Representing the accused in Naples, Florida since 1998.
Need help today? With 28 years of experience representing the accused in Naples, Florida, I'm ready to help. New arrest or first appearance hearing for a bond? I'm experienced and available.
Misdemeanors, felonies, DUI and other driving offenses, drug cases, or arrests for theft. And landlord/tenant law.
Office conveniently located at 2641 Airport Road South, Suite A108 — 0.3 miles (a 5-minute walk) from the Collier County Courthouse and Government Center.
My office is within walking distance of the Collier County Courthouse. I have defended criminal cases in Collier County since 1998. I have the experience needed to fight your case. I will personally handle your case every step of the way.
Backing clients with over 28 years of continuous courtroom experience inside the Collier County Courthouse in Naples. We provide aggressive defense strategies across all misdemeanor and felony charges under the Florida Criminal Code.
Defense against misdemeanor shoplifting and property misappropriation valued under $750. Strategies focus on challenging value valuations, proving lack of intent, and qualifying first-time offenders for Collier County misdemeanor diversion programs to avoid a criminal record.
Felony representation for stolen property valued at $750 or more, including motor vehicles, firearms, and high-value cargo. Penalties range from third-degree to first-degree felonies carrying substantial prison exposure and restitution orders under the Florida Criminal Punishment Code.
Defending charges involving unlawful entry into conveyances, unoccupied structures, or occupied dwellings. We scrutinize consent to enter, identification evidence, and the state's burden to prove intent to commit an underlying offense.
Handling allegations of trafficking, selling, or pawning stolen goods. A second-degree felony carrying up to 15 years in state prison, frequently filed alongside theft and false verification of ownership charges.
Representation for felony possession of controlled substances, including cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, heroin, and illicit fentanyl. Defense focuses on unlawful search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment, constructive possession defenses, and Collier County Drug Court eligibility.
Defending individuals charged with possessing prescription medication without a valid doctor's authorization (such as Xanax/Alprazolam, Oxycodone, Adderall, and hydrocodone). We establish legitimate prescription records, medical necessity, and pharmacy documentation to seek complete dismissal.
High-stakes defense against mandatory minimum prison sentences and massive statutory fines triggered purely by aggregate weight thresholds (cocaine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and cannabis). Scrutiny of wiretaps, confidential informants, and warrant execution.
Defending felony charges for the manufacture, distribution, sale, or delivery of narcotics, including controlled buys by undercover detectives or confidential informants within school, church, or park zones.
Handling misdemeanor cannabis possession under 20 grams, possession of THC vape cartridges/concentrates (charged as third-degree felonies), and possession or manufacture of drug paraphernalia.
Defending simple assaults, misdemeanor batteries, felony battery, and aggravated charges involving deadly weapons or severe bodily injury. We utilize Florida's "Stand Your Ground" self-defense immunity hearings (Fla. Stat. § 776.032) and mutual combat defenses.
Managing the criminal consequences of domestic disputes, including mandatory no-contact orders, emergency weekend bond hearings, and violations of domestic violence restraining orders (injunctions for protection).
Challenging obstruction and resisting charges arising during traffic stops, pedestrian encounters, or detentions. Demonstrating that the officer was not in the lawful execution of a legal duty or that actions did not constitute legal obstruction.
Discreet defense against sexual battery, lewd and lascivious conduct, and indecent exposure charges. Rigorous scrutiny of forensic reports, electronic communications, and false allegations to protect constitutional rights and avoid mandatory registry requirements.
Representation for misdemeanor and felony check fraud, stop-payment disputes, and cashing checks with insufficient funds. We prioritize early restitution and lack of fraudulent intent to seek complete dismissal of criminal charges.
Defending property defacement, vehicle damage, graffiti, and intentional property destruction charges. Statutory value thresholds determine misdemeanor or third-degree felony penalties; we challenge repair estimates to eliminate felony exposure.
Defending public mutual fighting charges (affray) and loitering/prowling arrests. L&P charges are routinely challenged on Fourth Amendment grounds where law enforcement lacked justified alarm or failed to provide an immediate opportunity to dispel suspicion.
Defense against misdemeanor DUI, high-BAC breath test allegations (.15 or higher), DUI with property damage, and felony repeat-DUI charges. Handling both criminal court proceedings and DHSMV formal administrative driver's license suspension hearings.
Defending knowingly driving with a suspended license, preventing habitual traffic offender (HTO) five-year revocations, and resolving underlying child support, financial, or points-related license holds.
Misdemeanor defense for operating a motor vehicle without ever obtaining a valid driver's license or driving with an expired license. We guide clients through obtaining valid credentials prior to court to achieve reduced charges or complete dismissals.
Fighting moving violations, excessive speeding citations, careless driving tickets, and mandatory court appearances in Collier County to keep points off your license and prevent insurance rate increases.
Representation at VOP hearings where defendants have no right to a jury and face sentencing up to the statutory maximum on the original charge. Defending technical violations, failure to pay costs, positive drug screens, and substantive new criminal law violations.
Defending felon in possession of a firearm charges, improper exhibition of dangerous weapons, and 10-20-Life enhancement allegations under Florida's strict gun statutes.
In a misdemeanor case, the accused may be arrested and taken to jail, or may be given a notice to appear in court. Of those arrested, some will have a bond based on the booking sheet, and can bond out that same day. People arrested for battery charges, especially domestic violence battery, must remain in the jail overnight for First Appearance.
The judge at First Appearance will review the booking sheet for probable cause and set a bond. The judge will also consider conditions of release, such as no-contact orders in battery cases. The accused appear in First Appearance court by video from the jail.
Common practice for criminal defense lawyers in Naples, FL is to file a notice of appearance, a plea of not guilty, a waiver of arraignment, and a discovery request. This cancels the arraignment date and moves the case to a pre-trial conference track.
The discovery process refers to the sharing of reports, witness names, and evidence. In DUI cases, dash-cam and body-cam videos are crucial pieces of evidence that must be reviewed.
The defense lawyer attends these conferences to update the judge on trial readiness, request continuances, or present negotiated pleas. Many cases involve filing a motion to suppress based on evidence reviewed during discovery.
Some charges can be resolved with a diversion program. If the accused completes specific conditions, the State drops the charges.
While most cases are resolved through negotiation or dismissal, those that cannot go to trial before a judge or a jury.
Don't face court alone. Contact attorney Dominick Russo directly to discuss your criminal defense or landlord matter.
Call 239-404-2523 Text 239-404-2523