Tallahassee Criminal Attorney

Zelman Law is a Tallahassee criminal defense and family law office devoted to providing the highest quality of advice and representation in the areas of criminal defense, DUI, divorce, and family law matters. The focus at Zelman Law is centered around protecting the rights of individuals, whether they have been accused of a crime or are navigating a difficult family legal matter. When you need a Tallahassee criminal defense attorney or a skilled family law lawyer to help you through difficult times, Zelman Law is here to stand up for you and give you a voice in the legal process.

Joshua Zelman Gets Results

Joshua Zelman, the founder and principal attorney at Zelman Law, has over 20 years of experience in the practice of law. During that time, he has earned an AV rating from renowned legal publisher Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting achievement of the highest levels in legal ability, ethics and professionalism, as judged by his peers. He has also earned Superb 10.0 ratings in Tallahassee Criminal Defense and DUI from the popular Avvo legal directory. Joshua Zelman’s legal knowledge and ability, combined with his strong work ethic and commitment to excellence, ensures that Zelman Law delivers an extraordinarily high quality of representation to every client in every case.

Zelman Law handles cases at every level of the Florida criminal justice system, from misdemeanor charges in Leon County Court to serious felony prosecutions in circuit court and federal matters in the Northern District of Florida. Whether you are facing a first-time arrest or a complex multi-count indictment, our office approaches every case with the same level of preparation, attention, and aggressive advocacy.

Tallahassee Criminal Defense

A criminal charge in Tallahassee puts your freedom, your reputation, your career, and your future at risk. Florida’s criminal penalties are severe across a wide range of offenses, and the State Attorney’s Office for the Second Judicial Circuit prosecutes cases aggressively. Having an experienced Tallahassee criminal defense attorney in your corner from the earliest stage of your case gives you the best possible chance of achieving a favorable outcome.

Zelman Law defends clients against the full spectrum of criminal charges in Leon County and throughout Florida, including the following:

Assault and Violent Crimes – Florida prosecutes violent offenses harshly, and convictions for assault, battery, robbery, and related charges can result in substantial prison sentences. We challenge the evidence, examine witness accounts, and pursue every available defense including self-defense and Stand Your Ground immunity where applicable.

Drug Crimes – From simple possession to trafficking, Florida’s mandatory minimum sentencing laws impose devastating consequences for drug convictions. We challenge the legality of searches and seizures, the chain of custody for seized substances, and the reliability of lab testing. We handle marijuana possession, cocaine possession, prescription drug fraud, and all related charges.

DUI – A DUI arrest in Florida triggers both a criminal case and an administrative proceeding that threatens your driving privileges. You have only ten days from the date of arrest to request a formal review hearing with the Florida DHSMV. We handle both proceedings simultaneously, challenging the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, and breathalyzer or blood test results. We also handle reckless driving, hit and run, and license suspension matters.

Firearm and Weapons Offenses – Florida’s 10-20-Life law imposes mandatory minimum sentences for crimes committed with firearms, and weapons charges can dramatically enhance the penalties for other offenses. We know Florida’s firearms laws in depth and fight to protect our clients from unjust enhancements.

Homicide – Murder, manslaughter, and homicide charges carry the most severe penalties in the Florida criminal code, including life imprisonment and the death penalty for capital offenses. These cases demand a defense attorney with serious trial experience and the resources to mount a comprehensive challenge to the state’s evidence.

Sex Offenses and Child Pornography – Sex crime allegations carry lifelong consequences beyond any prison sentence, including mandatory registration on the Florida Sex Offender Registry. We handle these cases with sensitivity and discretion while mounting a thorough and aggressive defense. Our office also handles sealing and expungement for those seeking to clear their records after a case concludes.

Shoplifting and Theft – Theft charges in Florida range from misdemeanor petit theft to felony grand theft auto, burglary, and identity theft. We represent clients at every level, from first-time shoplifting arrests to serious property crime accusations.

White Collar Crime – Healthcare fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, forgery, and insurance fraud are prosecuted seriously in Florida and federal courts. These cases are built on complex documentary evidence and require an attorney who understands both the legal and financial dimensions of the charges.

Probation Violations – A violation of probation allegation can result in the imposition of your original sentence plus additional penalties. Unlike a criminal trial, the state only needs to prove a violation by a preponderance of the evidence, making strong legal representation at these hearings critical.

Domestic Violence – Domestic violence charges in Florida carry serious criminal penalties and can result in restraining orders, loss of firearm rights, and lasting damage to your reputation. We provide aggressive defense from the moment charges are filed.

Federal Crimes – Federal prosecutions in the Northern District of Florida involve different rules, procedures, and sentencing guidelines than state court matters. Our office represents clients facing federal charges with the same depth of preparation and advocacy we bring to every case.

College Student Defense – Tallahassee is home to Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee Community College. Students facing criminal charges also face university disciplinary proceedings that can result in suspension or expulsion. We represent students in both processes simultaneously to protect their freedom and their academic future.

Tallahassee Family Law and Divorce

In addition to criminal defense, Zelman Law represents clients in a wide range of family law matters throughout Leon County and the surrounding area. Family legal disputes are among the most personally significant situations a person can face, and having a knowledgeable attorney who understands both the legal and human dimensions of these cases makes a meaningful difference in the outcome.

Divorce – Whether your divorce is uncontested and straightforward or contested and complex, Zelman Law provides the guidance and representation you need to protect your interests. We handle all aspects of the divorce process including property division, alimony, parenting plans, and time-sharing arrangements. For high-asset cases, military divorces, or situations involving business ownership, retirement accounts, or other complex financial issues, our office brings the depth of knowledge these matters require. We also handle collaborative divorce and mediation for parties seeking a less adversarial resolution.

Child Custody and Time-Sharing – Florida no longer uses the term custody in family law proceedings. Instead, courts establish parenting plans and time-sharing schedules that govern how parents divide responsibility for their children. We represent parents in negotiating and litigating parenting plans that serve the best interests of the child while protecting our client’s right to a meaningful relationship with their children. We also handle child relocation matters when a parent with primary time-sharing seeks to move more than 50 miles from their current residence.

Child Support – Florida calculates child support using a statutory formula based on the income of both parents and the time-sharing arrangement. We represent both parents seeking support and parents contesting support calculations, and we handle modification proceedings when financial circumstances change.

Alimony – Florida law provides for several types of alimony including bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, durational, and permanent alimony depending on the length of the marriage and the financial circumstances of both parties. We advise clients on realistic expectations and fight to achieve outcomes that are fair and financially sustainable.

Post-Divorce Modification – Life circumstances change after a divorce is finalized, and court orders sometimes need to change with them. We represent clients seeking modification of child support, alimony, parenting plans, and time-sharing arrangements based on substantial changes in circumstances.

Child Relocation – When a parent with primary time-sharing wishes to relocate more than 50 miles from their current residence, Florida law requires either written agreement from the other parent or court approval. We represent both relocating parents and parents opposing relocation in these proceedings.

Paternity – Establishing paternity is the foundation for all parental rights and responsibilities for unmarried parents. We represent fathers seeking to establish their parental rights as well as mothers seeking to establish paternity for purposes of child support and time-sharing.

Enforcement Actions – When a former spouse or co-parent fails to comply with a court order for support, time-sharing, or other obligations, we pursue enforcement through contempt proceedings and other legal remedies to protect our clients’ rights and ensure compliance.

Florida Criminal Defense & DUI FAQs

Zelman Law is pleased to provide the following answers to frequently asked questions in the areas of Florida criminal defense and DUI. If you have other questions or need advice and representation in a particular legal matter, contact our office to speak with an experienced Tallahassee attorney who is eager to help you.

Q. What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

A. Criminal offenses are classified as felonies or misdemeanors based upon the severity of punishments which can be inflicted on a convicted offender. A second degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to sixty days in the county jail and a fine of up to $500. A first degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Felonies are punishable by imprisonment in state prison for a year or more, or by death for capital offenses. There are three different degrees of felonies with different minimum and maximum terms of imprisonment, as well as capital felonies and life felonies.

Q. The police pulled me over and asked me to open the trunk of my car. Why would they do that? Do I have to open it for them?

A. Any time the police have an opportunity to conduct a search that may turn up evidence of a crime, they will take it. The police are required in most instances to have probable cause to conduct a search, and in many cases they need a warrant. However, they may simply ask for your permission to search, assuming you will agree out of fear or intimidation, because you think you don’t have anything to hide, or because you do not know you can legally refuse. If the police are ordering you to open your trunk or telling you they can search an area, you should not resist them. But if they are asking your permission or consent to conduct a search, it is nearly always in your best interest to politely refuse.

Q. I haven’t been arrested for anything, but the police want to talk to me about something. What should I do?

A. As with searches above, police questioning is only done for one reason, to turn up evidence that can be used against you. Law enforcement officials are expertly trained in getting you to make incriminating or contradictory statements which they can use against you in court, or to pressure you into making a statement, signing a confession or pleading guilty to some offense. Whenever the police want to question you for any reason, the wisest approach is to firmly state your desire to speak with an attorney first. In Tallahassee, contact Zelman Law for a free, confidential consultation.

Q. Can I refuse to take a breath test?

A. As a condition of obtaining a driver’s license, you have given your implied consent to submit to an approved breath test of your blood alcohol concentration or a urine test for drugs when pulled over by the police. If you refuse to take the test when required, your driver’s license will be suspended for one year, if this is your first refusal. In addition, your refusal will be used as evidence against you in court.

Q. What is the legal limit for DUI?

A. The legal threshold for DUI in Florida is having a .08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC), or .02% for a person under 21 years old. You can be arrested for DUI with a .08% BAC even if there is no other evidence that your driving was impaired, assuming that police had reason to stop and test you in the first place.

Even if your BAC is below the legal limit, it is still possible to be arrested for reckless driving or another charge if the police have other evidence that your driving was impaired, such as if you were weaving or drifting out of your lane or ignoring traffic signals.

Q. Does DUI apply to any intoxicated or impaired driving?

A. The charge of Driving Under the Influence can apply to driving while under the influence of alcohol or a chemical substance or controlled substance.

Q. Is DUI a felony or a misdemeanor?

A. DUI is generally charged as a misdemeanor, even if a person driving causes personal injury or property damage while driving under the influence. However, if a person causes serious bodily injury while driving under the influence, he or she can be charged with a third degree felony DUI. Having a third DUI conviction within ten years or any fourth or more DUI is also a third degree felony. A person can also be charged with a second degree felony such as DUI manslaughter or vehicular homicide if a death is caused while driving, or a first degree felony if the person is also guilty of leaving the scene. Any DUI arrest should be taken very seriously, as even a misdemeanor conviction can have long-lasting and far-reaching negative consequences.

Serving Clients Throughout Tallahassee and Leon County

Zelman Law represents clients throughout Tallahassee and the surrounding communities of Leon County, including Midtown, Southwood, Killearn Estates, Bradfordville, and the areas surrounding the Florida State University and Florida A&M University campuses. We appear regularly in the Leon County Courthouse and are deeply familiar with the judges, prosecutors, and procedures of the Second Judicial Circuit. We also handle cases throughout the state of Florida and in federal court in the Northern District of Florida.

Get Help Today with Your Tallahassee Legal Needs

Zelman Law is here to serve you. Our office is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with weekend or evening meetings available by appointment. Call 850-765-5948 to speak directly to Mr. Zelman, or contact us online to schedule a consultation with an experienced Tallahassee criminal defense lawyer who works hard and gets results.