Criminal charges can be overwhleming and scary. Our law firm is a premier source for criminal defense services, providing unparalleled support and legal expertise. Our skilled attorneys are ready to defend your rights and help guide you through the complexities of the criminal justice system.

Understanding the Types of Criminal Defense Cases

Criminal defense refers to legal representation for individuals facing criminal charges. These can range from misdemeanors such as petit thefts and DUIs to more serious felonies like aggravated battery, robbery, and drug trafficking. Often, these charges carry significant consequences, including fines, jail or prison time, and a permanent criminal record. Having a knowledgeable and experienced attorney by your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor charge or a more serious accusation, our team is here to defend your case and support your side of the story. We will navigate the complexities of the judicial system for you and provide guidance and counseling on how to proceed. Our attorneys offer defense for a variety of cases, including:

•  Drug Offenses: Drug-related charges such as possession and trafficking are serious offenses with severe consequences.

• DUI: Charges involving driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not only dangerous; they can permanently alter your life.

• Theft and Burglary: These property crimes can carry heavy fines and lengthy prison sentences.

• Violent Crimes: From aggravated assault to robbery or homicide, crimes against persons are taken very seriously and aggressively prosecuted.

• Juvenile Charged as Adults: Young offenders face a distinct legal process that requires a delicate, informed approach.

Juvenile Criminal Defense

Young offenders face a distinct legal process that requires a delicate, informed approach. The juvenile justice system differs significantly from the adult system, focusing more on rehabilitation than punishment. When dealing with juvenile offenses, it is crucial to have an attorney who understands these differences and can navigate the complexities involved. However, facing criminal charges as a minor can still have severe consequences and impact a child's future opportunities. Our attorneys are experienced in handling various juvenile cases, including misdemeanors and felonies. We work diligently to ensure that young clients receive fair treatment and that their rights are protected throughout the legal process. We also strive to minimize the long-term impact of any legal issues on their future.

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Champion Your Cause

When facing criminal charges, it’s important to have an attorney with experience in the specific type of crime for which you are being charged. Our criminal defense specialists have in-depth knowledge and experience in handling specific criminal cases. We have a deep understanding of the laws, procedures, and possible defenses specific to each type of crime. Our criminal defense attorneys can provide:

• Expertise and Experience: Deep knowledge of criminal law, coupled with experience in handling similar cases, allows your attorney to craft a strong defense.

• Strategic Planning: Every detail of your case is scrutinized, preparing for a defense that effectively counters the prosecution's claims.

• Negotiation Skills: Often, the best outcome doesn't come from a trial but from negotiating a plea that minimizes penalties.

• Support and Guidance: Beyond the legal strategies, your attorney provides emotional support and clear guidance through the complexities of your case.

Seeking Justice with the Right Representation

The right criminal defense team does more than fight your immediate legal battle—they help protect your future, your freedom, and to your reputation. We will provide an attorney on your side who will fight tirelessly in your corner. Our attorneys will sift through every aspect of your case—examining evidence, interviewing witnesses, and challenging any procedural errors or rights violations. Our approach ensures that every possibility for clearance or reduced sentencing is pursued.

Fight Criminal Charges with Excellent Legal Defense

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Florida, secure an experienced criminal defense attorney to give your case the highest chance for the best results. The right legal representation can make the greatest difference. Hiring a local attorney who practices and resides where the crime occurred is essential. Out-of-town lawyers often lack an intimate understanding of the local legal system, judges, and prosecutors. Our attorneys have day-to-day relationships with these key players, which can be pivotal in your defense. Our lawyers will help ensure the legal process respects your rights, treats you fairly, and considers all sides of your case.

With the right team by your side, you have a fighting chance to move past this hurdle into a brighter future. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help you during this critical time. Our team is ready to fight for you. 

Areas of practice

Being charged with a criminal driving offense or DUI can have serious consequences, including license suspension, fines, and even jail time. If you're facing such charges, it's crucial to have experienced legal representation on your side to protect your rights and defend your freedom. At Plata Schott Law, our attorneys have over 13 years of experience in criminal defense and a proven track record of success in defending clients accused of driving offenses and DUI.

We understand the complexities of DUI laws and the tactics used by law enforcement to gather evidence against drivers suspected of driving under the influence. That's why we conduct a thorough investigation of every case, challenging the legality of traffic stops, field sobriety tests, and breathalyzer results. We work tirelessly to build a strong defense strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of each client's case, with the goal of minimizing the impact of criminal charges on their lives and livelihoods.

In addition to defending clients against DUI charges, we also handle a wide range of criminal driving offenses, including reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, and vehicular manslaughter. Our attorneys have extensive experience in both negotiation and litigation, allowing us to pursue favorable outcomes for our clients through plea agreements, reduced charges, or acquittals at trial.

When you choose Plata Schott Law to represent you in a criminal driving offense or DUI case, you can trust that you're in capable hands. Our attorneys have a reputation for excellence in the courtroom and a commitment to achieving the best possible results for our clients. We understand the stress and uncertainty that comes with facing criminal charges, and we are here to provide compassionate support, personalized attention, and aggressive advocacy every step of the way.

DUI

A DUI can affect anyone.  Many attorneys claim to handle DUIs, but our attorneys have handled many DUIs, tried multiple cases and are familiar with the law regarding lawful traffic stops, and DUI investigation including blood, urine, and breath tests. Our award-winning attorney, Shannon Schott has been honored as a Super Lawyer Rising Star annually for her excellent work helping people charged with DUI/DWI. 

Traffic Homicide

When a life is loss in a traffic crash, we are here to help you.  We can advise you on how to cooperate with investigators and discuss your options during one of the worst times of your life.

Being accused of child abuse is a serious and emotionally charged allegation that can have devastating consequences for your reputation, your family, and your future. If you're facing such charges, having experienced legal representation on your side is crucial to protect your rights and defend your innocence. At Plata Schott Law, our attorneys have over 13 years of experience in criminal defense and a proven track record of success in defending clients accused of child abuse.

We understand the complexities of child abuse laws and the tactics used by law enforcement and child protective services to gather evidence against defendants. That's why we conduct a thorough investigation of every case, challenging the credibility of witnesses, the reliability of forensic evidence, and the legality of investigative procedures. We work tirelessly to build a strong defense strategy tailored to each client's case's specific circumstances, aiming to achieve the best possible outcome.

In addition to defending clients against allegations of child abuse, we also provide compassionate support and guidance to families facing the challenges of child protective services investigations and custody disputes. Our attorneys have extensive experience in both negotiation and litigation, allowing us to pursue favorable outcomes for our clients through plea agreements, reduced charges, or acquittals at trial.

If you're facing drug-related charges, you need experienced and dedicated legal representation to protect your rights and defend your future. At Plata Schott Law, our attorneys have over 13 years of experience in criminal defense and a proven track record of success in defending clients accused of drug offenses, including possession, distribution, manufacturing, and trafficking.

We understand the severe consequences that drug convictions can have on our clients' lives, including incarceration, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. That's why we are committed to exploring all possible defense strategies, challenging the prosecution's evidence, and advocating for alternative sentencing options when appropriate. Whether you're facing charges related to marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, or prescription drugs, we have the knowledge, skills, and resources to protect your rights and fight for your freedom.

In addition to our extensive courtroom experience, our firm has received recognition and awards for our dedication to excellence in criminal defense. Attorneys Shannon Schott and Belkis Plata have been honored for their outstanding legal advocacy and commitment to client satisfaction. Our former clients consistently praise our accessibility, empathy, and unwavering dedication to achieving the best possible results. When you work with us, you can trust that you're in capable hands every step of the way.

We believe in the Second Amendment and responsible gun ownership, and we have been trained to use and conceal carry firearms. We believe in the Fourth Amendment, and we will fight unlawful searches and seizures and other unconstutitional invasions into privacy. If you’re charged with a weapons offense, we know every element of the allegation that needs to be challenged and we are highly-skilled in how we attack the prosecution’s case.

Facing charges related to armed crimes or weapons offenses can have serious consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and a permanent criminal record. If you're facing such charges, it's crucial to have experienced legal representation on your side to protect your rights and defend your future. At Plata Schott Law, our attorneys have over 13 years of experience in criminal defense and a proven track record of success in defending clients accused of armed crimes and weapons offenses.

We understand the complexities of firearm laws and the unique challenges involved in defending clients accused of armed crimes, such as armed robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, or unlawful possession of a firearm. That's why we conduct a thorough investigation of every case, challenging the legality of searches and seizures, eyewitness identification procedures, and ballistics evidence. We work tirelessly to build a strong defense strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of each client's case, with the goal of achieving the best possible outcome.

In addition to armed crimes, we also handle a wide range of weapons offenses, including illegal possession of firearms, possession of a concealed weapon, and possession of prohibited weapons. Our attorneys have extensive experience in both negotiation and litigation, allowing us to pursue favorable outcomes for our clients through plea agreements, reduced charges, or acquittals at trial.

When you choose Plata Schott Law to represent you in a case involving armed crimes or weapons offenses, you can trust that you're in capable hands. Our attorneys have a reputation for excellence in the courtroom and a commitment to achieving the best possible results for our clients. We understand the stress and uncertainty that comes with facing criminal charges, and we are here to provide compassionate support, personalized attention, and aggressive advocacy every step of the way.

At Plata Schott Law, we understand the seriousness and complexity of sex crime allegations and are dedicated to providing aggressive and strategic defense representation for individuals facing such charges. With over 13 years of experience in criminal defense, our attorneys, Shannon Schott and Belkis Plata, have successfully defended numerous clients accused of sex crimes, including sexual assault, rape, child molestation, and possession of child pornography.

We recognize the devastating impact that sex crime allegations can have on our clients' lives, relationships, and reputations. That's why we are committed to vigorously challenging the prosecution's evidence, scrutinizing law enforcement procedures, and protecting our client's constitutional rights at every stage of the legal process. We have a proven track record of securing favorable client outcomes, including dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges.

As experienced trial attorneys, we have tried more than 60 jury trials, honing our skills in the courtroom and earning a reputation for tenacity and excellence. Our dedication to our client's well-being extends beyond the courtroom, as evidenced by our overwhelming five-star reviews from former criminal defense clients. We understand that facing sex crime charges can be an overwhelming and daunting experience, and we are committed to providing compassionate support, personalized attention, and zealous advocacy to every client we represent.

If you are charged with a Violent Crime, such as Arson, Aggravated and Simple Assault, Attempted Murder, Battery, Aggravated and Simple Battery, Domestic Battery, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Battery in a Detention/Correctional Facility, Making Threats or Stalking, or Aggravated Stalking, we can help you. We have tried serious and violent offenses to verdict. We can help you choose the best strategy for your case.

When a good criminal defense attorney is literally the difference between life and death, call us. You should contact a reputable attorney as soon as possible if you or a loved one are facing a violent offense.