Defense by charge and case stage
Sarasota criminal defense: understand the charge and the process
Daniel D. Nawara represents people facing criminal and DUI matters in Sarasota, Manatee County and surrounding communities. The right starting point is the actual charge, upcoming deadlines and evidence. A free consultation can clarify the proposed representation and immediate next steps.
Choose a topic above or explore the guides below. Court notices and case-specific orders control your obligations; general information does not replace advice about your own circumstances.
Call (941) 920-5514 or request a free consultation. Have your charging documents, court date and county available if you have them.
Local defense resources and documented results
For charges in Bradenton or elsewhere in Manatee County, visit our Bradenton criminal defense guide. For hearing preparation and official court resources, use the Sarasota criminal court guide or Manatee criminal court guide.
Our criminal and DUI case results connect selected outcomes to redacted court records, including DUI, aggravated battery, and domestic battery matters. Read the dates, counties and limits of each disposition. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Misdemeanor charges
Florida generally permits up to one year of incarceration for a first-degree misdemeanor and up to 60 days for a second-degree misdemeanor, subject to offense-specific provisions. A misdemeanor can still affect employment, licensing and a criminal record.
Counsel can review the elements, available evidence and any eligible diversion or negotiated option. Start with battery, petit theft or resisting without violence.
Boating under the influence (BUI)
Local court guides
Manatee County criminal defense
Professional licenses & criminal charges
Professional licenses & criminal charges (overview)
Real estate, contractors & CPAs
Probation violations
An alleged violation can place the original sentence back before a judge. Review the supervision order, violation affidavit and compliance records. Technical allegations and new criminal charges can involve different issues, and release is not guaranteed.
DUI and driver-license issues
A DUI arrest may involve a criminal case and a separate administrative suspension. The license-review deadline generally runs 10 days from issuance of the suspension notice. A future court date does not extend that deadline.
Explore Sarasota DUI defense, Bradenton DUI defense and the 10-day rule. A third or fourth DUI, or a DUI crash with serious injury, can be charged as a felony: see felony DUI defense.
Just arrested: what to do after a DUI arrest in Sarasota County or Manatee County.
By situation: first DUI, second DUI, under-21 DUI, high breath-alcohol reading, breath test refusal, prescription drug DUI, CDL holders and boating under the influence.
Your license: formal review hearing, hardship license and driving while license suspended. Extreme speeding: Florida’s super speeder law.
By location: Siesta Key, Venice, North Port, Longboat Key, Lakewood Ranch, Palmetto, DeSoto County, Hillsborough County and Pinellas County.
Juvenile charges
A juvenile allegation raises questions about detention, school, diversion, court involvement and possible long-term consequences. The child’s age, offense and history matter. Parents should preserve notices and discuss representation promptly.
Probation violations
In Florida, a violation of probation occurs where a defendant substantially and willfully violates the conditions of a probationary sentence. Probation proceedings differ significantly from ordinary criminal cases due to a lower standard of proof and the lack of many procedural and constitutional protections.
If you have been accused of violating probation or community control, you may have legal defenses to dismiss the charges or minimize the potential sentence. Thus, hiring a skillful attorney is crucial.
Felony and other criminal defense
Felony exposure depends on the offense degree, specific statute, sentencing rules and criminal history. Counsel can evaluate the State’s proof, potential motions and the consequences of any proposed resolution.
Read about felony defense, drug allegations and domestic-violence allegations.
Florida law and official resources
Updated September 25, 2026. General information, not legal advice. The law applicable to your case depends on the offense date and circumstances.
Protective orders and record relief
Explore these guides for related issues that can arise during or after a criminal case:
Sarasota injunction defense: responding to a petition, preparing evidence, and understanding hearing restrictions.
Florida no-contact order modification: asking the court to change release conditions and avoiding prohibited contact.
Sarasota record sealing and expungement: reviewing eligibility, the FDLE application, and the court process.
Stalking & cyberstalking defense
Accusations involving repeated messages, social media, unwanted contact, or online account access require careful review of the evidence. Learn about Florida stalking and aggravated stalking charges, potential penalties, defenses, and related court orders.
Explore stalking and cyberstalking defense in Sarasota and Bradenton ↗
Arrest, bond and case options
Warrants & Failure to Appear: Address an outstanding warrant or a missed court appearance.
Fleeing & Eluding Defense: Review fleeing and eluding allegations, penalties, and defense issues.
Bond Reduction & First Appearance: Understand first appearance, release conditions, and bond review.
Pretrial Diversion & PTI: Explore diversion eligibility, requirements, and record considerations.
Local court guides
Sarasota criminal court guide: Court locations, case lookup, parking resources, and a hearing checklist.
Manatee criminal court guide: Bradenton courthouse and Clerk locations, official records, and hearing preparation.