Trusted Sarasota Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you have recently been arrested in the Sarasota area, you are likely experiencing a critical legal situation filled with panic, shame and anxiety about your future. I know that you are terrified about the possibility of going to jail, how this might affect your family and whether a criminal charge will remain on your permanent record and ruin your employment prospects. You don’t have to face the overwhelming court process alone.
I am Kevin M. Murphy. Since founding Murphy Law Group in 2013, I have dedicated my career to providing professional, empathetic and approachable representation to our community. My familiarity with local Sarasota judges and courts allows me to guide you through the system with confidence, fighting to protect your freedom and your future.
Criminal Defense Practice Areas I Cover
I provide strategic and compassionate defense for a variety of charges, including:
- Drug crimes: Whether you are facing a first-time misdemeanor possession charge or a more serious offense, my goal is to help you avoid jail time and explore diversion programs.
- Traffic violations: I offer strategic defense for CDL holders and everyday drivers, working to prevent career-ending offenses, fight the accumulation of points on your license and protect your livelihood.
- DUI/DWI: Driving Under the Influence arrests come with high-stakes financial anxiety and strict administrative deadlines. I will challenge the evidence against you, including the administration of Breathalyzer tests, to protect your driving privileges.
- Theft crimes: A theft charge can impact your reputation and career. I will fiercely defend your rights, aiming to reduce or dismiss charges, which is a critical first step toward eligibility to seal or expunge your record.
As your attorney, my primary objective is to de-escalate your situation and provide a comforting defense strategy. Because I used to prosecute cases for the state, I can anticipate the prosecution’s arguments and dismantle them.
What Should I Do Immediately After Being Arrested In Florida?
The most important thing you can do is remain silent and politely ask for an attorney. Do not attempt to explain your side of the story to the police, as your words can be used against you. Contact my office as soon as possible so I can intervene, protect your rights and build your defense while you are navigating the initial shock of the arrest.
Can A First-Time Felony Charge Be Reduced Or Dismissed In Sarasota?
Yes, it is entirely possible. As a former prosecutor, I understand the specific factors that the state considers when deciding whether to reduce or drop charges. For first-time offenders, I can often leverage your clean history to negotiate alternative resolutions, such as probation or pretrial diversion, which can ultimately protect your permanent record.
How Do The 2026 Florida Criminal Law Updates Affect My Current Case?
Florida’s criminal statutes change often, so keeping current is an essential part of my practice. For example, Trenton’s Law has recently reshaped Florida DUI penalties and the way certain evidence is handled. It increases punishment for fatal impaired driving by making a second or subsequent DUI manslaughter or vehicular homicide a first-degree felony, carrying up to 30 years in prison. It also turns a first-time breath test refusal into a criminal offense instead of only a license suspension, aiming to deter repeat offenders.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
You do not have to let a single mistake define the rest of your life. At Murphy Law Group, I offer free consultations so we can immediately sit down, review the facts of your case and outline a clear path forward without adding to your financial stress.
If you are located in Sarasota, Bradenton or Port Charlotte, contact my office today at 941-924 6407 or use the online contact form. Conveniently located near the Ringling Blvd area, my firm is ready to provide the skilled, local defense you need to protect your freedom and secure your future.