The Greenwald Law FirmOrlovista is a small unincorporated community just west of the City of Orlando. Law enforcement here is usually the Orange County Sheriff's Office, and criminal cases are prosecuted in the Orange County courts of the Ninth Judicial Circuit in downtown Orlando. The Greenwald Law Firm defends people charged with crimes in Orlovista and the surrounding west Orange County neighborhoods.
Brian F. Greenwald, Esq. began as an Assistant Public Defender in Orlando, where over eight years he was lead counsel in more than 150 jury trials. He has more than 20 years of criminal defense experience and gives every client direct access to him, not a case manager.
Charges we defend in Orlovista
We represent clients facing:
- 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
Theft and shoplifting charges
In Florida, the value of the property decides how serious a theft charge is. Taking property worth less than $750 is generally petit theft, a misdemeanor, while property worth $750 or more is grand theft, a felony. Prior theft convictions can raise the charge. Store cases often rely on loss-prevention reports and video, and many people also receive a civil demand letter asking for money, which is separate from the criminal case. A defense lawyer can review the evidence, the valuation and whether a diversion program or other resolution may be available.
What to do after an arrest
- Do not explain or apologize to police or store employees; anything you say can be used as evidence.
- Keep the citation, notice to appear and any letters you receive.
- Do not pay a civil demand letter without advice.
- Call a defense attorney before your court date.
What happens at your first court dates
After any first appearance, the next step is usually the arraignment, where the charge is formally read and a plea is entered. In many cases your lawyer can file a written plea of not guilty instead, so you do not have to attend. After that come pretrial hearings, where the evidence is exchanged and the case is either resolved or set for trial. Knowing what each date is for makes the process far less stressful.
Frequently asked questions
I got a civil demand letter from the store. Do I have to pay it?
A civil demand letter is separate from the criminal case, and paying it does not end the charge. Talk to a lawyer before you respond, so you understand what it means for you.
Is petit theft a big deal?
Petit theft is usually a misdemeanor, but a conviction is a theft conviction, which employers often notice, and prior theft convictions can make a later charge more serious. It is worth defending carefully.
Where will my Orlovista case be heard?
At the Orange County Courthouse in downtown Orlando, part of Florida's Ninth Judicial Circuit.
Nearby communities
The firm also represents clients in Pine Hills, Holden Heights, Ocoee and across Orlando and Orange County.
Free case review
Call 407-807-0840 any time, or send a confidential case review request.