Frequently Asked Questions

If I've been arrested, what rights do I have?

In our country, being arrested does not deprive you of the many rights you have as a citizen.  When you were arrested, you should have been informed of your Miranda Rights.  You may ask the police officer why you are being arrested and can refuse to answer questions regarding the charges.  You have the right to an attorney and the right to a fair and speedy trial.  Using a qualified and experienced Daytona Beach criminal defense attorney will work to your advantage in ensuring your rights are protected. 

Why should I hire an attorney to represent me?

In the case of Buckmaster Law, we have prosecuted thousands of cases as an Assistant State Attorney.  On the side of criminal defense, we have defended hundreds of individuals, such as you, that have faced charges for criminal offenses.  Having served on both sides gives us a unique opportunity to fight for our clients.  We understand how prosecutors operate, the types of evidence that they will bring forth and what arguments they are likely to pursue in a criminal case.  This first-hand knowledge allows us to better prepare and successfully resolve cases. 

What are the differences between a misdemeanor and a felony charge?

Generally, misdemeanors are considered minor offenses.  The fines for them will be relatively small and any time spent in jail will be in terms of weeks or months, not years.  A felony conviction can result in steep fines, probation, parole and prison sentences for years.  They can remain on your permanent record and may adversely affect future educational and employment opportunities.  With the assistance of an attorney who is willing to aggressively defend your rights, felony charges can sometimes be reduced to misdemeanors.

What happens now that I've been charged with an offense?

The first step will be what is known as an arraignment.  A judge will tell you the charges against you and there are many decisions that will need to be made at this time, such as how you will plea to the charges, what bail will be set at and others.  We understand that facing criminal charges can be tough and would like you to take advantage of our experience to help you successfully navigate through the criminal justice system.