The Greenwald Law FirmHolden Heights is a community southwest of downtown Orlando. It is unincorporated Orange County, so arrests are generally made by the Orange County Sheriff's Office, and cases are prosecuted in the Orange County courts of the Ninth Judicial Circuit. The Greenwald Law Firm defends people charged with crimes in Holden Heights and the neighborhoods around it.
Attorney Brian F. Greenwald spent eight years as an Assistant Public Defender in Orlando and served as lead counsel in more than 150 jury trials. With more than 20 years of criminal defense experience, he understands how violent-crime allegations are charged and tried in Orange County.
Charges we defend in Holden Heights
The firm represents clients charged with:
- DUI and criminal traffic offenses
- Drug possession, sale and trafficking
- Domestic violence
- Assault and battery
- Theft and shoplifting
- Burglary and other property crimes
- Violation of probation
- Civil asset forfeiture
Assault, battery and self-defense
Florida treats assault (a threat that puts someone in fear of violence) and battery (an actual, intentional touching or striking) as separate crimes, and either can become a felony if a weapon is involved or someone is seriously hurt. Many of these cases come down to who was the aggressor. Florida law protects people who use force to defend themselves, and in the right case the defense can ask the court for immunity from prosecution before trial. Witness statements, video and injuries all matter, and they should be gathered quickly.
After an arrest
- Do not discuss what happened with police or on jail phones.
- Write down names of witnesses and where cameras may have been.
- Follow any no-contact order exactly.
- Call a defense lawyer before your first court date.
Evidence that disappears quickly
In fights and other violent-crime allegations, the most useful evidence often disappears first: security video is recorded over within days or weeks, witnesses move away and injuries heal. In a Holden Heights case, Brian can move quickly to identify cameras, locate witnesses and request records, so the full story is available, not just the version in the police report.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between assault and battery?
Assault is a threat that puts someone in fear of imminent violence; battery is an actual, intentional touching or striking against the person's will, or intentionally causing bodily harm. Either can become a felony when a weapon is involved or someone is seriously hurt.
I was defending myself. What should I do?
Do not try to explain it to police without a lawyer. Self-defense is a legal claim that has to be supported by evidence, and in some cases the defense can ask for immunity from prosecution before trial. Your lawyer will look at whether that fits your case.
Where will my case be heard?
Holden Heights cases are heard at the Orange County Courthouse in downtown Orlando, in Florida's Ninth Judicial Circuit.
Nearby communities
We also serve Edgewood, Orlovista, Conway and all of Orlando and Orange County.
Free, confidential case review
Call 407-807-0840 any time, or send a confidential case review request.