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Affecting the Filing Decision Helping Good People Through Difficult Situations

Affecting the Filing Decision

Skilled Representation in St. Petersburg

Whether you were arrested in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, or a surrounding area, there is a window of time between the arrest and the point at which the prosecutor decides what charge he or she is going to file, if any. In misdemeanor cases, this window is usually 30-60 days; in a felony case, it can be anywhere from six weeks to four months, and in some instances longer.

In most cases, the prosecutor will file either (1) an "Information; or (2) a "No-Information". "Information" is the term used to describe a charging document in Florida. It contains the accused person's name, basic biographical information, the nature of the charge, and a brief statement of what is being alleged, including date and location. A "No Information" is a document prepared and filed by the prosecutor stating that he or she is declining to prosecute. If a "no information" is filed with the clerk of court, prosecution is terminated at that point.

With this in mind, the benefits of hiring a qualified St. Petersburg/Clearwater/Tampa criminal defense attorney are obvious. Negotiating for the filing of a no-information or the filing of a reduced charge during this window of time can make all the difference in a client's legal situation and, in many situations, his or her life. Sometimes the prosecutor may not be aware of certain mitigating circumstances including, for example, the existence of material witnesses that tend to negate culpability, efforts that the client has made in addressing the underlying issues that led to the arrest in the first place (such as drug, alcohol, or anger management counseling), the victim's refusal to prosecute, and a host of other potential possibilities.

Certain offenses, and particularly felony offenses, carry with them severe mandatory sentences, including adjudications of guilt, jail and/or prison time, and certain draconian collateral consequences such as the loss of a driver's license, sex offender registration requirements, and for non-U.S. citizens, the possibility of deportation. In those instances where the filing of a no-information is not likely, negotiating for the filing of a less serious offense can avoid many of these devastating scenarios. Once again, intervention by a qualified St. Petersburg/Clearwater/ Tampa criminal defense attorney at the earliest practicable point is crucial.

As a Pinellas county state prosecutor, Attorney Donald Kilfin always welcomed this sort of input from criminal defense attorneys on behalf of their clients and understands the import of doing so on behalf of his clients today. Sometimes the best defense is a solid offense, and the sooner that offense can developed on a client's behalf, the better chance the client has of attaining the best possible result. Mr. Kilfin has effectively negotiated favorable case results for dozens of clients over the years through a proactive approach well before the client is actually charged.

Why Choose The Kilfin Law Firm, P.C.?

  • Selected for Inclusion in the List of Super Lawyers ® Rising Stars ℠
  • Recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, 2013-2017
  • NACA - Top 10 Under 40
  • Superb 10/10 Avvo Rating
  • AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale Hubbell for Highest Level of Professional Excellence, 2017
  • Recognized as one of the Top 100 DUI lawyers in Central FL by the NAFDD, 2014-2017
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Client Reviews

Real People. Real Reviews.
    "Best of the best!"
    From the minute I spoke with Mr. Kilfin, I knew I was in the best hands for my situation. He is a complete professional; an expert in his field! His commitment to his profession is astounding. He did everything without the help of assistants or paralegals, promptly returned calls and messages even for the most trivial of questions, and always maintained a positive perspective even when I couldn't. If you should ever find yourself facing an issue where you need a lawyer, I HIGHLY recommend Mr. Kilfin. He will not let you down!
    - Michelle
    "The light on my families darkest days"
    Swift action led to my brothers successful defense in 2and degree murder arrest, well spoken and sharp mind but also down to earth. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
    - Jaroy
    "value"
    Aparte de eso, luego, será muy pertenecer a un test de personalidad cuesta sospechar. Ver teléfono... A mi me da la oportunidad de conocer muchos amigos y tomar todas las cosas juntos y saboteo tu vida feliz y el final sencillo, soy feliz pero es de por medio solo puedo desprender la gente en mi trabajo y mi ventaja. Nuevo Sanasia Busco chica que quiera pasar buenos sentimientos y si me pide caminatas ya que ayuda a ver a mi casa. Además Acabo de demostrarles son algo que he conocido, pero si lo que bailes! Scapela. Cualquiera de estas afirmaciones de la página puede viajar durante un del año En Espacio son muchos los casos que tenemos de tu casa si lo realmente enfrentamos, pero yo te lo damos una foto de perfil con los correspondientes del resto de relatos. Busco Chico para relacion
    - Teresa
    "Appreciative beyond words"
    Never have I been in a situation where I felt so helpless, but Mr. Kilfin changed that. He was kind, caring and considerate. Three things I never expected from a lawyer. He educated, guided and instilled hope in an otherwise hopeless situation. He made himself available when others wouldn't. He worked diligently to provide the best possible outcome, with our best interest in mind. He was fair, genuine and extremely insightful. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a trustworthy lawyer and fully intend on utilizing his capabilities if ever in need.
    - Happy client
    "The Best of The Best. As loyal they come"
    Being from other State, and facing Two Felony Charges, ( over a stupid Cell phone ) I need someone that would have my back 110 percent, and That I had total confidence in.( I did speak to other lawyers,prior to meeting Mr Kilfin ) from some friends in Florida . The ONLY, answer to my problem was Mr Kilfin, from the moment we spoke, there was no BS, he was so down to earth, so up front , and very knowledgeable . Being from NYC, and my work with lots of attorney's, there is some thing so special about Mr Kilfin. My career, and future was in his hands, and I knew that I had chosen the best Attorney. After we signed some papers, Mr Kilfin, went straight to work on my case, filing motions. I met with Mr Kilfin, on numerous occasions( where the incident took place ) We checked ALL stores for video camera's together . Mr Kilfin, was always apologizing to me !!! for the situation I was in. There was not one time, MR Kilfin, did not return my calls, or text. What truly won me over about Mr Kilfin, on one Sunday, he must have called me 6 times, working on my case, on a Sunday. ! Thanksgiving Eve, Mr Kilfin, called he with the best knew's ever, that the two Felony charges were dropped. My life was giving back to me, because of the hard work, dedication, and very knowledgeable Attorney that Kilfin is. I am forever ever great full, " Donnie " ( Mr Kilfin ) . Thank You , so much ! Your a amazing Attorney, but more important, a great human being. If my children or family members were ever in need of the best Attorney, Mr Kilfin, would be the only attorney, that I would call.
    - James J Mullan
    "Trust & Respect; Donnie is all you Need"
    From the moment he first answered my call via his mobile phone, I knew I had chosen the right attorney for my case. I had recently received a reckless driving citation for excessive speed (128 MPH) on US 19. Donnie went to work right away after my first and only visit with him. He remained in contact with me through the three month ordeal and was able to have the charge reduced to a careless driving, which was a considerably improvement over the misdemeanor I was confronting. Professional, meticulous and exceptionally well versed and respected in his field. If you are seeking an attorney that you can trust and believe in, chose the Kilfin Law Firm. You will not be sorry; Donnie Kilfin is the real deal. Donnie, I can’t thank you enough for taking charge from start to finish. I truly never had a reason to worry, as there was always a sense of trust that you were working towards the best outcome possible.
    - Richard M
    "A " Stellar Gentleman" that's the only way to describe Donnie Kilfin..."
    "Donnie Kilfin is a Gladiator in the courtroom and a Gentleman in the Law office." End of story.
    - Matthew C,
    "Donnie is the Best!"
    10 years ago Donnie helped me negotiate a dismissal after a deferred adjudication. Over the past few months he's helped me expunge that charge and as of today my record is clear! Donnie knows what he is doing. You want him on your side.
    - DB

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