Sadly, sometimes contentious situations can get out of hand and criminal charges and accusations are made, requiring skilled legal representation. For example, not long ago, a woman arrived in Manatee County from out-of-state to deal with the loss and probate process after her grandmother passed away. Apparently, the woman was at her grandmother’s house, clearing out the property and the local Homeowner’s Association president came by. A discussion about her staying at the house escalated to an argument and the woman was accused of closing the door on the HOA president’s hand. Police were called and because the purported victim was over 65-years-old, the battery offense was raised to a felony, punishable by up to five years behind bars.

Sarasota criminal defense attorney Erika Varcarcel was hired to handle this delicate process and due to residing out-of-state, she worked to achieve the best possible outcome without needing her client to return. Ultimately, attorney Valcarcel negotiated with the prosecution and by illustrating the events leading up to the incident, including the recent loss of her client’s grandmother as well as the hostile behavior by the HOA president, she obtained a full dismissal of the charges before they were even filed. By consulting with an attorney as soon as possible, this client could quietly and quickly move on without too much inconvenience.

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