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SWORD & SHIELD ATTORNEYS

FLORIDA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS -
Your Trusted Florida Criminal Defense Law Firm
Defending Your Rights and Future with Over 90 Years of Experience.

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FLORIDA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

90 + YEARS EXPERIENCE

Our highly trained attorneys, paralegals, and staff utilize the latest software and tools to not only meet your expectations, but also exceed them. Our number one priority is to serve our clients in Tallahassee and North Florida with the highest standards of ethics and customer service since 1930.

20,000 + CLIENTS

Sword & Shield Attorneys only hires top rated attorneys in their field. You can be certain that we will fiercely defend your constitutional rights, and if we can’t obtain a plea deal that won’t hinder your future, we are prepared to go to trial and ensure your rights are protected in court.

AVAILABLE 24/7

Sword & Shield Attorneys provides 24/7 emergency criminal defense services in Tallahassee and North Florida. If you get arrested on a weekend and your first appearance is on a Saturday, you can count on the fact that we will be there to defend you against the State.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense Services

Expert legal representation for a wide range of criminal charges in Florida.

Felonies

Aggressive defense against serious felony charges, protecting your future.

Misdemeanors

Strategic defense for misdemeanor offenses to protect your record and future.

Violation of Probation (VOP)

Experienced representation for Violation of Probation cases, aiming for reinstatement.

DUI Defense

Dedicated defense for DUI charges, protecting your driving privileges and freedom.

Appeals

Skilled appellate advocacy to challenge unfavorable rulings and seek justice.

Bond Reductions

Assisting with bond reduction requests to secure your release.

Expert Legal Insights & Solutions

When You Need Us Most

Voices of Our Clients

Hear directly from those we've helped.

Joshua C.
"I violated my probation and I was freaking out. I thought I was going to lose my plea deal forever and go to prison for years. My friend recommended that I contact attorney Adrian Middleton. After our first consultation he assured me that he would fight to get my probation and my mental health treatment reinstated. After several rounds of negotiation with the state, Mr. Middleton finally got me out of jail and my probation reinstated. I thank God for his services!"
Joshua C.
VOP Client, Tallahassee, FL
Paul G.
"My qualifier bailed on my roofing company during the Florida hurricane season and I was desperate to find someone that would qualify my business during the busiest season for roofers! I found Sword & Shield Attorneys on Google and they found a roofing qualifier for my business on the very same day I contacted them. By the end of the week, all the application paperwork was submitted to the DBPR and my company was fully qualified within 10 days. Their lead attorney, Adrian Middleton, was extremely helpful throughout the entire licensure process, and made me feel like my business was in trustworthy and caring hands."
Paul G.
Business Client, Miami, FL
Silvia L.
"I was panicking after I received a DBPR complaint on my General Contractor License. Most law firms I contacted for a quote had a no idea how to deal with the Florida DBPR. Luckily, my colleague recommended that I reach out to Adrian Middleton from Sword & Shield Attorneys. Mr. Middleton called me back the very same day and gave me a quote and case mitigation strategy. He was able to get rid of the DBPR complaint within a week and have all accusations dropped. I will forever be grateful to Mr. Middleton and Sword & Shield Attorneys for preventing a huge fine from being issued to my business."
Silvia L.
Contractor Client, Jacksonville, FL

Frequently Asked Legal Questions

Understanding your rights and common criminal defense processes.

What is a misdemeanor and what are the potential consequences?

Misdemeanors involve less serious crimes than felonies, typically punishable by up to one year in jail. Conviction can also lead to fines and revocation of professional licenses, making future employment or government clearance difficult. Sword & Shield Attorneys vigorously fight to keep convictions off your record and advocate for alternative sentencing.

What are felonies and how do they impact civil rights?

Felonies are crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. A felony conviction in Florida results in the loss of civil rights such as voting, serving on a jury, holding public office, or possessing a firearm. Capital felonies can even carry death or life imprisonment. We aggressively work to get charges dropped or withheld, negotiating plea deals to avoid prison time.

What are the risks of a Violation of Probation (VOP)?

A Violation of Probation is a very serious offense in Florida, significantly impacting your future and career. Since you are already sentenced to probation, you have fewer constitutional protections than with a new charge. You risk losing your bond, mental health treatment, and original plea deal. However, legal defenses exist, and with the right attorney, your probation and bond can often be reinstated or renegotiated.

When can an appeal be filed and what does it involve?

If you are dissatisfied with your case's outcome, you can file an appeal within 30 days of an order or motion. A successful appeal requires an experienced attorney to objectively assess trial proceedings for procedural errors. If sufficient grounds are found, we strenuously fight to achieve the lowest possible sentence, or even get charges dropped or adjudication withheld.