Tavares Criminal Defense Attorney
Strong 24/7 Legal Defense for the Best Possible Outcomes
Have You Been Charged With a Crime in Tavares, FL?
Being arrested or charged with a crime can feel like your life is over. Depending on the circumstances, a criminal charge can lead to loss of employment, damaged relationships, expensive legal fees, and even jail time. Washo and Spivey are a team of skilled Tavares criminal defense attorneys specializing in legal representation and support for clients in Tavares and Lake County, Florida.
Our criminal lawyers have been successfully defending clients for 45+ years and have the experience, resources, and dedication to get the best possible outcome for your case. We are also conveniently located next to the Lake County Clerk of Courts and Lake County Jail, so we are always nearby and available right away.

Tavares Criminal Defense Services

Tavares Criminal Defense Services
Read more about Tavares DUI Attorney
Tavares Sex Crimes Attorney
Read more about Tavares Sex Crime Attorney
Tavares Assault & Battery Attorney
Read more about Tavares Assault & Battery Attorney
Tavares Drug Charges Attorney
Read more about Tavares Drug Charge Attorney
Tavares Injunctions Attorney
Read more about Tavares Injunction Attorney
Tavares Domestic Violence Attorney
Read more about Tavares Domestic Violence Attorney
Tavares Criminal Traffic Violation Attorney
Read more about Tavares Criminal Traffic Violation AttorneyFlorida Crime Laws & Penalties
Florida crime laws are structured to address a wide spectrum of offenses and categorize them into misdemeanors or felonies based on the nature and severity of the crime. Misdemeanors are considered lesser offenses and can lead to penalties like fines, jail time, or probation. Felonies are more serious and may result in longer prison sentences, heavier fines, and more lasting consequences such as loss of employment or civil rights.
Florida’s legal system places a strong emphasis on public safety, particularly with stringent laws and penalties for DUI, drug offenses, violent crimes, and sex crimes to reflect the state’s commitment to deterrence and rehabilitation.

Providing Strong Legal Representation in Lake & Sumter County
Types of Criminal Charges in Florida
The state of Florida classifies crimes into several different categories depending on the kind of acts that are committed, the age or injuries of the victim(s), and the offender’s past criminal record. Depending on the nature and severity of the crime, punishment can include legal fines, court proceedings, mandatory treatment or education programs, and prison sentences.
Assault & Battery
Assault and battery are different but related criminal offenses. Assault involves an intentional act creating a fear of imminent harm, while battery refers to the actual unlawful physical contact with another person without their consent. These charges vary in severity from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the circumstances and degree of harm caused.
- Battery
- Aggravated assault
- Stalking
- Battery on a person 65+
If you or someone you know has been arrested or charged with assault, contact our office to schedule a consultation with a Tavares assault and battery attorney.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence situations can get complicated. Emotions run high, and matters can quickly turn into “he said, she said” battles. What’s more, when the police respond to a domestic violence call, someone generally gets arrested. After that, the alleged victim has no say in whether charges are laid or not.
The time immediately after an arrest is scary, and what happens in the coming months may have life-long consequences. However, for the time being, you can put your worries aside. Contact Washo & Spivey Law to Defend you. If you or someone you know has been arrested or charged for domestic violence, contact our office to schedule a consultation with a Tavares domestic violence attorney.
Drug Crimes
Drug crimes involve the illegal possession, use, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances. These offenses can range from minor infractions, like possession of a small amount of marijuana, to serious felonies, including trafficking and production of narcotics. Penalties vary widely, depending on the substance involved and the nature of the crime.
- Drug possession
- Drug trafficking
- Sale of drugs
- Drug misdemeanors & felonies
If you or someone you know has been arrested or charged for a drug-related crime, contact our office to schedule a consultation with a Tavares drug charge attorney.
Violent Crimes
Violent crimes are acts that involve force or the threat of force against another individual. This encompasses a range of crimes including assault, robbery, homicide, and sexual assault. Violent crimes are treated seriously and often result in significant legal penalties including lengthy prison sentences.
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- 10-20 life
- Firearm offenses
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) occurs when an individual operates a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. This impairment compromises the driver’s ability to safely control the vehicle, posing a significant risk to public safety. Penalties for DUI can include fines, license suspension, and incarceration.
- DUI with property damage
- Vehicular homicide
- Misdemeanor & felony DUI
If you or someone you know has been arrested or charged for a DUI, contact our office to schedule a consultation with a Tavares DUI attorney.
Injunctions
Injunctions are protective legal orders issued by a court that require an individual to do or refrain from doing specific actions. They’ are often used in cases of harassment, domestic violence, stalking, or to protect privacy and property rights. Violating an injunction can result in criminal charges, fines, and other legal consequences.
- Domestic violence injunctions
- Stalking injunctions
- Harassment injunctions
- Risk protection orders
If you or someone you know has been served with an injunction, contact our office to schedule a consultation with a Tavares injunction attorney.
Sex Crimes
Sex crimes encompass a range of illegal acts involving sexual conduct against the will of the victim. These crimes include rape, sexual assault, child molestation, and possession of child pornography. Such offenses are taken very seriously and hold harsh penalties including imprisonment, registration as a sex offender, and difficulty finding employment or housing.
- Sexual battery
- Lewd & lascivious conduct
- Molestation
- Child pornography
If you or someone you know has been arrested or charged for a sex crime, contact our office to schedule a consultation with a Tavares sex crime attorney.
Criminal Traffic Violations
Criminal traffic violations refer to breaches of laws governing vehicle operation on public roads. We defend criminal traffic violations such as Driving while License Suspended and No Valid driver’s License to more serious offenses such as DUI or reckless driving. Penalties vary, including fines, points on a driver’s license, and potentially imprisonment for severe violations.
- Driving with a suspended licensed
- Driving without a valid license
- Driving with no insurance
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident
If you or someone you know has been arrested or charged for a criminal traffic offense, contact our office to schedule a consultation with a Tavares criminal traffic violation attorney.
Find a Tavares Criminal Defense Attorney Near Me
Being arrested can be a frightening and hopeless experience, especially if it is your first time and you have no prior experience with law enforcement or the legal system. If you or someone you know has been arrested or charged for a crime, contact our law office to schedule a consultation with a Tavares criminal defense attorney.