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Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyer
An arrest in Orlando starts a case in the Ninth Judicial Circuit — the same circuit that covers Osceola County. Felony and misdemeanor cases from Orlando and the rest of Orange County are heard at the Orange County Courthouse, 425 N. Orange Avenue, and prosecuted by the Ninth Circuit State Attorney's Office.
Chad Seibel was an Assistant State Attorney in the Ninth Circuit from 2013 to 2016. He has seen how these cases are built from the prosecution's side — what gets charged, what gets reduced, and what falls apart. Today he uses that experience to defend people charged with crimes in Orange and Osceola County.
Cases we handle in Orange County
DUI, including refusal, second DUI and the 10-day license deadline
What happens after an Orlando arrest
Most people arrested in Orange County are booked at the county's Booking and Release Center. Under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.130, anyone arrested must see a judge within 24 hours. At that first appearance the judge reads the charge, addresses counsel and decides on pretrial release or bond. Weekday first appearances are held at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; weekends and holidays have one session at 11 a.m. A lawyer involved before first appearance can argue for release conditions on the spot. See Arrested in Orange County.
Hablamos español. Atendemos em português.
Consultations are available in Spanish, and with Portuguese-speaking staff. Abogado criminalista en Orlando.
Looking up an Orange County case
The Orange County Clerk of Courts runs a free online system called my eCLERK. It lets the public search and view many court records at no charge, criminal cases included, and a name search needs both a first and last name. The Clerk says online documents are available from 2009 to the present for most case types. Looking up the case number, the charges and the next court date is a sensible first step before a consultation.
Diversion and problem-solving courts in the Ninth Circuit
The Ninth Circuit State Attorney's Office runs Pretrial Intervention (PTI). Its published criteria limit PTI to misdemeanors and nonviolent third-degree felonies, cap prior records, require the victim's agreement and a waiver of speedy trial, and let the State Attorney's Office decline entry. The Ninth Circuit also operates problem-solving courts, including Adult Drug Court, Mental Health Court and Veterans Treatment Court, with programs at the Orange County Courthouse. Eligibility for any of these is decided case by case, often early in the case.
Frequently asked questions
Is an Orlando case handled differently than a Kissimmee case?
Both are in the Ninth Judicial Circuit and prosecuted by the same State Attorney's Office, but Orlando cases are heard in the Orange County Courthouse and Kissimmee cases in the Osceola County Courthouse. Each courthouse has its own judges and schedules.
Should I talk to the police before I talk to a lawyer?
You have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. Say that you want a lawyer and stop answering questions.
Can I hire a lawyer before first appearance?
Yes. Rule 3.130 gives a defendant who wants to hire counsel a reasonable time to do so.
Do you charge for a consultation?
No. The first consultation is free and confidential.
Can I look up my Orlando case online?
Yes. The Orange County Clerk of Courts' my eCLERK system is free and covers many court records, including criminal cases, searchable by first and last name.
Call or text 407-846-8008 for a free, confidential consultation. Office: 517 W. Bryan St., Kissimmee, FL 34741 · Office line 407-530-4920. Consultations and meetings available throughout Florida by appointment.