The Greenwald Law FirmSouth Apopka lies just south of the City of Apopka in northwest Orange County. Most of it is unincorporated, so arrests here are usually made by the Orange County Sheriff's Office, and the charges are prosecuted in the Orange County courts of Florida's Ninth Judicial Circuit in downtown Orlando. If you or someone in your family was arrested in South Apopka, Brian F. Greenwald, Esq. can review what happened and start working on a defense right away.
Brian began his career as an Assistant Public Defender in Orlando. Over eight years there he represented thousands of clients and served as lead counsel in more than 150 jury trials. He has now defended people in Central Florida courtrooms for more than 20 years, and he handles each case himself.
Charges we defend in South Apopka
The Greenwald Law Firm represents adults facing misdemeanor and felony charges, including:
- 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
DUI stops in and around South Apopka
Many cases in this part of Orange County begin with a traffic stop on US 441 or one of the roads leading into Apopka. A DUI arrest starts two separate cases: the criminal charge in county court and an administrative suspension of your driver's license. Florida gives you only 10 days from the arrest to request a formal review hearing to challenge that suspension, so it pays to call a lawyer early. In the criminal case, the reason for the stop, the field sobriety exercises and the breath or blood testing all deserve a close look.
What happens after an arrest
A person arrested in South Apopka is normally booked into the Orange County Jail in Orlando. Florida law requires a first appearance before a judge within 24 hours, where the court reviews the arrest and sets bond and release conditions. Having a defense attorney involved at that stage can make a real difference to bond and to the conditions you live under while the case is open.
- Do not discuss the facts with police, cellmates or on jail phone calls, which are recorded.
- Write down the timeline while it is fresh.
- Keep your citation, bond paperwork and court notice together.
- Speak with a defense lawyer before your first court date.
What a defense lawyer does in the first week
The first days after an arrest matter more than most people expect. In a South Apopka case, Brian will get the arrest report and the charging documents, look at how the stop or arrest happened, and ask that any video, such as dash-camera or body-camera footage, be preserved. If the arrest was for DUI, he will make sure the license-review deadline is met. He will also explain your bond conditions in plain terms, so that a misunderstanding does not lead to a new problem while the case is pending.
Frequently asked questions
How soon should I call a lawyer after a DUI arrest in South Apopka?
As soon as you can. You have only 10 days from the arrest to request a formal review hearing on your license suspension, and that hearing is separate from the criminal case. Calling early also gives your lawyer time to request evidence before it is lost.
Will I have to go to court in Orlando?
South Apopka cases are heard at the Orange County Courthouse in downtown Orlando. In many misdemeanor cases your lawyer can file a written plea of not guilty so you do not have to attend the arraignment, but you will need to attend other hearings when the court requires it.
What if I cannot afford a private lawyer?
You can ask the judge at first appearance to appoint the public defender. You can also hire a private attorney at any point in the case, and many people call for a free consultation to compare their options.
Nearby communities we serve
The firm also represents clients in Apopka, Clarcona, Pine Hills and throughout Orlando and Orange County.
Get a free, confidential case review
Call 407-807-0840 any time, day or night, or send a confidential case review request. You will hear back from the firm directly about your charges, your court dates and your options.