Criminal Defense Practice Areas

Comprehensive Legal Representation Across All Florida Criminal Charges

At Watson & Vasko, we defend clients facing any criminal charge in Martin County, St. Lucie County, Palm Beach County, and throughout the Treasure Coast.

DUI & BUI Defense

Arrested for drunk driving in Stuart or Martin County? Florida DUI penalties are severe—including license suspension, jail time, fines up to $5,000, and a permanent criminal record. We challenge breathalyzer results, field sobriety tests, and unlawful traffic stops to fight for dismissal or reduced charges.

• First-offense DUI

• Multiple DUI offenses

• DUI with property damage or injury

• Boating Under the Influence (BUI)

• CDL DUI defense

Drug Crimes Defense

Florida's drug laws carry mandatory minimum sentences. Whether you're charged with possession, trafficking, or federal drug conspiracy, we build defenses based on illegal searches, lack of knowledge, and constitutional violations.

• Marijuana possession & cultivation

• Cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl charges

• Prescription drug fraud

• Drug trafficking

• Federal drug crimes

Domestic Violence Defense

Domestic violence accusations can result in no-contact orders, loss of gun rights, and jail time—even if the alleged victim wants charges dropped. We protect your rights and your reputation.

• Domestic battery

• Aggravated domestic assault

• Injunction defense (restraining orders)

• Child abuse allegations

Violent Crime Defense

Felony violent crime convictions carry prison sentences and collateral consequences that last a lifetime. Our trial experience makes the difference.

• Assault and battery

• Aggravated assault

• Armed robbery

• Burglary and home invasion

• Manslaughter and homicide

• Gang-related charges

Sex Crime Defense

Sex crime allegations destroy reputations before trial even begins. We fight aggressively to protect your rights and future.

• Internet sex crimes

• Solicitation and prostitution

• Lewd conduct and indecent exposure

• Sexual battery and assault

• Failure to register as a sex offender

Weapons & Firearms Charges

Florida's gun laws are complex. Even lawful gun owners can face serious charges for technical violations.

• Illegal firearm possession

• Concealed weapon violations

• Felon in possession of a firearm

• Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon

• Federal firearms offenses (ATF cases)

Juvenile Defense

Protect your child's future. Juvenile records can affect college admissions, scholarships, and employment. We fight to keep minors out of the system.

• Juvenile delinquency

• School-related offenses

• Theft and vandalism

• Drug possession

• Sealing juvenile records

Probation Violations

Accused of violating probation? We defend clients facing VOP hearings and work to avoid jail time through negotiation or trial.

• Failed drug tests

• Missed appointments

• New criminal charges while on probation

• Technical violations

Record Sealing & Expungement

Clear your criminal record and move forward. Florida law allows eligible defendants to seal or expunge arrests and certain convictions.

• Eligibility evaluation

• Petition preparation and filing

• Court representation

• Full record clearance

Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief

Wrongfully convicted? Received an excessive sentence? We handle appeals and post-conviction motions to overturn unjust outcomes.

• Direct criminal appeals

• Rule 3.850 motions

• Habeas corpus petitions

• Sentence modifications