- Divorce
- Child Custody and VisitationThe penalties for domestic violence vary and are generally based on the circumstances and prior criminal history of those involved. In addition to a potential jail sentence, other common penalties include fines or restitution, probation, court-ordered programs, or counseling. Depending on the nature of the charge, convictions can impact child custody and parenting plans, as well as losing the privilege to own or carry a firearm. Finally, the social and relational impact of a domestic violence conviction can be haunting and lead to a variety of mental health issues.
- Criminal DefenseIn Florida, a person may be arrested and charged with assault crimes for threatening or attempting to harm another person. Unfortunately, an assault conviction will jeopardize your quality of life, freedom, personal reputation, professional growth, and future opportunities. With your future on the line, it is natural to feel overwhelmed. If you're under investigation for assault, retaining our highly-skilled Florida criminal defense attorneys is crucial to help build your defense strategy.
- DUI/DWIEvery year, Florida law enforcement makes more than 30,000 arrests of people driving under the influence (DUI). If you are one of them, you are not alone.
- Traffic ViolationsIn many cases, it involves prior fines or traffic tickets that have gone unpaid, resulting in suspension notices. If the individual has moved to a new address, or for some other reason has not received the notices, they can end up being pulled over, unaware of their revoked driver’s license.
- Sex CrimesSex offenses are some of the most zealously prosecuted crimes in Florida. Sex crimes are associated with life-changing penalties, not to mention the lifelong stigma against sex offenders. A sex crime conviction can also limit a person’s employment and housing opportunities. That is why defendants facing charges for sex-related crimes need to reach out to a knowledgeable defense attorney.
- RobberyThat firm is us. At Hoskins & Penton, we have more than 50 years’ combined experience in Clearwater and throughout Florida. We handle a wide range of criminal cases, ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, assault, aggravated battery to serious crimes against persons. With every case and client, we work hard to ensure the best possible outcome. We will explore every possible avenue to secure your freedom.
- Burglary
- Theft
- MisdemeanorsCrimes in Florida are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors represent the less serious of the two and are classified as either first-degree or second-degree.
- Drug CrimesA drug conviction in Florida can damage your reputation and affect various aspects of your life. When facing drug charges, you need to understand how to defend your rights and protect your reputation and future. Having a skilled drug crime defense attorney on your side can be crucial in getting the charges dismissed or reduced.
- AssaultAt The Law Offices of Hoskins and Penton, P.A., our attorneys have the expertise, diligence, and resources to defend and represent clients facing assault charges. As your legal counsel, we can attempt to investigate every aspect of your case thoroughly and outline an effective defense strategy to pursue a favorable outcome for your unique situation.
- MurderTo date, I continue to represent individuals with a variety of criminal charges from traffic offenses to Murder. I have also had the opportunity to concentrate on restoring individuals driving privileges, removing prior criminal records, commuting sentences, restoring civil rights, and petitioning for pardons. This has proven to be quite rewarding as I am able to remove obstacles that allow the client to fulfill their and their families' dreams.
- Probation ViolationDon’t let a probation violation blow up your life. If you have recently violated your probation or need information about our services, contact our office today. Our seasoned legal team is available by phone or online. We represent clients in Clearwater and throughout Florida.
- Homicide
- ShopliftingShoplifting is one of the most common types of theft. In the Florida courts, shoplifting is called retail theft. When someone shoplifts repeatedly, they must pay a fine or perform community service. Anyone who shoplifts may be held liable or financially responsible to the victim of the theft.
- KidnappingA common misconception about domestic violence is that just because you got in a face-to-face shouting match or exercised poor judgment in the heat of the moment, doesn’t automatically make you guilty of domestic violence. What must be understood is that domestic violence only applies if you are committing a criminal offense. This includes, but is not limited to: preventing someone from leaving, assault, battery or sexual battery, stalking, and kidnapping.
- ManslaughterIn 1988, after three years at the Orlando State Attorney's Office, I moved my family to the Tampa Bay Area and began working for the Pinellas/Pasco State Attorneys Office. I was able to try a large variety of Felony charges including but limited to Home Burglaries, DUI Manslaughters, BUI Manslaughters, Rapes, and Murders.
- Internet CrimesRegardless of the charges you are facing, it is important to build a solid defense to minimize possible penalties or seek to avoid a conviction altogether.
- ProstitutionFirst-degree misdemeanors can land you in county jail for up to one year and earn you a fine of up to $1,000. A second-degree conviction can result in 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. An example of first-degree is the theft of property valued at more than $100 but less than $750. Prostitution is considered a second-degree misdemeanor.
- Personal InjuryNew York City offered a wealth of opportunities to observe some trial lawyers and I spent a great deal of my free time sitting in courtrooms. I remember, for example, I watched Gerald Lefcourt, who had defended Bobby Seals of the Black Panthers, in a federal criminal trial, and Harry Lipsig representing Yul Bryner and his co-star in the King & I in their personal injury trial against a famous night club, Trader Vic's, after they had gotten trichinosis from bad spare ribs. I learned a great deal about courtroom decorum and strategies watching great trial lawyers such as these in the courtroom.
- Probate