Clearwater Criminal Lawyer

Lafayette Smallwood, a 15 year old boy from Virginia, was found not guilty last Wednesday after facing first degree murder charges. The charges stemmed from the shooting death of Edward Bellamy, 46.

Smallwood and Bellamy came in contact with each other after the two bumped in passing on the street. Smallwood declared his innocence throughout the trial, stating again and again that he did not commit the crime.

The jury deliberated for close to an hour before returning with a verdict. Smallwood was released from jail shortly after the not guilty verdict and quickly made his way to his parents’ home nearby where he was seen hugging his parents outside of the home. “We’re just very grateful,” stated Smallwood’s stepfather.

If you have been accused of a crime that you did not commit, contact an attorney immediately to discuss the details of your case. The skilled Clearwater Murder Defense attorneys at the Law Office of Tragos & Sartes are prepared to help you protect your rights. Contact them today by calling 727-441-9030.

The Fire Chief of Fannin County, Larry Thomas, has recently returned to active service after the battery charges brought against him were dropped. According to local papers, the incidence was a big misunderstanding. After Thomas formally apologized for the incidence, the victim opted to have the charges dropped.

Both parties, the victim and Thomas, returned to work after everything had been settled.

While this case makes for an interesting new story, things do not always work out for the best. If you or a loved one has been charged with battery, contact a skilled criminal defense attorney. Call the Clearwater criminal defense lawyers of the Law Office of Tragos & Sartes at 727-441-9030 today to ensure that your rights are protected.

Murder charges have recently been dropped against a Baltimore woman who had been accused of killing her mother. Carolyn Redd was charged back in August, 2006, for the death of her mother, 63 year old Mary Page.

Redd’s boyfriend, Lawrence Gee, 34, also from Baltimore,  is still awaiting trial for the case. According to Baltimore police, Page was raped, beaten, and then strangled to death. Charges against Redd were dropped due to insufficient evidence.

Police now report that there is conclusive DNA evidence to link Gee to the rape.

If you have been accused of a crime, contact the Clearwater criminal defense lawyers of the Law Offices of Tragos & Sartes at 727-441-9030 to determine the best plan for your defense.

A Florida man who has been convicted of murdering one man and attacking the man’s wife is asking the judge to get rid of his death sentence.

The man was largely convicted on the handprint he supposedly left on the victim’s ax cabinet. Unfortunately, experts last year determined that there was no possible way for that handprint to match the convicted individual. The convicted’s new lawyers are also arguing that the convicted’s original lawyers messed up by not having his blood examined for cocaine at the time of the trial. Florida’s laws allow for lesser penalties for individuals who are under the influence of substances at the time of their crime.

If you have been charged with murder or any other crime, contact the Clearwater criminal defense lawyers of the Law Office of Tragos & Sartes at 727-441-9030 to determine the best plan for your defense.

A doctor who is already facing charges for inappropriately touching his female patients is now facing criminal charges.

 The Pasco-Pinellas State Attorney’s Office has officially charged Dr. Gunwant S Dhaliwal with two counts of misdemeanor battery. This crime carries with it, if convicted, a potential penalty of up to a year in a county jail.

The doctor, of Trinity, has been accused of fondling the breasts of two of his female patients in February and May of 2007. The names of the victims have not been released due to the nature of the crime. The two are also plaintiffs in separate lawsuits against the doctor which were filed in Pasco-Pinellas Circuit Court last year. The lawsuits are currently pending.

 The doctor operates the Gulf View Walk-in Clinics located in New Port Richey, Holiday, and Spring Hill. He holds a board-certification in internal medicine and has been operating a private practice since 1993. The state’s records show no disciplinary record and that his license is active. Dr. Dhaliwal also holds staff privileges at hospitals in Hudson, Spring Hill, and Tarpon Springs.

If you have been accused of a crime and are in need of an experienced criminal defense lawyer, please contact the Clearwater criminal defense lawyers of the Law Offices of Tragos & Sartes at 727-441-9030 to determine the best plan for your defense.