Serving Fayette County, Georgia and St. Lucie County, Florida
Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie County, Florida
A criminal charge doesn't have to define your future. Let's talk about your options.
Louis M. Thermilus — Your Criminal Defense Attorney
Louis M. Thermilus handles criminal defense matters at our Port St. Lucie, Florida office. He earned his undergraduate degree Magna Cum Laude and his law degree from St. Thomas University School of Law. He is admitted to practice in the Southern District of Florida federal court — which means he handles both state criminal charges and federal criminal matters, not only the routine state court cases that most general practitioners cover.
At a boutique five-attorney firm, your case is handled directly by the attorney you hire. Louis works with clients from the moment of charges through resolution — not a paralegal, not a junior associate.
Criminal Defense Services in Florida
DUI and DWI
DUI and DWI — first offense, repeat offense, felony DUI, breath and blood test challenges
Drug charges
Drug charges — possession, possession with intent, trafficking, and distribution under Florida law
Assault and battery
Assault and battery — misdemeanor and felony charges, aggravated assault and battery
Theft and burglary
Theft and burglary — petit theft, grand theft, burglary of a dwelling or structure
Misdemeanor defense
Misdemeanor defense — first-degree and second-degree misdemeanor charges across all categories
Felony defense
Felony defense — third-degree, second-degree, and first-degree felony charges under Florida law
Advance directives
Written instructions for your medical care if you are unable to communicate them yourself
Healthcare surrogates
Florida-specific designation naming the person authorized to make medical decisions on your behalf
Why Early Legal Intervention Matters in Florida
Florida operates under structured sentencing guidelines. Once charges are filed, a point-based system calculates a recommended sentence based on the severity of the offense, prior criminal history, and other factors — and Florida courts are required to follow that scoresheet unless specific findings justify a departure.
That structure means the decisions made early in a criminal case — whether to negotiate a plea, what motions to file, how to challenge the evidence — have a direct and often irreversible effect on the outcome. Waiting to retain an attorney until a court date is approaching narrows the options available. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible after a charge preserves them.
Do Not Underestimate a Misdemeanor Charge
A misdemeanor conviction in Florida is a permanent part of your criminal record. It can affect your employment, your ability to obtain professional licensing, your housing applications, and — depending on the charge — your immigration status. Florida employers, landlords, and licensing boards run background checks, and a misdemeanor that felt minor at the time can become a recurring obstacle years later.
A first-degree misdemeanor in Florida carries a potential sentence of up to one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine. Even a second-degree misdemeanor carries up to 60 days in jail. These are not minor inconveniences. They are criminal convictions with lasting consequences.
Getting legal counsel before a plea is entered is the most important step you can take.
Serving Port St. Lucie and the Treasure Coast
Our Port St. Lucie office handles criminal defense matters for clients across St. Lucie County and the surrounding area, including Fort Pierce, Tradition, Jensen Beach, and Palm City.
(772) 873-5900 — Florida Office
Common Questions About Criminal Defense in Florida
What happens if I'm charged with a felony in Florida?
A felony charge in Florida triggers Florida's criminal punishment code scoresheet, which calculates a recommended sentence based on the offense level and prior record. Third-degree felonies carry up to five years in state prison. Second-degree felonies carry up to fifteen years. First-degree felonies carry up to thirty years. The consequences extend beyond incarceration — a felony conviction in Florida results in the loss of voting rights, the right to possess a firearm, and eligibility for many professional licenses. Retaining an attorney immediately after charges are filed preserves the widest range of options for your defense.
Do I need an attorney for a DUI charge in Florida?
Yes. A DUI conviction in Florida carries mandatory minimum penalties including fines, license suspension, probation, and — for a first offense with a blood alcohol level of .15 or higher or with a minor in the vehicle — mandatory ignition interlock. A second DUI within five years results in mandatory minimum jail time. An attorney reviews the circumstances of the stop, the administration of the breath or blood test, and the arresting officer's conduct — any of which may provide grounds to challenge the charge or negotiate a better outcome.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Florida?
Florida classifies criminal offenses as civil infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies. Misdemeanors are divided into first-degree (up to one year in county jail) and second-degree (up to 60 days). Felonies are divided into third-degree (up to five years in state prison), second-degree (up to fifteen years), and first-degree (up to thirty years), with capital felonies carrying life or death sentences. The classification determines the court where charges are heard, the sentencing range, and the long-term consequences of a conviction.
How do I find a criminal defense attorney near Port St. Lucie, Florida?
Our Port St. Lucie office at 1961 SW Park Place, STE 202 handles criminal defense matters for clients throughout St. Lucie County and the Treasure Coast. Louis M. Thermilus handles criminal defense directly and is admitted to the Southern District of Florida federal court for matters filed at the federal level. Call (772) 873-5900 to speak with our office.
Can a criminal charge affect my family law case in Florida?
Yes. Domestic violence charges directly affect injunction proceedings and can influence timesharing determinations. Drug charges and other criminal convictions may be considered by a Florida court when evaluating a parenting plan. If you are facing both criminal charges and a family law matter simultaneously, working with one attorney who handles both — as Louis Thermilus does at our Port St. Lucie office — ensures both proceedings are handled with awareness of how each affects the other.
Simmons, Finney & Winfield, LLC handles criminal defense matters for clients across St. Lucie County and the Treasure Coast from our Port St. Lucie, Florida office. Lead attorney Louis M. Thermilus earned his undergraduate degree Magna Cum Laude, holds a J.D. from St. Thomas University School of Law, and is admitted to the Southern District of Florida federal court for both state and federal criminal matters. Learn more about the firm on our Our Firm page.