OKALOOSA AND WALTON COUNTY CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

A criminal charge does not automatically make you a bad person, nor is it an automatic route to conviction. For many clients who visit my Okaloosa County law office following an arrest, a simple lapse in judgment or misunderstanding led to a life-altering event. My job is to provide tireless advocacy to protect your rights and pursue the best outcome for your case, regardless of why you got charged with a crime.

 

A criminal record can follow you wherever you go. For aggressive representation from an attorney who focuses on your best interests, contact my Walton County law office at (850) 460-2989.

Dedicated Destin Lawyer Handling Burglary Arrests and More

I am attorney Jeremy Keich. I dedicate all my resources and defend clients in all types of criminal cases, from misdemeanor driving offenses to burglary arrests to murder. You do not have to put your freedom at risk by taking an immediate plea of guilty. I will help you seek the best possible outcome for your situation.

During your initial consultation at my DeFuniak Springs, Florida, law office, I listen to your side of the story. From there, I candidly and clearly communicate the process and your options in layman’s terms. Specific steps must be taken to establish a strong criminal defense, for example:

If a case involves drunk driving, I move quickly to schedule an administrative hearing to preserve my client’s driver’s license.
Drug crimes may involve addiction, requiring proactive steps to show the court that my client is addressing serious issues that led to an arrest.

Assault and battery charges may have resulted from self-defense or a long-standing anger management issue.

Additional areas of my criminal defense practice include:

  • Burglary and robbery
  • Theft defense, from shoplifting to grand theft
  • Murder and manslaughter
  • Sex crimes
  • Probation violations
  • Injuctions
  • Expungements
  • Driving offenses

Contact My Law Office
To schedule an appointment with an experienced criminal defense attorney who has handled cases in Okaloosa County and Walton County, please contact my law office.

DESTIN DUI/DWI LAWYER

The flashing lights in the rear window of your car are only the beginning of a long process. For many drivers pulled over for suspicion of drunk driving, fear sets in immediately. You may feel that you have no other choice but to cooperate fully with all chemical and sobriety testing. You assume that a quick admission of guilt will make the problem disappear.

Far too much is at stake to handle a complex legal matter on your own. With a criminal record, you may continue to face challenges. I opened my law office to help visitors and residents of DeFuniak Springs, Florida, protect their rights when facing serious DUI charges.

Walton County Drunk Driving Defense Attorney
Jail time is not mandated for a first DUI offense unless an accident occurred or children were in the car. The penalties are still severe and life-changing. Probation, community service, and a victim impact panel are only the beginning.

Within 10 days of an arrest, an administrative hearing must be requested to preserve your right to drive. Adhering to the 10-day rule following a Breathalyzer refusal is paramount to avoiding a suspended license. Refusing the field sobriety test does not require a hearing request.

I, Jeremy Keich, am an attorney who provides Walton County residents with an aggressive defense against drunk driving charges. In establishing your DUI defense, I review the police procedures prior to and during the arrest. The initial stop is a key point of contention. I will determine if the police had a valid reason for pulling your car over. Breathalyzers must be compliant in maintenance and calibration. Field sobriety tests must be conducted within strict guidelines.
By attending to all the details of your DUI charge, I can provide you the options that you never knew you had. I will focus on minimizing the penalties you face and fighting for the best outcome.

DRUG CRIME LAWYER

Many people who stop in my law office believe that their options are limited following an arrest for drug possession. My job is to spend time with them and educate them on the many options they may have. Dedication and personalized representation involve speaking to them in a language they understand. Facing criminal charges is stressful enough without having an attorney treating you as a case number, not a person.

 

Walton County Attorney Providing Drug Possession Defense
At Keich Law Firm P.A., I pride myself on being a tireless advocate for my clients facing serious drug possession charges. Over the years, I have represented clients accused of possessing, selling, or trafficking various drugs such as:

  • Marijuana
  • Cocaine
  • Hydrocodone
  • Oxycodone
  • Lortab
  • Ecstasy

If you are charged with an offense that involves minimum mandatory sentencing, such as drug trafficking, there is a lot at stake. You could lose your driver’s license and your freedom.
As your Okaloosa County criminal defense lawyer, I will speak on your behalf and explore the options you have. Some potential pretrial options may include:

  • Drug Court
  • Pretrial intervention
  • Deferred prosecution

For many of my clients, drug court and pretrial interventions provide not only an early resolution but also help with possible addiction problems. I will be by your side as you assess your options.

ASSAULT AND BATTERY LAWYER

Have you ever had arguments escalate to the point of threats and actual violence? Did these actions result in a criminal charge? At my law office, I represent clients facing serious, life-altering charges of assault and battery. As your criminal defense lawyer, I will sort through the facts and the emotional issues — especially if family members were involved — and provide a strong defense.

DeFuniak Springs Attorney Aggressively Defending Against Aggravated Battery
Cases involving battery often take the form of bar fights between patrons and domestic violence among family members. An arrest for assault, on the other hand, may have resulted from a confrontation without any physical contact. Threats of bodily injury are treated equally to violent acts. A conviction for battery or assault puts your future at risk. Although the penalties for assault and battery are severe, I make it a point to emphasize to my clients that an arrest does not lead to an automatic conviction.

At Keich Law Firm P.A., I spend time with my clients to get their side of the story. I put in the time necessary to build a strong defense based on the facts. That level of tireless advocacy includes a thorough review of police reports and witness statements. From there, I determine the best strategy.

While negotiating a lesser sentence or anger management counseling is an option, I will not hesitate to try your case in court to fight for an ideal outcome while protecting your rights.

 

PRIOR CASES

 

State v. J.W. (Walton)
April 2017
Charged: Defendant charged with Battery-Domestic Violence
Outcome: Case dismissed

State v. G.S. (Walton)
February 2017
Charge: Defendant charged with Felony Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Outcome: Negotiated plea to one Misdemeanor and Felony dismissed

State v. H.R. (Walton)
November 2016
Charged: Battery Domestic Violence
Outcome: Case dismissed

State v. J.O. (Walton)
October 2016
Charged: Aggravated Battery on a Pregnant Person (Second Degree Felony)
Outcome: Case dismissed

State v. T.D. (Okaloosa):
Date: September 2016
Charged: Attempted Sexual Battery (Second Degree Felony)
Outcome: Case dismissed after Depositions

State v. C.R. ( Walton)
September 2016
Charged: Possession of Cannabis and Possession of Drub Paraphernalia
Outcome: Case dismissed after completion of Deferred Prosecution Agreement

State v. B.S. (Walton)
September 2016
Charged: Sell, Manufacture, or Deliver Methamphetamine arising out of an undercover controlled buy.
Outcome: Defendant entered a plea to time served to a second degree Misdemeanor

State v. A.H. (Walton)
August 2016
Charged: Driving Under the Influence
Outcome: Reduced to Reckless Driving

State v. R.M. (Walton)
July 2016
Charged: Battery
Outcome: Case dismissed

State v. C.P. (Walton)
July 2016
Charged: Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon; Battery
Outcome: All charges were dismissed

State v. M.S. (Walton)
June 2016
Charged: Sell, Manufacture, Deliver a Controlled Substance (Second Degree Felony)
Outcome: Negotiated Plea to a Misdemeanor

State v. G.S. (Walton)
June 2016
Charged: Sell, Manufacture, Deliver a Controlled Substance (Second Degree Felony)
Outcome: Negotiated Plea to a Misdemeanor

State v. A.B. (Walton)
April 2016
Charged: Burglary of a Dwelling with a Battery (Punishable by Life); principal to Aggravated Assault (Third Degree Felony); Tampering With Evidence (Third Degree Felony)
Outcome: Plea to one second-degree Misdemeanor and sentenced to six months probation-All Felony Charges were dismissed.

State v. T.T. (Walton)
March 2016
Charged: Driving Under the Influence with Property Damage (two-car accident); Open Container
Outcome: Reduced to a single count of Misdemeanor Reckless Driving

State v. J.I. (Okaloosa)
March 2016
Charged: Defendant with Possession of a Firearm by a convicted felon and Attempted Second Degree Murder with a Firearm (25-year minimum mandatory sentence)
Outcome: Defendant avoided the 25-year minimum mandatory sentence and plead to reduced charges for 3 years DOC

State v. B.H. (Walton)
March 2016
Charged: Sell, Manufacture or Deliver Methamphetamine (second-degree felony); Possession of a controlled substance (third-degree felony); possession of drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor); Possession of a Firearm by a convicted felon (Second-degree felony)
Outcome: All charges were dismissed after Defendant’s Motion to Suppress was Granted by the Trial Judge

State v. U.N. (Walton)
February 2016
Charged: Felony Battery
Outcome: Case dismissed

State v. J.C. (Walton)
February 2016
Charged: Two Counts of Sell, Manufacture, Deliver a Controlled Substance (Second Degree Felonies)
Outcome: Case dismissed after Successful Completion of Deferred Prosecution Agreement

State v. G.J. (Okaloosa)
February 2016
Charged: Conspiracy to Deal in Stolen Property by Trafficking
Outcome: Felony reduced to Misdemeanor

State v. W.J. (Walton)
January 2016
Charged: Violation of an Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence (Four Counts)
Outcome: Case dismissed

State v. D.H. (Walton)
January 2016
Charged: As a habitual Felony Offender with Burglary of a Dwelling, Criminal Mischief and Grand Theft; Defendant facing 55 years in Prison
Outcome: After a trial by jury and a successful Motion for New Trial, Defendant was sentenced to two misdemeanors and all felony convictions were set aside.

State v. C.H. (Walton)
November 2015
Charged: Driving Under the Influence
Outcome: Reduced to Reckless Driving

State v. C.A. (Okaloosa)
November 2015
Charged: Driving Under the Influence
Outcome: Defendant entered a plea to a reduced charge of Reckless Driving

State v. W.J. (Walton)
October 2015
Charged: Battery Domestic Violence
Outcome: Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss Granted after Jury Selection had occurred and Double Jeopardy had attached.

State v. D.S. (Walton)
September 2015:
Charged: Sell, Manufacture, Deliver a Controlled Substance, Possession of Cannabis; Possession of Drug paraphernalia
Outcome: Case dismissed after successful completion of Pretrial Diversion

State v. M.S. (Walton)
June 2015
Charged: Trafficking Methamphetamine (First Degree Felony-3 year min/man)
Outcome: Negotiated Plea to Probation on a Third-degree felony 

State v. K.G. (Okaloosa)
May 2015
Charged: Capital Sexual Battery Victim Under 12 yrs old and Perpetrator over 18 yrs old
Outcome: Defendant avoided mandatory life sentence and entered a plea to a reduced charge and served

State v. E.L. (Okaloosa)
April 2015
Charged: Battery Domestic Violence
Outcome: Case dismissed for Insufficient Evidence

State v D.M. (Okaloosa)
October 2014
Charged: Driving While License Suspended or Revoked
Outcome: Case dismissed after completion of Pretrial Diversion

State v. C.H. (Okaloosa)
September 2014
Charged: Trafficking in Methamphetamine (First Degree Felony with a 15-year minimum mandatory sentence)
Outcome: Case dismissed after Depositions

State v. J.M. (Okaloosa)
2014
Charged: Defendant charged with Felony drug Possession and Violation of an Injunction (facing 6 years)
Outcome: Defendant entered plea to one count of Misdemeanor Drug Possession

State v. D.R. (Walton)
November 2013
Charged: Vehicular Homicide
Outcome: Case dismissed after Trial Court granted Defendants Judgment of Acquittal during trial

State v. D.A. (Okaloosa)
May 2013
Charged: Violation of Concealed Weapon Permit
Outcome: Case dismissed after Pretrial Diversion

State v. C.S. (Okaloosa)
January 2013
Charged: Assault
Outcome: Case dismissed

State v. SB (Walton County)
Date: July 2012
Outcome: Motion to Dismiss Granted
Description: Trafficking Methamphetamine, Poss. Of Paraphernalia

State v. ST (Walton County)
Date: July 2012
Outcome: First Degree Felony reduced to Misdemeanor
Description: Trafficking Methamphetamine

State v. NB (Okaloosa County)
Date: June 2012
Outcome: Case Dismissed
Description: Criminal Mischief

State v. KS (Walton County)
Date: June 2012
Outcome: Motion to Suppress Granted-Case Dismissed
Description: Poss. Of Listed Chemical

State V. SG (Walton County)
Date: May 2012
Outcome: Case Dismissed
Description: Poss. Of Marijuana w/ Intent

State v. GF (Walton County)
Date: May 2012
Outcome: Deferred Prosecution
Description: Poss. Of Controlled Substance

State v. DD(Okaloosa County)
Date: April 2012
Outcome: Felony Reduction to MM
Description: Robbery w/ a Weapon reduced to Misdemeanor Assault

State v. ND (Holmes County)
Date: January 2012
Outcome: Pretrial Diversion
Description: Poss. Of Marijuana, Contributing to Delinquency of a Minor

State v. SH (Walton County)
Date: January 2012
Outcome: Plea to reduced charge of accessory after the fact to manslaughter-sentenced to state supervision
Description: Charged with Accessory after the fact to 2nd Degree Murder

State v. MW (Holmes County)
Date: December 2011
Outcome: Motion to Suppress/Motion to Dismiss Granted
Description: Poss. Of Marijuana w/ Intent

State v. ML (Walton County)
Date: October 2011
Outcome: Motion to Suppress Granted-Case Dismissed
Description: Grand Theft

State v. WH (Okaloosa County)
Date: August 2011
Outcome: Motion to Suppress Granted-Case Dismissed
Description: Trafficking Methamphetamine

State v. CG (Bay County)
Date: July 2011
Outcome: Case Dismissed
Description: Poss. Of Marijuana with Intent

State v. CH (Walton County)
Date: June 2011
Outcome: Plea to misdemeanor Petit Theft
Description: Defendant originally charged with two felonies (grand theft & organized fraud)

State v. BP (Walton County)
Date: May 2011
Outcome: Case Dismissed after Jury Selection/Day of Trial
Description: Felony DUI with breath test

State v. JG (Walton County)
Date: April 2011
Outcome: Case Dismissed after jury selection/day of trial
Description: Battery

State v. TM (Walton County)
Date: March 2011
Outcome: Hung Jury (7 Not Guilty/5 Guilty): Plea to a Reduced Charge
Description: First Degree Murder with a Firearm(Mandatory Life without Parole) Full Confession

State v. FJ (Walton County)
Date: February 2011
Outcome: Case Dismissed
Description: Child Neglect

State v. MS (Walton County)
Date: January 2011
Outcome: Case Dismissed
Description: Burglary

State v. KG (Walton County)
Date: January 2011
Outcome: Dismissed with Prejudice based on Statutory Immunity
Description: Battery-Domestic Violence

State v. CA (Bay County)
Date: November 2010
Outcome: Case Dismissed
Description: Poss of Controlled Substance; Possession of Paraphernalia; Attempted Sale of Controlled Substance

State v. EK (Bay County)
Practice Area: Criminal Defense
Date: October 2010
Outcome: PTI-Case Dismissed
Description: Unauthorized Use of Stolen DL

State v. TJ (Walton County)
Date: August 2010
Outcome: Case Dismissed
Description: Grand Theft

State v. KP (Walton County)
Date: August 2010
Outcome: Case Dismissed
Description: Aggravated Battery

State v. CK (Bay County)
Date: June 2010
Outcome: Motion to Dismiss filed-all charges dismissed
Description: Principal to Sale of Cocaine; Principal to Sale of Cocaine; Possession of Hydrocodone;

State v. GB (Walton County)
Practice Area: DUI / DWI
Date: January 2010
Outcome: Not Guilty after Jury Trial
Description: DUI

State v. HP (Walton County)
Date: October 2009
Outcome: Dismissed after successful completion of Deferred Prosecution Agreement
Description: Possession of Controlled Substance

State v. DW (Walton County)
Date: January 2009
Outcome: Not Guilty after Jury Trial
Description: DUI w/ Accident

State v. DB (Walton County)
Date: September 2008
Outcome: Not Guilty on all counts after Jury Trial
Description: 2nd DUI w/in 5 years & Leaving the Scene of an Accident

State v. SM (Walton County)
Date: October 2007
Outcome: Not Guilty after Jury Trial
Description: Domestic Violence Battery

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