Nawara Law
Law Offices Of Daniel D. Nawara, P.A.

North Port Criminal Defense Lawyer

North Port Criminal Defense Lawyer

North Port is a growing city at the southern edge of Sarasota County, next to Charlotte County. If you were arrested or cited in North Port, your case is a Sarasota County case in Florida's Twelfth Judicial Circuit. Depending on the charge, you may have to deal with the courthouse in Venice, the courthouse in downtown Sarasota, or both. Former prosecutor Daniel D. Nawara represents people facing misdemeanor, felony, DUI, domestic violence and juvenile charges arising in North Port.

Sarasota County, not Charlotte County

North Port borders Charlotte County, and many residents work, shop or have family on both sides of the line. A charge from inside North Port is filed with the Sarasota County Clerk and prosecuted by the Twelfth Circuit State Attorney's Office. Charlotte County is in a different circuit. If you also have a case in Charlotte County, keep each case number, court and set of obligations separate. Resolving one case does not resolve the other.

Which courthouse will I go to?

Twelfth Circuit Administrative Order 2026-12.2 creates a South County Judicial District covering Sarasota County land south of Blackburn Point Road. North Port is inside it.

  • Misdemeanors and criminal traffic cases from North Port are docketed at the South County Courthouse, 4004 South Tamiami Trail, Venice. That includes most first DUIs, petit theft, battery, DWLS and trespass charges. The court lists free parking around the building.

  • Felonies and juvenile cases are docketed and heard in north Sarasota County, at the Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center, 2002 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota. For many North Port residents, that is a long drive. Plan for traffic, parking and security screening.

A person who stays in jail on a south-county misdemeanor is moved to the downtown Sarasota courthouse. Confirm your courtroom and time in Sarasota ClerkNet. See the Sarasota criminal court guide.

Arrest and booking from North Port

  • North Port Police Department handles most arrests inside the city.

  • Florida Highway Patrol (Troop F) patrols I-75 and state roads through the area.

  • Sarasota County Sheriff's Office patrols unincorporated areas and runs the county jail.

The Sheriff's Office notes that several area agencies bring arrestees to the Sarasota County jail at 2020 Main Street, Sarasota. For those arrests, reports come from the arresting agency's records section. That means North Port PD for a city arrest. A person who does not post a scheduled bond will see a judge at first appearance, where release conditions such as no-contact orders are set. Read first appearance and bond reduction.

Charges North Port clients ask about

How the case is evaluated

The name of a charge is only a starting point. The statute and subsection, the alleged conduct, any prior record and the offense date all affect potential penalties. Under section 775.082, the maximum penalties are:

  • Misdemeanors: 60 days (second degree) or 1 year (first degree).

  • Felonies: 5, 15 or 30 years for third-, second- and first-degree felonies.

Some offenses carry mandatory terms or license consequences.

Defense work begins with the evidence: body-worn camera video, 911 recordings, photographs, witness statements, phone extractions and lab results. That review can raise issues about a stop or search, identification, self-defense, intent, or whether the facts match the charge. Depending on eligibility, options may include:

  • Pretrial intervention under section 948.08.

  • Misdemeanor treatment-based programs under section 948.16.

  • A Twelfth Circuit treatment court.

  • A negotiated resolution.

  • Trial.

Read about pretrial diversion and sealing and expungement.

Practical tips for North Port defendants

  • Put every court date on your calendar and note which courthouse each one is in. The Venice and downtown Sarasota courthouses are different buildings in different cities.

  • Follow every release condition, including no-contact orders, until a judge changes it.

  • Keep copies of anything you are asked to complete, such as classes, evaluations or community service logs.

  • Do not discuss the case on social media or with witnesses.

  • Arrange lawful transportation if your license is suspended. A court date does not authorize driving.

Frequently asked questions

Is a North Port arrest a Sarasota County or Charlotte County case?

An offense inside North Port is a Sarasota County case, filed with the Sarasota Clerk and heard by Twelfth Circuit judges.

Where are North Port misdemeanor cases heard?

At the South County Courthouse in Venice, 4004 South Tamiami Trail, under the current administrative order. Felonies go to the Silvertooth Judicial Center in Sarasota.

Where do I get my North Port police report?

From the North Port Police Department's records section for a city arrest. Defense counsel also gets reports and video through discovery.

Can a no-contact order be changed?

Only by the court. Contact with a protected person before the order is modified can lead to new charges or loss of release. See no-contact order modification.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. Fees and payment schedules depend on the case and services. Discuss your budget during the free consultation.

Talk with a lawyer about your North Port case

Call (941) 920-5514 or request a free consultation. Bring your paperwork, court dates and any release conditions. See fees and about Daniel.

Updated October 1, 2026. General information only, not legal advice. Court assignments and procedures can change; your notice and orders control. No outcome is guaranteed. Contacting the firm does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship.

Sources: AO 2026-12.2; South County Courthouse; Sarasota Sheriff arrest search; FHP Troop F; Fla. Stat. § 775.082, § 948.08, § 948.16.