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Text Content

Get a Free Consultation
Call Us - Available 24/7

(727) 828-3900
 * Areas of Defense
   * Restraining Orders
   * Sex Crimes
   * Drug Crimes
   * Domestic Violence
   * DUI/DWI
   * Violent Crimes
   * Fraud
   * Theft
   * Misdemeanor Charges
   * Felony Charges
   * Juvenile Charges
   * Federal Crimes
   * Sealing & Expungement Records
   * Probation
 * About
   * Our Story
   * Meet Our Team
   * Areas We Serve
 * Reviews
 * Case Results
 * Resources
   * Blog
   * Know Your Rights
   * Police Questioning
   * Booking & Bail Bond Process
   * Crime Statistics
 * Contact Us



Facing Criminal Charges?

We Defend

We fight to protect your life, your rights, your record.

Serving Tampa Bay & surrounding areas.

 * Get Started
 * Call Now


ABOUT
GOLDMAN WETZEL


ST. PETERSBURG CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

Facing criminal charges in the Tampa Bay area can be an overwhelming and
stressful experience. Given that Florida is taking strict measurements to fight
crime, offenders can face severe consequences including imprisonment, fines, and
the possible loss of some civil liberties. If you have been arrested or charged
with a criminal offense, an experienced St. Petersburg criminal defense attorney
can help you protect your rights.

Whether you are facing charges for a misdemeanor or a felony offense, a criminal
accusation should not be taken lightly since failing to prepare a strong defense
could result in a conviction with severe penalties. At Goldman Wetzel, we are
committed to providing personalized client service and aggressive legal
representation throughout Pinellas County, the Tampa Bay area, and surrounding
areas. Call us at (727) 828-3900 to schedule a free no-obligation consultation.

Offices conveniently located in:
St. Petersburg | Tampa | Bradenton


AREAS OF DEFENSE

Learn more about the type of criminal cases we handle


DRUG CRIMES

 * Possession of Drugs or Paraphernalia
 * Distribution
 * Trafficking
 * Cultivation
 * Manufacturing


VIOLENT CRIMES

 * Battery
 * Child Abuse
 * Stalking
 * Harassment
 * Aggravated Assault
 * Homicide
 * Robbery
 * Weapon Charges


SEX CRIMES

 * Child Molestation
 * Child Pornography
 * Rape / Sexual Battery
 * Sexual Exploitation of a Minor


DUI / DWI

 * First Offenders
 * Multiple Offenders
 * DUI Manslaughter


DOMESTIC CRIMES

 * Assault
 * Battery
 * Sexual Assault
 * Stalking
 * Kidnapping
 * False imprisonment


THEFT CHARGES

 * Burgarly
 * Grand Theft
 * Robbery
 * Home Invasion
 * Embezzlement


BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH
GOLDMAN WETZEL

When facing criminal charges in Pinellas County, having an early and strong
defense is imperative. At Goldman Wetzel, our focus is on being proactive. If
you retain us early in the process, our team of defense lawyers will work
thoroughly and promptly to achieve a desirable outcome for your case. In some
cases, that might mean reduced charges and in other situations, we might be able
to prevent the state from filing formal charges in the first place.

Our goal is to make sure that your rights are protected while we fight to obtain
the best possible outcome for your case. Every client who enlists our services
gets our very best because that’s what our clients’ most sensitive and serious
legal matters deserve. And here is how we deliver it:

PERSONALIZED & COMPASSIONATE ATTENTION

Your story matters. During our first meeting, we will carefully listen to your
description of what occurred and what you hope the outcome of the case will be.
This helps us better understand the case details and gives an idea of your
biggest concerns so we can start working on a plan to reach the right solutions.

We know that being arrested or facing criminal charges is terrifying. For that
reason, we tenaciously work to protect our clients’ rights. During our work
together, we will answer your questions and address your concerns with the
compassion and respect that you deserve.

PROACTIVE APPROACH WITH PROSECUTORS

As a former prosecutor, criminal attorney Summer Goldman has a thorough
understanding of how the prosecution approaches a criminal case. With this
valuable experience, the Goldman Wetzel legal team will work to identify
strategic opportunities, such as weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case. 

As part of our approach, our St. Petersburg criminal lawyers will present your
case in the best light possible. We want the judge and prosecutor to know that
you are not ‘just another criminal’ and that you are facing severe consequences
that can affect your life and those in it. This might help us negotiate a better
plea deal or even avoid formal charges altogether.

EFFECTIVE & AGGRESSIVE LEGAL REPRESENTATION

Facing a criminal misdemeanor or felony charge in Florida can be very stressful
since a weak defense can result in severe consequences. In order to find the
best legal solution for your situation, we use a team approach to prepare an
aggressive defense. As a solely focused criminal law firm, the lawyers from
Goldman Wetzel understand that the circumstances of each case are different.
Therefore, we need to prepare a defense that covers all the aspects of your
case. 

If you retain our services, our St. Petersburg criminal defense attorneys,
Summer Goldman and Maribeth Wetzel, will conduct thorough research to understand
your case and find compelling evidence that allows us to achieve a positive
outcome. We understand that there is a lot at stake and, as a result, we do not
settle for the easiest result. 

This means that we look at the aspects of your case that other attorneys may
overlook. To do this, we hire experts and investigators whose expertise can help
us prepare a strong defense for our clients. We might also have you take a
polygraph exam or recommend an evaluation by a psychologist or drug or substance
abuse expert if we think it could help your case.

BY YOUR SIDE THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE CASE

Our criminal lawyers will closely work with you at every step in the process. In
order to keep you informed and up to date, we explain and walk you through every
major decision we make so you feel confident about the direction of your case.
Even though our team will handle your legal representation, we will keep you
involved and updated about how your case is progressing and what the next steps
are. 

Whether we are standing next to you in court or you are waiting at home for the
next hearing, Summer Goldman and Maribeth Wetzel will be at your side throughout
the entire case. If you are facing charges in or near Pinellas County, contact
our criminal lawyers in St. Petersburg to get legal help. We have experience
delivering favorable results for both misdemeanors and felonies, defending
against state and federal charges, from DUIs to property and violent crimes.
Call us at 727-828-3900 or send us a secure message to schedule a free
consultation with a Goldman Wetzel attorney.

Contact Us


HIRE OUR ST. PETERSBURG CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

In Florida, being arrested does not necessarily mean that you are guilty of a
crime and that you will face several penalties. But, if law enforcement arrests
you and takes you to jail to be booked, you should have an attorney with you
during questioning. Saying something without having legal representation could
be detrimental for your case. If arrested, you have the right to legal counsel
and if you cannot afford a lawyer, the county where you were charged must
provide you one. However, this does not mean that the attorney assigned to your
case will be the best fit for you.

Even if you are facing charges for a minor crime, criminal allegations are
serious accusations that can result in fines, time in prison/jail, among other
penalties. Securing a Tampa Bay criminal defense attorney that knows how the
criminal justice system works can be the key to obtaining a successful result.
With over 30 years of combined experience, the attorneys at Goldman Wetzel have
extensive experience handling criminal law cases.


WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE POLICE ARRESTS YOU IN FLORIDA

If law enforcement arrests you as a suspect of a crime, they will take your
personal information, photograph, and fingertips. After obtaining information
about the alleged offense, you might be held in jail. Your bail is also set
during this process, but if you are facing charges for domestic violence or a
violation of a restraining order, you will not have an initial bond. 

Within the first 24 hours of your arrest, you will attend a First Appearance or
Advisory Hearing. During this first appearance before the judge, you have the
right to have an attorney on your side and your lawyer might request the judge
to lower your bail or release you on your own recognizance (ROR). If possible,
the attorneys at Goldman Wetzel can try to challenge the probable cause for
arrest.


YOUR ATTORNEY WILL START BUILDING A STRONG DEFENSE AGAINST THE CHARGES YOU’RE
FACING

Being charged or arrested is not the same as being convicted. However, the
sooner you have a lawyer working on your defense, the better chances you have to
obtain a successful outcome. Below are a few ways that Goldman Wetzel might use
to challenge your arrest and criminal charges:

 * If charged with DUI, did police properly conduct chemical testing or sobriety
   evaluations?
 * Were other witnesses, whose testimony will be useful to your defense, present
   at the time of your alleged offense?
 * Might our investigators discover others who may have committed the crime
   instead of you, or was a law enforcement investigation begun against you
   based on incorrect information?
 * Did law enforcement respect your rights and have probable cause to arrest you
   or were you a victim of an illegal search and seizure?

These are some examples of the approaches that the Pinellas County criminal
defense attorneys from Goldman Wetzel might be able to use to build strong
defenses, help negotiate plea agreements, and place “reasonable doubt” in the
minds of jurors. Keep in mind that, despite the fact that these might be common
defenses to fight criminal charges, strong, aggressive and effective legal
representation is based on the specific details of your case.

Get Started


RETAIN AN ATTORNEY FROM GOLDMAN WETZEL TODAY TO PROTECT YOUR FUTURE

How a Criminal Record Can Harm Your Future: A common mistake that many people
make is focusing more on the fines and jail time rather than how having a
criminal record impacts them. For example, misdemeanor offenses can bring fines
and jail time. But after that, the record for that minor offense affects your
life for years to come by limiting your job and educational opportunities,
ability to obtain or retain many professional licenses, and even your ability to
get good credit. Records of criminal convictions last longer than your jail
sentence and can weaken your professional and personal prospects.

Given that a criminal record can negatively affect your life, you owe it to
yourself and your loved ones to seek top-grade legal representation. Our team
does not settle for the easiest outcome: we are committed to fighting to protect
your life, your rights, and your record.


CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS SERVING ALL OF TAMPA BAY

Goldman Wetzel is a criminal defense trial firm with 3 offices in Tampa Bay. Our
attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience representing individuals
facing criminal charges in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Pinellas County, the
Tampa Bay Area, Pasco County, Manatee County, Sarasota, Hillsborough County, and
surrounding areas. At Goldman Wetzel, we zealously represent our clients with
compassion and confidence. Ms. Goldman is a former prosecutor and Ms. Wetzel is
a career defense attorney. Combining their unique background, they are able to
study your case from different perspectives and find the best strategy for your
defense. 

When our clients retain the legal services of Goldman Wetzel, they will work
directly with both Ms. Goldman and Ms. Wetzel. If you have been arrested,
received a citation, or are being pursued questioning by the police, contact us
now at (727) 828-3900 for a free case consultation. Our St. Petersburg criminal
attorneys provide aggressive and knowledgable representation to individuals who
are charged with sex crimes, domestic violence, DUI offenses, drug charges,
theft charges, weapon crimes, and more.


RECOGNITION & REVIEWS

Criminal Lawyers in St. Petersburg, FL Rated 10/10 on Avvo

Goldman Wetzel is a BBB Accredited Business and Rated A+

View All Testimonials
Beth was an amazing lawyer! I contacted her with a drug charge and she was very
quick to meet with me and discuss my options. This was my first offense (and
last!) and after discussing my options with her, we decided to go to drug court
so that my charges would eventually be dismissed. She was there every month for
me in court, answered my calls and questions promptly and even was able to get
my charges dismissed earlier than we expected. I couldn’t have asked for better
representation. Thank you, Beth!
“I couldn’t have asked for better representation”Stephanie
I was very satisfied with the services Summer provided. Her associate, Marybeth
was also helpful. All my questions were answered in a very timely manner and the
outcome of my case was favorable. She has continued to stay in contact with me
after it was all over. I felt an immediate friendship while working with these
ladies as opposed to being just another number.
“I was very satisfied with the services Summer provided”Phil
Our attorney kept us informed and was completely upfront and honest with us. She
also got us great outcome on our case. I would recommend her to anyone I know!
“I would recommend her to anyone…”Anonymous


QUESTIONS
CLIENTS FACE BEFORE MEETING WITH US

When Should You Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

When facing criminal charges, you should first consult with an attorney in the
jurisdiction where you’ve been charged to assess the severity of your case.
Hiring a lawyer ahead of your first appearance in court is important to the
outcome of your case. This is critical in order to protect your rights from the
outset of your court proceedings. 

If you are looking to hire a Tampa Bay criminal defense attorney, make sure he
or she has managed cases in the county where your case will be prosecuted, has a
successful track record, strong trial experience as well as negotiating skills
and the ability to develop a strategy for your case. Here are other tips that
you may want to take into account to hire a good criminal defense lawyer.

Should I Represent Myself in Criminal Court in Pinellas County, FL?

If you are facing criminal charges in St. Petersburg or Pinellas County, you can
represent yourself in court. However, if you are not familiar with the law and
the courtroom procedures, this is not advisable. Keep in mind that the
prosecutor typically has a wealth of experience and resources at their disposal.
So if you are not sure of how the criminal system works, you may run the risk of
doing or saying something detrimental to your case.  

What is the punishment for battery in Florida?

Under Florida law, a battery offense is classified as a first-degree
misdemeanor. So, if convicted, a person can face up to 1-year imprisonment and a
maximum $1,000 fine. However, a repeated battery offender might face a
third-degree felony charge which can result in up to 5 years in prison and a
maximum $5,000 fine.

What crimes have no statute of limitation in Florida?


In Florida, a statute of limitation establishes the period of time that the
State has to start the prosecution of a case. If the prosecution did not occur
within this time frame, the charges might be dropped. However, in Florida,
capital felonies, life felonies, or felonies that resulted in the death of a
person do not have a statute of limitation. Some examples of these offenses
include but are not limited to sexual battery upon a child, capital drug
trafficking, and some homicide cases.

What are the penalties for DUI in St. Petersburg, FL?

In Florida, the penalties for a DUI offense depend on different factors. A first
offense can result in up to 6 months of jail, a maximum fine of $1,000, and the
suspension of your license for up to 180 days. More serious forms of DUI can be
treated as third-degree felonies. 

If you have previous convictions, a DUI in the Tampa Bay area can result in more
severe consequences such as the revocation of your driver’s license and longer
periods of incarceration. So if you are arrested for this type of offense, a St.
Petersburg DUI lawyer might be able to help you protect your rights.


OUR
RESULTS

View All Results


LEWD AND LASCIVIOUS MOLESTATION

Result

We were able to intervene very early on behalf of our client, which resulted in
no arrest and no formal charges being filed.






CAPITAL SEXUAL BATTERY (CUSTODIAL)

Result

Court dismissed all charges against our client based on the motion to dismiss we
filed and argued for at a hearing.






FREE CASE EVALUATION

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PROTECT YOUR LIFE, YOUR RIGHTS, YOUR RECORD.

Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with a St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorney.

Call Now

PRIMARY AREAS OF DEFENSE

 * Domestic Violence
 * Drug Crimes
 * DUI/DWI
 * Federal Crimes
 * Sex Crimes
 * Sealing and Expungement
 * Violent Crimes

AREAS WE SERVE

 * St. Petersburg, FL
 * Tampa, FL
 * Bradenton, FL
 * Clearwater, FL
 * Pinellas County, FL
 * Sarasota, FL
 * View All

ABOUT GOLDMAN WETZEL

 * Our Story
 * Meet Our Team
 * Client Reviews
 * Case Results
 * Contact Us


OUR OFFICES

St. Petersburg 

915 1st Ave N
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
(727) 828-3900

Bradenton

1023 Manatee Ave W
Suite 309
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 405-5193

Tampa

3030 N. Rocky Point Dr
Suite 150
Tampa, FL 33607
(888) 727-4652

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