West Palm Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer

My name is William Wallshein and I am an experienced West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer. As a former prosecutor with the state attorney’s office, I have the experience and familiarity with the Florida criminal justice system to provide you with skilled representation no matter what charges you are facing. Over the course of my 38 years practicing criminal law, I have seen it all and I have what it takes to aggressively defend you against the charges you face, no matter how serious they are.

Palm Beach County Criminal Defense Matters

Whether the alleged offense is a misdemeanor or a felony, I will give your case the personalized attention it deserves and requires. I take on all types of criminal cases in state and federal court, including:

DUI Defense: Driving under the influence is taken very seriously by prosecutors and judges. However, in some cases an experienced attorney can help you reach a favorable resolution without jail time and without your case going to trial. In more serious DUI cases involving injury or death, I will help you develop an effective defense strategy, and make sure that the evidence the state relies on is thoroughly tested and questioned.

Drug crimes: Depending on the amount of the substance at issue and the surrounding circumstances, a drug offense may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The potential penalties may vary depending on whether the alleged offense involves prescription drugs, drug trafficking, or drug possession. In some cases, prosecutors may offer favorable plea bargains to defendants that can result in probation rather than jail time.

Firearms, Burglary, and Theft: If you have been previously convicted of a felony, even the mere possession of a gun may result in serious felony charges. I can help you devise a defense strategy if you find yourself facing charges related to firearms, or property crimes such as burglary.

Domestic Violence: A domestic violence conviction can tear a family apart. I can help you aggressively fight to keep the repercussions of a domestic violence charge to a minimum.

Sex crimes: Whether you are charged with possession of child pornography, internet sex crimes, or some other sex offense, I will fully investigate the allegations, interview all witnesses, and work to hold the state to the highest burden of proving every element of the alleged offense.

Juvenile Crimes: If you have a child who has been charged with a juvenile offense, I can provide the guidance and personalized services that juvenile cases require, so that your child’s future is protected.

Federal Cases: Many drug, firearm, and property crimes can be charged as federal offenses. I am admitted to practice in the federal court system, and am prepared to effectively defend you against any charges you may face in that forum, whether through negotiation or at trial.

One thing to keep in mind as you begin the criminal defense process is that you don’t need to go it alone. Having an attorney by your side who knows the ins and outs of the Florida criminal justice system can give you priceless peace of mind during a frightening and stressful time in your life.

• Aiding & Abetting
• Asset Forfeiture
• Burglary
• Child Porn
• Civil Asset Forfeiture
• Credit Card Theft
• Criminal Appeals
• Cybercrimes
• Defense of Self, Others & Property
• Disorderly Intoxication
• Diversion Program
• Domestic Battery
• Drug Crimes
• Drug Manufacturing
• Drug Paraphernalia
• Drug Possession
• Drug Search & Seizure
• Drug Trafficking
• DUI Defense
• Entrapment
• Expungement
• Federal Crimes
• Field Sobriety Test
• Firearms Violation
• Fleeing & Eluding Officers
• Gang-Related Offenses
• Grand Jury Proceedings
• Grand Theft
• Gun/Weapon Crimes
• Hate Crime
• Identity Theft
• Indecent Exposure
• Internet Sex Crimes
• Juvenile Crimes
• Juvenile Expungement
• License Reinstatement
• Marijuana Possession
• Misdemeanors
• Money Laundering
• Online Solicitation of Minors
• Parental Responsibility
• Petty Theft
• Plea Bargains
• Possession of Stolen Property
• Prescription Drug Charges
• Probation Violation
• Property Crimes
• Prostitution
• Protective Order Violation
• Reckless Driving
• Record Sealing
• Resisting an Officer
• Revenge Porn
• Robbery
• Search & Seizure
• Sentencing
• Sex Crimes
• Sex Offender Registry
• Sexting
• Sexual Battery
• Shoplifting
• Solicitation
• Street Racing
• Suspended License
• Theft
• Unlawful Gambling
• Unlicensed Contracting
• Vandalism
• Vehicle Registration
• Vehicle Theft
• Vehicular Homicide
• Video Voyeurism
• Violent Crime
• Welfare Fraud
• White Collar Crime

Florida Criminal Defense FAQs

What happens when I get arrested in Florida? When you are arrested in Florida, the police will take you into custody, where you will be read your Miranda rights, transported to a detention facility, and booked. This process includes taking your fingerprints, photographs, and personal information.

Do I need a lawyer if I’m arrested in Florida? Yes, it is highly recommended to have a lawyer if you are arrested. A criminal defense attorney can protect your rights, provide legal advice, and represent you in court.

What are my rights after being arrested? You have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to be informed of the charges against you. You also have the right to a fair trial and to confront witnesses.

How can I get out of jail after being arrested? You may be released from jail through bail or bond, which is a monetary guarantee that you will appear in court. In some cases, you may be released on your own recognizance (ROR), which does not require payment.

What should I do if I believe my arrest was unlawful? If you believe your arrest was unlawful, it is important to remain calm and comply with law enforcement. Inform your attorney about the situation, and they can file a motion to challenge the legality of the arrest.

What is an arraignment, and what happens during it? An arraignment is a court hearing where you will be formally charged with a crime and asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. It is also an opportunity for the court to address bail and other pretrial matters.

What are the possible pleas I can enter at my arraignment? You can enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest (nolo contendere). A not guilty plea leads to a trial, a guilty plea may result in sentencing, and a no contest plea means you do not admit guilt but accept the punishment.

How long does the criminal defense process take in Florida? The duration of the criminal defense process can vary widely based on the complexity of the case, court schedules, and other factors. It can take anywhere from a few months to over a year.

What is a plea bargain, and should I consider it? A plea bargain is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecutor where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge or receives a reduced sentence in exchange for avoiding a trial. Your attorney can help you decide if a plea bargain is in your best interest.

What are the consequences of a criminal conviction in Florida? Consequences of a criminal conviction can include jail or prison time, fines, probation, community service, a permanent criminal record, and potential impacts on employment, housing, and other aspects of your life.

Serving Palm Beach County

• Palm Beach
• Jupiter
• Wellington
• Boynton Beach
• Delray Beach
• Boca Raton
• Lake Worth
• Palm Beach Gardens
• Royal Palm Beach
• Loxahatchee
• North Palm Beach
• Singer Island
• Tequesta
• Greenacres
• Hypoluxo
• Mangonia Park

Contact an Experienced, Aggressive West Palm Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

As a veteran of criminal law, including 5 years with the state prosecutor’s office, I know that the most important thing to do when charged with a criminal offense is to speak to a dependable and zealous criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The more time an attorney has to work on your case, the better your chances for getting the charges reduced or dismissed before the case even reaches trial.

If you have been charged with a criminal offense of any kind, consider retaining my services. I am William Wallshein, an experienced West Palm Beach criminal lawyer, and I have the dedication and passion required to represent you in all kinds of criminal cases. I understand that good people can end up in bad situations, and I never judge a client based on any crime that they have been accused of. I can meet with you in my West Palm Beach office, or in West Palm Beach. Call 561-533-1221 today, or contact my firm online to schedule your free initial consultation. I accept credit cards.

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