How does a civil lawsuit work in Orange County, Florida?

Generally, in a civil lawsuit, a plaintiff must present their argument against the defendant, establishing through evidence that the defendant’s unlawful, negligent, or wrongful conduct caused the plaintiff losses. Civil lawsuits can arise out of everything from theft and fraud to breaches of business contracts and intentional interference with business relationships. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may need to prove your claims by either the preponderance of the evidence or by the standard of clear and convincing evidence. In either case, this is a separate and lower burden of proof than what applies to criminal cases, and the civil lawsuit is a separate legal action from any criminal case. Many civil lawsuits are settled out of court, but cases may need to go to trial in some circumstances. The goal of a civil claim is typically to recover maximum financial compensation. Depending on the specific facts of your case, you may be able to pursue compensation not only for your actual damages but for certain non-economic losses, for treble (triple) your actual damages, or for punitive damages. An attorney can advise you on what you may be entitled to under the law based on your unique situation.

What consequences could you be facing for conviction of a white-collar crime?

If you’re charged with a white-collar criminal offense, the consequences could be life-changing. You can’t expect to face only minor penalties just because the offense was non-violent. White-collar crimes are taken extremely seriously in Florida and federal courts, and they often give rise to steep fines, significant jail time, and the long-lasting consequences of having a permanent criminal record. Because the consequences are so serious, it’s important to put up the most effective defense possible.

What if you can’t afford legal representation in Orange County, FL?

At Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., I take a flexible approach to legal fees. Depending on the circumstances, I may be able to represent you through a contingency model, a success-fee model, a flat-fee model, or other types of fee arrangements. For those who qualify due to financial need, it may be possible to receive no-cost or low-cost legal assistance through my pro bono practice. The initial consultation is confidential, so you at least have the opportunity to get your questions answered, better understand your legal rights, and discuss the specifics of how much your case could cost with an experienced attorney who is familiar with your individual circumstances.

How soon do you need an attorney after a dispute or legal issue?

An attorney does more than appear in a court proceeding to present your case. As your dedicated advocate, I’m able to provide the most effective interventions when you retain my services as soon as possible. For criminal legal issues, it’s ideal to speak to an attorney during the investigation, and before you have even been charged, if at all possible. In civil and business matters, you benefit from bringing on legal guidance early to help you manage deadlines, gather evidence that supports your claim, and develop an effective strategy.

Orange County Civil and Criminal Lawyer | Civil Litigation and Criminal Defense Attorney Orange County FL

Results-Driven Civil Litigation and Criminal Defense Attorney in Orange County, FL

In Orange County, Florida, legal issues that at first glance seem relatively minor can have a major impact on your life. Civil litigation awards can mean the difference between having the resources you need to make you whole and continuing to face financial losses because of someone else’s conduct. Criminal charges can carry much more serious consequences than you initially expect, particularly in matters that involve accusations of white-collar crime. Retaining an Orange County civil and criminal lawyer from the start puts you on the path to a resolution that most favors your interests.

At Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., I provide confidential consultations and objective case evaluations, all at no cost and with no obligation. To get started with your case review, contact my law firm today.

Understanding Civil and Criminal Legal Issues in Orange County, FL

Civil litigation and criminal defense are different areas of law, but they can intersect in numerous ways. If you’re pursuing a lawsuit against a defendant who caused you financial damages through theft or fraud, your case can be impacted by criminal proceedings against them. While you’re focused on defending against charges of white-collar crime, subsequent legal action filed against you in civil court can add to the stress you’re already facing. In business disputes, the means by which a person or organization violates contract terms or interferes in business relationships that don’t concern them could rise to the level of criminal activities.

As a civil litigation and criminal defense attorney in Orange County, FL, I practice at the intersection of these distinct areas of law to provide comprehensive guidance to my clients. Whatever the circumstances, you stand to benefit from a legal strategy that addresses your situation from every angle, not one that is limited to only the civil or the criminal aspects of the case.

Types of Cases Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., Handles in Orange County, FL

By handling complex and sophisticated legal issues for the clients I serve, I ensure the full benefits of retaining an Orange County civil and criminal lawyer who assesses and thoroughly understands every aspect of your case. The kinds of legal issues I’m ready to assist you with include the following.

Civil Claims for Monetary Damages

When lawsuits involve challenges like complicated causes of action, multiple defendants or jurisdictions, and elaborate allegations, I provide guidance for Orange County complex civil litigation, including:

Orange County parallel proceedings: Help for matters in which multiple proceedings are moving forward in different courts or jurisdictions, possibly including anti‑suit injunctions
Orange County cross‑border litigation: Representation in civil claims that cross international boundaries, allowing you to hold a defendant in another country accountable
Orange County civil fraud lawsuits: Support for seeking compensation for fraud-related losses through the civil legal process
Orange County civil theft claims: Assistance in recovering the full compensation you’re entitled to under Florida law, which includes threefold your actual damages resulting from theft
Orange County civil RICO & business fraud lawsuits: Help handling claims in which a plaintiff is pursuing compensation for alleged fraud or racketeering violations

Business Legal Dispute Representation

Orange County business disputes can be high-stakes and high-profile, so you need a lawyer who is ready to rise to the challenge in matters like the following:

Orange County breach of contract lawsuits: Cases in which one party bound by a business contract sues another for failing to meet their legally enforceable obligations
Orange County tortious interference cases: Claims against a third party for causing one party bound by a contract to breach its terms or for unlawfully interfering in the plaintiff’s business relationships
Orange County defamation and disparagement lawsuits: Litigation arising out of a party’s untrue statements that have a negative effect on a company’s reputation or its financial gains
Orange County partnership disputes: Disagreements between business partners that may be resolved through negotiations, litigation, or even the dissolution of the partnership

Criminal Defense and Legal Support During Investigations

When it comes to the community’s criminal defense needs, I mainly concentrate on helping my clients fight back against charges involving Orange County white‑collar crimes, including:

Orange County bank fraud charges: Allegations of deceptive schemes targeting financial institutions or the assets under their control
Orange County healthcare fraud charges: Accusations of misrepresenting identity, eligibility, medical diagnosis, or services performed to secure unauthorized benefits or payments from a health benefit program
Orange County wire fraud charges: Charges that involve any use of phone networks, the internet, radio or television broadcasts, or other telecommunications systems to carry out a fraudulent scheme
Orange County tax fraud charges: Allegations of deceptively underpaying or failing to pay taxes, including federal income taxes, state sales tax, and state unemployment tax
Orange County money laundering charges: Accusations of knowingly trying to hide the true source of money obtained through unlawful means by making a series of financial transactions for this illegal purpose
Orange County conspiracy charges: Allegations that you agreed with another person to intentionally and knowingly break the law, which may be pursued even if the crime you supposedly agreed to commit never occurred

White-collar crimes can be charged at the state or federal level, depending on the circumstances. I assist clients in presenting strong defenses in both state and federal courts. When legal errors interfere in the outcome of a case, I assist clients in preparing and presenting appeals.

I also draw on the skills I use as a criminal defense attorney when I assist local business leaders in carrying out Orange County internal investigations to identify fraud and misconduct within their companies.

Civil Rights Litigation

Orange County, FL, civil rights issues can not only deprive individuals of their guaranteed rights and liberties but also develop into patterns of unfair and unlawful treatment. Through Section 1983 claims against state and local government actors and other types of legal actions, I protect the rights of the clients I serve throughout Orange County.

Crisis Management Communications

As an experienced crisis manager as well as an attorney, I know not only what a person involved in a legal matter can’t or shouldn’t say but also how their words can impact their case. Using communications strategies that I have implemented as an experienced crisis manager, I can help you craft and present an effective narrative response to the media and the public, as well as before a court.

Public Interest & Pro Bono

As an involved member of the Florida legal community, I give back through the public interest work I perform. I have a large pro bono practice through which I provide no-cost or very low-cost legal services for clients who can’t afford representation at standard rates. I mainly represent these clients in criminal cases that involve serious charges and in post-conviction advocacy for individuals who have been imprisoned for crimes they didn’t commit.

Areas Served in Orange County, Florida

As an Orange County civil and criminal lawyer committed to serving the legal needs of residents and visitors throughout the area, I handle cases arising out of incidents in every corner of this region.

I represent clients throughout all of the local municipalities, including:

Orlando
Apopka
Ocoee City
Winter Garden
Winter Park
Maitland
Belle Isle
Oakland
Windermere
Edgewood
Eatonville
Bay Lake
Lake Buena Vista

Orange County is home to numerous census-designated places, some of them with populations as high as those of formally incorporated cities. I assist clients throughout:

Alafaya
Pine Hills
Horizon West
Four Corners
University
Meadow Woods
Oak Ridge
Hunter's Creek
Lake Butler
Southchase
Azalea Park
Lockhart
Conway
Goldenrod
Dr. Phillips
Pine Castle
Fairview Shores
Union Park
Bithlo
Wedgefield
Williamsburg
Sky Lake
Orlo Vista
South Apopka
Rio Pinar
Bay Hill
Holden Heights
Clarcona
Tangerine
Zellwood
Tangelo
Christmas
Taft
Gotha
Lake Mary Jane
Paradise Heights
Lake Hart
Tildenville

My legal practice extends to Orange County’s unincorporated communities, including:

Andover Lakes
Chinatown
Fairvilla
Killarney
Plymouth
Reedy Creek Improvement District
Vineland

Every area of Orange County has its own factors to consider, from the economic industries that thrive there to the way local law enforcement and prosecutors approach the criminal justice system. With extensive knowledge of this area, I’m ready to step in and protect your rights.

The Benefit of Retaining a Civil Litigation and Criminal Defense Attorney in Orange County, FL

Facing the legal system without dedicated counsel on your side is a risky move. Retaining a trusted Orange County civil and criminal lawyer puts you on the best path forward. With your lawyer’s guidance, you can pursue outcomes such as:

Attaining maximum compensation in a civil claim for damages
Beating criminal charges with a not-guilty trial verdict, a dismissal of charges, suppression of unlawfully obtained evidence, a favorable plea deal, or entrance into a pre-trial diversion program
Achieving a civil rights lawsuit outcome that both compensates you and effectively gives rise to change
Resolving a business dispute in ways that fairly compensate you and protect your interests while strategically keeping your plans for the future at the forefront

Having professional legal counsel on your side and dedicated to securing an outcome that benefits you is critical during this turbulent time. Whatever the circumstances of your legal matter, it helps to have knowledgeable guidance throughout the legal process.

Why Choose Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A. as Your Orange County Civil and Criminal Lawyer?

At Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., my clients benefit from guidance from a seasoned attorney who builds every case for a potential trial and routinely travels to meet clients without hesitation.

Extensive Legal Experience

My 25-year legal career includes both criminal and civil practice. I began my career as an Assistant Public Defender in Miami-Dade County and worked in the civil litigation departments of large regional and international law firms before establishing my solo practice in 2015.

Trial-Ready Case Preparation

Proactively preparing your case for the possibility of going to court ensures all options for resolution remain open to you. I develop effective strategies, arguments, and approaches that ensure you’re ready for a trial if necessary while also providing leverage in out-of-court resolution efforts.

Willingness to Travel to Meet Clients

I streamline the challenges of getting legal assistance by traveling to meet potential clients at their homes, in hospitals, or in jail. I know how difficult living in the midst of legal troubles can be, and I’m committed to handling your case with compassion, empathy, and dedication to serving your best interests.

About Legal Practice in Orange County

Orange County isn’t only one of the most populated counties in the state but also a major tourist destination. Theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando draw travelers from all over the country and even the world. In legal matters, this reality can translate to complicated issues involving which regulations apply or which court has jurisdiction over the case.

I provide the guidance you need to manage legal issues in this area, whether you’re:

Filing a civil suit against an individual or company that stole from or defrauded you during your vacation in Orlando
Seeking to hold one of the dozens of companies with ties to Orange County, FL, accountable for a breach of business contract
Trying to protect your company in the wake of a criminal scandal
Defending against charges of white-collar crime activities, including healthcare fraud involving Orange County’s largest healthcare networks and bank fraud against the multiple financial institutions that have corporate offices here

I understand how hard it is to face accusations of criminal offenses or uphill civil legal battles against more powerful opponents, and I bring this understanding to every case I handle throughout Orange County.

Contact an Orange County Civil and Criminal Lawyer at Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., Today for a Case Evaluation

Getting your case reviewed at no cost is the first step toward managing your legal matter effectively. You can count on me to listen to your story, develop a thorough understanding of your case, and provide valuable initial feedback based on your circumstances. From there, you’ll be empowered to make informed decisions about how to proceed with protecting your rights.

For help from a civil litigation and criminal defense attorney in Orange County, FL, contact Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A. online or call 786-933-8794 today.

Orange County Civil Litigation and Criminal Defense