Law Office of Cory Chastang, P.A.

Call 863-600-8596 Today

Law Office of Cory Chastang, P.A.

Trust A Lawyer With Almost Two Decades Of Criminal Trial Experience

Charged With A Crime? Work With A Florida Criminal Law Expert.

If you are facing criminal charges, you may be scared and unsure of what to do next. Rest assured that this is normal, especially if it is your first offense. As an experienced criminal defense lawyer who is focused exclusively on defense counsel, I can help you fight the charges against you.

I am attorney Cory Chastang, and I am board-certified in criminal trial practice in Florida. This means I am considered an expert and specialist in criminal defense. Fewer than one-third of one percent of Florida attorneys are certified as criminal law experts.

I have almost 20 years of experience, which includes spending nearly seven years as a prosecutor. In addition, for three of those years, I served as a division chief. I handled cases ranging from simple possession of marijuana to first-degree murder. My experience as a prosecutor provides me with inside knowledge of the district attorney’s office and practices. As a criminal defense lawyer, I use this experience to prepare a defense that anticipates what the prosecutor will do.

Serving Polk County And The Surrounding Area In Criminal Defense

I take serious cases involving the following offenses:

When your freedom and future are on the line, you need an experienced Florida criminal defense lawyer on your side as soon as possible. You can rely on my experience on both sides of criminal law cases.

Criminal Penalties Can Change Your Life Temporarily Or Permanently

Any penalties associated with a conviction or guilty plea can be severe, depending on the charges. Some common penalties include:

  • A jail or prison sentence
  • Fines and fees
  • Probation
  • House arrest (community control)
  • Mandatory substance abuse or anger management counseling
  • Drug testing
  • Restraining orders (injunctions for protection)
  • Community service
  • Loss of your right to own firearms
  • Making restitution to the victim
  • Deportation in immigration cases

Additionally, Florida has the death penalty, which is performed by lethal injection or electrocution if the prisoner requests. The Florida State Prison in Starke is the only prison with an execution chamber in the state.

The Consequences Of A Conviction Are Also Severe

People sometimes think primarily about the criminal penalties they may face when they are charged with a crime. This is important, of course, but so are the additional consequences of a conviction or guilty plea. Depending on the case, this can include the following consequences:

  • The loss of your driver’s license and/or commercial driver’s license
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicles
  • The loss of a professional license (law, medical, accounting/finance, etc.)
  • Losing custody of your children and possibly visitation rights as well
  • Your spouse divorcing you
  • Sex offender registration
  • Restrictions on where you can live
  • Damage to your reputation
  • Trouble getting a job
  • Losing the right to vote
  • A permanent criminal record/not allowed to expunge the conviction
  • Losing out on financial aid
  • Being unable to get accepted into higher education institutions
  • More severe penalties for any future convictions

Because any of these consequences can greatly affect your career, your family and the rest of your life, you want to avoid as many of them as possible. To do this, you will need a strong, strategic defense that minimizes or eliminates the consequences. As a criminal defense lawyer with experience as a prosecutor, I have the knowledge and skills to protect your future.

Does Criminal Trial Experience Matter?

Yes. Trying a case before a judge and/or jury takes practice. You must be able to meticulously prepare a case strategy and also think on your feet in court. These skills can only come with time and experience. Fortunately, I have that experience as a former prosecutor for seven years and for nearly 13 years as a criminal defense lawyer.

Another benefit of working with a well-known trial attorney is that I have a reputation as a criminal defense lawyer who is not afraid to take cases to trial when that is in my clients’ best interests. This can result in prosecutors offering more favorable plea agreements to my clients.

Do You Really Need A Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Absolutely. Do not make the mistake that so many people make: trying to talk themselves out of an arrest or criminal charge. It is very unlikely that you will be able to convince the police to let you go. What typically happens instead is that the person unknowingly offers up information that damages their case. Plus, the police have heard it all before from other people.

If you are questioned or arrested, be polite, but tell the police that you want to speak with a criminal defense lawyer. Then, you can remain silent and avoid getting yourself into more trouble.

You also should not plead guilty just to end the interrogation. Once you plead guilty, it is much more difficult to defend you.

Are you facing sex crime charges or white collar crime charges? You need an attorney immediately, ideally before you are charged with a crime.

Put A Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer And Specialist On Your Side Today

There is no substitute for experience, and I have the necessary negotiation and trial experience to represent you. Being board-certified in criminal trial law, I am a rarity in Florida. You can count on my experience, reputation and skill.

From my office in Bartow, I represent people in Polk and Highlands counties. When you need a Florida criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights, contact Law Office of Cory Chastang, PA, at 863-600-8596. You can also send me an email, and I will get back to you shortly.