The Defense Group - Orlando, FL

Elite Criminal Defense Across Orlando and Central Florida

An unexpected arrest or sudden criminal investigation can jeopardize your personal freedom, professional credentials, and family security in an instant. In Florida's unforgiving criminal court system, the state attorney's office mobilizes immediate resources to secure convictions and impose severe penalties. Situated on South John Young Parkway in Orlando, The Defense Group is a dedicated criminal defense firm that focuses exclusively on defending individuals facing misdemeanor and felony accusations across Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Lake counties. Founded by legendary trial attorney Hal Uhrig and supported by experienced litigators like Peter J. Basil Zies, the firm combines more than a century of collective legal experience. When your future is in jeopardy and you need to find a lawyer who knows how to dissect police procedures and build formidable defenses, The Defense Group provides decisive, unwavering advocacy.

Insider Insight from Former Law Enforcement and Prosecutors

What distinguishes The Defense Group from typical criminal defense practices is their unparalleled perspective from the other side of the courtroom. Founding attorney Hal Uhrig served as a police sergeant and former police legal advisor for multiple Central Florida law enforcement agencies, as well as general counsel to the Orange County Sheriff's Department. Litigator Peter Zies is a former prosecutor in Seminole County who handled hundreds of criminal dockets. This comprehensive law enforcement and prosecutorial background gives the defense team unique insight into how arresting officers gather evidence, where administrative errors occur, and how prosecutors evaluate cases. When clients need a criminal defense lawyer who can anticipate the prosecution's next move and challenge flawed search warrants, illegal stops, or biased witness statements, this trial-tested team steps into the breach with formidable capability.

Strategic Defense Across All State and Federal Charges

The firm limits its practice strictly to criminal matters and related protective injunction proceedings, ensuring clients benefit from focused knowledge in Florida statutory law:

• DUI and Driving Offenses: Vigorous advocacy by dui defense lawyers and traffic ticket lawyers challenging roadside breath tests, field sobriety evaluations, checkpoint validity, and automatic administrative license suspensions.
• Drug Offenses: Tenacious courtroom representation from drug crime defense lawyers handling accusations ranging from simple misdemeanor possession to complex felony trafficking and intent to distribute.
• Violent Crimes: Aggressive defense by violent crime defense lawyers handling assault, battery, firearm enhancements, self-defense claims under Florida's Stand Your Ground statute, and attempted murder.
• Theft and Property Charges: Strategic representation by theft and burglary defense lawyers defending clients accused of grand theft, armed burglary, auto theft, identity fraud, and white-collar property offenses.
• Domestic Allegations and Injunctions: Decisive intervention by domestic violence lawyers handling domestic battery charges and defending against repeat violence, dating violence, or restraining orders.
• Record Sealing and Expungement: Knowledgeable legal support assisting eligible clients in sealing or expunging criminal arrest histories to restore clean background checks.

Immediate 24/7 Availability and Personalized Client Care

Arrests and police interrogations rarely occur during regular office hours. That is why The Defense Group maintains 24/7 availability, ensuring clients can reach an experienced legal team at any time of day or night. With bilingual staff members and attorneys fluent in Spanish, the firm guarantees clear, compassionate communication for Central Florida's diverse community. When you need to hire an attorney who treats you with personal dignity rather than treating you like a case number, The Defense Group offers complimentary initial consultations and flexible payment structures, delivering aggressive criminal defense when you need it most.