there is a likelyhood of getting the case dismissed or the evidence suppressed. Do not talk with anyone else about the case. Get counsel. We keep America free.