MEET ATTORNEY PATRICK B. COURTNEY

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, police officers in this state made more than 700,000 arrests in 2018. But sometimes, the police make mistakes. And sometimes, people fabricate criminal allegations. Innocent people are arrested every day in our state.

However, if you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony in Florida, it does not mean that you will be sent to jail or that you will have a criminal record.

Of course, being arrested and charged with a crime can be frightening. The criminal justice system can be starkly impersonal. If you are charged with a crime in or near the Tampa Bay area, do not put your freedom, your family, and your future at even more risk.

IF YOU’RE PLACED UNDER ARREST, DON’T PANIC

When you’re charged with a crime, you may worry about going to jail, holding onto your job, and what your friends and family will think. You shouldn’t panic, but you must take the charge seriously, even if you’re innocent and it feels like the whole world is against you.

If you are placed under arrest, the police may read your rights, but police officers also rely on pressuring and tricking suspects to obtain evidence and even confessions. The most casual or innocent statement could be twisted or taken out of context and used against you.

BE SMART – EXERCISE YOUR RIGHTS

Still, to convict you of a criminal charge, a prosecutor must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If you are charged with a crime in the Tampa Bay area, don’t try to act as your own attorney – too much is at stake – and do not say anything that could be used to incriminate you.

The only thing that you need to say to the police – say it politely – is that you are exercising your right to remain silent and that you insist on having your attorney present during any interrogation.

WHAT IS A DEFENSE ATTORNEY’S ROLE?

In every criminal case, a defense attorney should review the actions of the police to determine if a defendant’s rights were violated. If evidence against a defendant was obtained illegally, a good defense lawyer will challenge that evidence and may be able to have it thrown out of court.

If your case goes to trial, the right attorney will use every appropriate legal tool in your defense. In the bleakest situation – if the state has persuasive evidence of a client’s guilt – a good defense lawyer will seek mercy from the court and negotiate for reduced or alternative sentencing.

If you are charged with a crime, you’ll need to consider a lawyer’s education, experience, record, and reputation.

ABOUT DEFENSE ATTORNEY PATRICK B. COURTNEY

With more than 24 years of legal experience, Tampa criminal defense attorney Patrick B. Courtney represents those who are accused of crimes in the Tampa Bay area. He has effectively represented thousands of defendants, and he’s successfully handled hundreds of bench trials and over 75 jury trials.

He offers sound, candid legal advice. Known for his passion and tenacity, attorney Pat Courtney lets nothing stand in his way when he fights for justice on behalf of his clients.

He knows the Tampa Bay area. He’s a native of Tampa and a graduate of Jesuit High School. He earned his B.A. degree at Rice University, and he’s a graduate of the South Texas College of Law.

Pat Courtney is also a former Hillsborough County prosecutor, so he knows both sides of criminal law. He knows the area’s prosecutors and judges, and he puts his extensive legal background to work for every client.

WHO ARE PAT COURTNEY’S CLIENTS?

Pat Courtney handles the most complicated criminal cases. While he focuses on DUI, domestic violence, and juvenile cases, he also aggressively represents clients who face charges including:

1. traffic violations
2. burglary and theft
3. assault and battery
4. child abuse
5. drug crimes
6. sex crimes
7. white-collar crimes
8. DUI manslaughter

Pat Courtney also helps clients who are seeking to have criminal records sealed or expunged. That’s not an easy task in Florida.

He personally handles every case and explains clearly to clients their legal rights and options. His extensive background gives him the perspective that makes him an effective advocate for criminal defendants throughout the greater Tampa Bay area.

TO LEARN MORE

Pat Courtney represents defendants charged with crimes in Pasco, Polk, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. His law offices are conveniently located in Tampa at 212 West Platt Street. Learn more. Call (813) 252-1529 or complete the brief contact form on this website.

If you become Pat Courtney’s client, you will be represented by an experienced Tampa criminal defense attorney, provided with every professional courtesy, and treated with absolute respect. He handles every case personally and fights relentlessly on behalf of every client.