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Personal Injury and Criminal Defense Lawyers in Central Florida Protecting the Rights of All Clients
As a human being, there may come a day when you need legal counsel, either for a personal injury case or criminal defense. Even the most careful people can’t avoid being in an accident because of someone else’s actions. Medical bills, property damage repairs, and lost wages from missing time at work can add up quickly, leaving you and your family in debt. Our team of personal injury lawyers is here to help you seek compensation and hold liable parties accountable for their actions.
Similarly, even the most law-abiding citizen in the country may slip up and make a mistake one day. If you have criminal charges brought against you, working with a criminal defense lawyer on our team is essential when protecting your freedom. To ensure your rights remain fully protected, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side.
At The Law Office of Jerry Jenkins, P.A., our team handles both personal injury cases and criminal defense cases so we can serve you no matter what legal issue you are facing. To receive a free consultation and learn more about our services, call us today at (407) 287-6757.
Why is Personal Injury Law So Important?
Personal injury law provides protection for injured victims who have been hurt at no fault of their own. Car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and other accidents can instantly leave individuals with thousands of dollars of debt. The legal process for recovering this financial loss can be complex and could involve negotiations with insurance agents or filing a lawsuit against negligent parties.
Our law firm believes that all accident victims deserve compensation for their injuries. We will use our legal knowledge and extensive background to provide compelling evidence in your case and get you the maximum compensation you deserve. We are passionate about personal injury law because it protects innocent people from facing expenses they cannot (and should not have to) afford.
Why is Criminal Defense So Important?
Every individual is innocent until proven guilty. However, what stands between an individual and a guilty verdict in court is an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our team prides itself on helping individuals with all manners of criminal offenses, defending them against prison time, probation violations, drug crimes, property crimes, and more. Criminal defendants deserve a criminal defense law firm that will do what it takes to reduce or remove the penalties they are facing.
Even those who escape their criminal charges with a not-guilty verdict could face discrimination in the future. Arrest records stay on your criminal record, making it difficult to find a job or secure housing. Our team can help you apply for expungement or record sealing to give you back the clean slate you once had. We understand that everyone makes mistakes, and we are committed to providing experienced legal defense so you can live your life normally again.
Jerry Jenkins
Attorney Jerry Jenkins became acquainted with the criminal justice system when he served in the U.S. Army as a military policeman. After the Army, Jerry graduated from Florida A&M Law School and pursued his career as an Assistant State Attorney. Handling thousands of cases, Jerry is well-versed in a wide variety of criminal offenses, ranging from petty misdemeanors to felony offenses.
After starting his own firm, Jerry expanded his legal services to include personal injury cases. With his extensive experience as a former prosecutor and probation officer, he knows how to be an aggressive and effective advocate for his clients. If you are looking for a compassionate legal representative who will answer your questions while guiding you through the legal process, look no further than Jerry Jenkins and our legal team.
What Qualities Should I Look for in a Personal Injury Attorney?
Almost every personal injury attorney is knowledgeable about personal injury law and insurance. When you are searching for the right personal injury team for you, it’s essential to look for experience in the courtroom and a history of past results. Many personal injury attorneys know how to negotiate with insurance agents or defendants outside of the courtroom. But if a case goes to trial, having courtroom experience is invaluable.
Our team not only has a background in solid negotiation tactics but we are experienced in taking cases to trial if needed. We know that not every insurance claim will give our clients the maximum payment they deserve, and we are committed to exploring every legal avenue to get you the most compensation possible.
What Qualities Should I Look for in a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
We understand that it can be challenging to find a criminal defense lawyer whom you trust. When looking for a lawyer to protect your rights and your freedom, look for a law firm with a history of results when handling a wide variety of criminal cases. Criminal defense lawyers need to have the flexibility and the knowledge to adjust their legal strategy when needed. If a legal team has an unending supply of happy clients that range from grand theft charges to attempted murder charges, you can rest assured they are right for you.
Our law firm defends offenders from all walks of life. Whether you are a first-time offender or you already have a criminal record, we are here and ready to serve you. Our team is committed to using their knowledge and experience to reduce or remove the penalties you may be facing.
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How Does The Law Office of Jerry Jenkins, P.A. Stand Out?
Our team focuses on two main areas of the law: people who have been hurt in accidents and people who have been arrested. Personal injury and criminal defense cases are some of the most prevalent legal issues in the country, and our law firm has extensive experience with both. We are confident that no matter what your legal issue is, we can help you get the outcome you deserve.
The Law Office of Jerry Jenkins, P.A. understands that every case is unique. Before working with you, we offer free consultations to learn more about your legal case and your goals for the future. We will craft a personalized legal strategy with your best interests in mind to get the outcome you deserve. To learn more about our team and how we can help you, contact us today by calling (407) 287-6757.
What Should I Do After an Accident?
If you have been injured in an accident, it’s normal to go into shock. However, taking the proper steps can help you protect yourself later. First, it is essential to seek medical attention and get checked out by a medical professional. If you can, take photos of the accident scene as well as any injuries you sustained. Get any other parties involved in the accident to write down their contact information, then reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney for guidance.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Case?
Personal injury cases are almost always subject to a statute of limitations. When this statute expires, it means individuals can no longer seek compensation via a lawsuit in court. The statute of limitations varies depending on the type of personal injury case you are involved in. Generally, personal injury cases must be pursued within one to four years from the accident date. Certain exceptions may be given if the damages were not immediately apparent, but not many cases qualify for these exceptions.
What Should I Say if an Insurance Adjuster Calls Me?
In general, it is not a good idea to speak with an insurance adjuster without legal counsel. Insurance agents have their own agendas, even if they work for your own insurance company. Most insurance agents are looking for a reason to deny your compensation claim. If you say the wrong thing or admit fault (even accidentally), an insurance agent may use that as an excuse to avoid giving you the payout you deserve. Always consult a legal team before talking to an insurance adjuster or another party’s attorney if you are injured in an accident.
What Damages Can I Seek in a Personal Injury Case?
Damages are any expenses or loss of money you have experienced because of an accident. The primary type of damages is known as compensatory damages. Under compensatory damages, economic damages include medical bills, property damage repairs, lost income, and loss of earning capacity. Non-economic damages include emotional distress and pain and suffering. You may also be able to seek punitive damages, which punish an individual for extremely dangerous or reckless behavior. Punitive damages are less common but can be awarded in certain circumstances.
Do You Have to Speak to the Police if You Are Arrested?
Even if you are detained or arrested, you are not obligated under the law to speak to police officers or answer their questions. You must identify yourself and give your name to officers. After that, you can invoke your right to silence or your right to speak to an attorney. In almost every scenario, it is not a good idea to talk to police officers without speaking with an attorney first. Law enforcement officers are working to build a case against you, and even innocent-sounding statements you make could be held against you.
What Happens After Criminal Charges Are Filed in Court?
If you are arrested, you will then appear in court for an arraignment. Your charges will be publicly announced at your arraignment, and you can enter your plea of guilty or not guilty. The court will decide upon bail or any other conditions of release if you are allowed to leave. Prosecutors may also request certain conditions if they feel it is necessary. If you have a bail or bond placed against you, you must pay it before you can leave. The court will then begin scheduling pretrial and criminal hearings if you plead not guilty.
Can the Person Who Calls the Police Request That Criminal Charges be Dropped?
In some cases, the individual who reports a crime may no longer wish to pursue their case in court. However, this does not automatically mean that all charges are dropped. Criminal charges are pursued by the state or federal government. If an individual does not want to participate in a trial or testify before a judge, it may convince prosecutors to drop the charges. If the prosecution believes they have a strong case without the individual giving testimony, they may decide to pursue criminal charges in court.
What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?
When you are charged with a crime, you will likely face either felony or misdemeanor charges. Generally, misdemeanor charges are less serious and carry fewer criminal penalties. First-time offenders facing misdemeanor charges may not serve jail time and could instead be punished with community service or probation. Felony charges are generally more severe and have more serious criminal penalties. Offenders facing felony charges could see penalties like prison or jail time and hefty fines, depending on the nature of the charges.