Criminal Defense Lawyer in Kissimmee and Osceola County

If you or someone in your family has been arrested in Kissimmee or elsewhere in Osceola County, the first few days matter. Release conditions and other early issues are addressed, the State Attorney's Office starts reviewing the case, and decisions get made that can be hard to undo later. Attorney Chad M. Seibel is a criminal defense attorney with an office in Kissimmee. He defends felony and misdemeanor charges in Osceola and Orange County and works directly with clients in preparing and handling their defense.

Call or text 407-846-8008 for a free consultation.

Live out of town? Depending on the charge and the judge, much of the case may be handled without you traveling for every hearing.

A Former Prosecutor, Now on the Defense Side

Chad Seibel is a former prosecutor. From 2013 to 2016 he served as an Assistant State Attorney in Florida's Ninth Judicial Circuit, which covers Orange and Osceola counties, working mostly in Osceola. He has been a member of The Florida Bar since 2013 and is Of Counsel at Perez LaSure Law.

Today he defends people accused of crimes in Osceola and Orange County. When he reviews your case, he looks at it the way the State will: what the arrest report says, what the evidence actually shows, and where the case is weak.

What to Do Right After an Arrest in Kissimmee

Stay calm and stay quiet. You have the right to remain silent. Politely say you want to speak with a lawyer, and then stop talking about the case.
Keep case discussions private. Assume ordinary jail calls are recorded. Do not discuss the facts with friends or family on calls, by text or on social media. Ask your lawyer how to communicate privately.
Don't reach out to the alleged victim or witnesses. Speak with your lawyer before contacting an alleged victim or witness. Follow every no-contact order, including restrictions on indirect contact.
Tell your lawyer what you remember while it is fresh: times, names, what officers said, and who was there.
Preserve possible evidence. Save relevant messages, photos, videos and paperwork. Do not delete or alter them; tell your lawyer what you have.
Call a lawyer before first appearance if you can. A lawyer can address release conditions at the first hearing.

For a step-by-step checklist, see Arrested in Kissimmee: What to Do.

How a Criminal Case Moves Through Osceola County

The steps below outline a typical adult criminal case. The order and issues vary by case. Knowing what comes next makes the process easier to face.

1. Arrest and booking. Arrests in the area are made by the Kissimmee Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, the St. Cloud Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol, among others. Some people are released on a notice to appear or a bond schedule. Others are held until a judge sees them.

2. First appearance. A person still in custody generally must be brought before a judge within 24 hours of arrest. The judge addresses rights and release or detention, including any bond and release conditions. A lawyer can address those issues and request further review when appropriate. See Bond Hearings.

3. The State's filing decision. After the arrest, the State Attorney's Office decides what charges to file. The formal charges can be the same as the arrest charges, different, reduced or more serious. A defense lawyer can sometimes present information to the prosecutor before that decision is made.

4. Arraignment. This is the hearing where the charges are formally read and a plea is entered. In many cases your lawyer can file a written plea of not guilty for you, so you don't have to attend.

5. Discovery and investigation. The defense obtains available discovery and investigates the allegations. Depending on the case, this may include reviewing reports, body-camera and dash-camera recordings, laboratory results and witness information, conducting depositions when permitted, and challenging an unlawful stop, search, arrest or use of evidence.

6. Resolution or trial. Some cases are dismissed, some are reduced, some qualify for pretrial diversion, and some go to trial. Every case is different, and no outcome is guaranteed. His preparation includes evaluating the evidence, possible defenses and the risks of trial. See Trial Preparation.

7. Sentencing. After a guilty or no-contest plea, or a finding of guilt, the court addresses sentencing and whether adjudication may be withheld. That decision can matter later for your record.

The Osceola County Courthouse

Criminal cases in Osceola County are heard at the Jon B. Morgan Osceola County Courthouse, 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741.

Parking: on the east side of the courthouse complex. Street-level and garage parking are free.
Electric vehicles: there are two EV charging stations in the parking lots east of the courthouse. If you plan to charge while you are in court, allow extra time in case both are in use.
Security: everyone who enters can be searched. Weapons, firearms and hazardous materials are not allowed. Leave pocketknives and similar items in the car.
Arrive early. Security lines can be long on busy court mornings. Bring your paperwork and any notice from the court.
Check your hearing notice for the required location or remote appearance instructions.

Criminal Charges and Related Defense Services

DUI and traffic: DUI (sometimes called DWI), first DUI, second DUI, DUI refusal, driving while license suspended, leaving the scene and fleeing and eluding.
Drug charges: drug possession and drug offenses and trafficking.
Theft and property: petit theft and shoplifting, grand theft, burglary, trespass at theme parks and criminal mischief.
Fraud: fraud and white-collar charges and identity theft.
Violent crimes: assault and battery, aggravated assault and battery, domestic violence, murder and homicide, manslaughter and robbery.
Gun, firearm and weapons charges, and self-defense: crimes with firearms and Stand Your Ground self-defense.
Sex offenses: sexual offenses, sexual battery, child sexual abuse material (CSAM) / child pornography, online solicitation and failure to register.
Juvenile cases: juvenile offenses.
Civil injunction defense: injunction defense.

After the Case: Probation, Sealing and Your Record

Charges dropped or reduced? The arrest can still show up on a background check. Depending on how the case ended and your record, you may be able to seal or expunge it.

A criminal case can follow you long after court. Chad Seibel also handles:

Probation violations and early termination of probation
Transferring probation to another state
Sealing and expungement

Eligibility for sealing or expungement depends on the offense, the case outcome, your criminal history and any earlier record relief. For the ordinary court-ordered process, you must obtain an FDLE certificate of eligibility before petitioning the court. A withhold of adjudication does not automatically make a record eligible. Review the possible effect on your record before resolving the case.

Serving Kissimmee and Nearby Communities

The office is at 517 W. Bryan St., in Kissimmee. Chad Seibel represents clients throughout Osceola County, including St. Cloud, Celebration and the Osceola County portion of Poinciana, and in Orange County. Many people arrested in Kissimmee live elsewhere, whether they were visiting the theme parks or passing through. Consultations and meetings are available throughout Florida by appointment.

Hablamos español. See Abogado Criminalista en Kissimmee. Atendemos em Português: Advogado Criminal em Kissimmee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer for first appearance?

You do not have to hire a private lawyer to receive a first appearance. You have a right to counsel, and the court appoints counsel for defendants who qualify and want representation. A lawyer can address release and detention issues and point out facts the judge should consider.

Can the charges be dropped?

The prosecutor may decline to file charges or may drop or reduce pending charges, and judges can dismiss charges when the law requires it. Whether that happens depends on the evidence and the facts of your case. No lawyer can promise a particular result.

Do I have to go to every court date?

Not always. Some appearances can be waived. At arraignment, for example, your lawyer can often file a written plea of not guilty for you. Others require your participation, sometimes remotely when permitted. Follow your lawyer's instructions and the court's orders about whether, where and how you must appear. Missing a required appearance can lead to a warrant; see Failure to Appear.

I don't live in Florida. Can you still help?

Yes. Many Kissimmee cases involve visitors. A lawyer can often handle much of the case without you traveling for every hearing, depending on the charge and the judge.

How much does a consultation cost?

The first consultation is free. Call or text 407-846-8008. Have your arrest paperwork, case number, next court date and any release conditions available.

Is assistance available in Spanish or Portuguese?

Hablamos español. Atendemos em Português: Portuguese assistance is readily available.

Talk With a Kissimmee Criminal Defense Attorney

If you've been arrested or think you're under investigation, call or text 407-846-8008 for a free, confidential consultation. Office visits are by appointment. You can also request a consultation online.

Attorney Chad M. Seibel, Of Counsel at Perez LaSure Law. Office in Kissimmee. Consultations and meetings available throughout Florida by appointment. Hablamos español. Atendemos em Português.