Charlotte County Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte & Englewood

Looking for a Charlotte County criminal defense lawyer? Attorney Ron Frey of The Frey Law Firm, LLC is based in Tampa and represents people throughout Florida, including in Charlotte County. Whether a case starts in Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Englewood, or elsewhere along Charlotte Harbor, state charges are heard at the Justice Center in Punta Gorda, and a federal case from Charlotte County goes to Fort Myers.

If you have been arrested or contacted by investigators, call before you do anything else. Your consultation is free and confidential: (813) 775-2276 or toll-free (844) 766-3739. Rapid response, 24/7.

Charlotte County Courts: The Twentieth Judicial Circuit

Charlotte County is part of Florida’s Twentieth Judicial Circuit, which also covers Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee Counties. The Office of the State Attorney for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit prosecutes state charges. Felony cases are heard in Circuit Court, and misdemeanors and criminal traffic cases, including most DUIs, are heard in County Court.

Charlotte County’s criminal cases are heard at the Charlotte County Justice Center, 350 East Marion Avenue in Punta Gorda. Check your court notice carefully so you go to the right courtroom.

Who Makes Arrests in Charlotte County

Punta Gorda is the only incorporated city in Charlotte County. The Punta Gorda Police Department covers the city, and the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office covers the rest of the county, including Port Charlotte and Englewood. Federal agents may be involved in computer, fraud, and drug investigations.

People arrested in Charlotte County are booked into the Charlotte County Jail, 26601 Airport Road. Under Florida’s rules, a person who is held must see a judge within 24 hours of arrest for a first appearance. The jail has a video courtroom for first appearances, arraignments, and bond hearings, so things can move quickly. Calling a lawyer early means someone can be speaking for you at that hearing.

Diversion and Treatment Courts

Florida law allows pretrial intervention for some first-time offenders charged with a misdemeanor or a third-degree felony, with the State Attorney’s consent. Charlotte County also has Adult Drug Court, Adult Mental Health Court, and Veterans Treatment Court. The State Attorney’s Office also runs diversion programs for underage drinking and worthless checks.

These programs are not automatic, and how a case is handled early can affect whether they’re available. Learn more about our first-time offender defense.

Charges We Defend in Charlotte County

Attorney Frey represents people in Charlotte County on state and federal charges, including:

• Computer and internet crimes, a major part of his practice, often for people with no record
• AI-related investigations, including deepfakes and AI-assisted scams
• Federal offenses
• White collar and financial crimes
• Drug charges
• Sex offenses
• Violent crimes
• DUI and traffic offenses

See all of our criminal defense practice areas.

Federal Cases: The Fort Myers Division

Federal cases from Charlotte County are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Fort Myers Division, at the United States Courthouse and Federal Building, 2110 First Street, Fort Myers. The Fort Myers Division serves Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, and Lee Counties.

Attorney Frey is admitted to practice in the Middle District of Florida, which includes the Fort Myers Division. Computer, internet, and AI investigations can end up in state or federal court, and that is often decided early. Learn more about our federal criminal defense.

Call Attorney Ron Frey

Attorney Ron Frey has over 20 years of experience defending people accused of crimes and people under investigation. He will explain what is happening in plain English and go over the options that may apply. No lawyer can promise a result, but you can understand where you stand before you make decisions.

Your consultation is free and confidential. You can talk with us by phone or by video, or meet at our Tampa office, and when the situation calls for it, we can come to you. Call (813) 775-2276 or toll-free (844) 766-3739. Rapid response, 24/7. Learn more about Attorney Ron Frey.

We also represent people in neighboring Lee County and Sarasota County, and nearby Collier County. Elsewhere in Florida? We represent clients throughout Florida.

This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Court locations, agency practices, and program rules can change. Reading this page or contacting The Frey Law Firm, LLC does not create an attorney-client relationship.