Practice Areas

The criminal justice system can be challenging to navigate. Having an experienced and compassionate lawyer on your side when you are facing charges can make a vital difference. At the Cardoso Law Offices, Pensacola criminal defense lawyer Ryan M. Cardoso is experienced in representing people facing prosecution in state and federal courts across Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties. He dedicates careful attention to each person whom he assists and gains personal satisfaction in fighting for their rights from start to finish in the legal process.

Related to his work in the area of criminal defense, Ryan is knowledgeable in the complex process of seeking or defending a domestic violence injunction. He also can represent auto accident victims throughout Florida in pursuing the compensation that they deserve.

Ryan represents people who are facing a wide range of criminal charges, such as theft offenses, assault and battery, domestic violence, drug offenses, sex crimes, probation violations, and child abuse. There are numerous procedural rules that govern criminal proceedings, including both Florida laws and federal laws. A number of these rules serve as protections for ordinary citizens to hold the police accountable for exceeding the scope of their authority.

Many of these protections stem from amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The Fourth Amendment, for example, shields citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. According to this body of law, the police must have either a reasonable suspicion or probable cause before detaining an individual, searching their person and property, or making an arrest. Probable cause is a higher standard than reasonable suspicion, and which of these applies will depend on the specific circumstances. If the police engaged in an unlawful search or seizure, any evidence derived from the event can be excluded at trial. In many situations, such as when the evidence consists of controlled substances, its exclusion severely undermines the prosecution’s ability to prove its case.

Many of us have heard of the Miranda warnings, which state that a person under arrest has the right to remain silent, anything that they say or do can be held against them in court, and they have the right to an attorney. People tend to be less familiar, however, with how many protections these warnings provide. If a police officer recites Miranda warnings to you, you are under no obligation to speak with the police about the situation, and it is advisable that you wait until you consult an experienced criminal defense lawyer before doing so. A failure to issue Miranda warnings, moreover, can lead to the exclusion of any evidence gained after the time that they should have been issued.

Similarly, the Sixth Amendment provides criminal defendants with the right to a speedy trial and the right to confront any witnesses who are testifying against them. These constitutional protections can shape the outcome of a case if you enlist a skillful attorney who knows when and how to invoke them.

Motor vehicle collisions can occur for a variety of reasons, including distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence. If you have been hurt in an auto accident as the result of another driver’s negligence, you can take legal action to pursue compensation for your damages. This usually unfolds under a theory of negligence, which means that the plaintiff must establish that the defendant had a duty of care, failed to act according to that standard, and caused the accident and the related damages as a result. Victims of car crashes also may be able to seek PIP (personal injury protection) benefits under Florida’s no-fault laws. Even in this simpler situation, enlisting the representation of an attorney can expedite the process of getting the financial assistance that you need.

If you or someone you love is facing prosecution in Pensacola or beyond, criminal defense attorney Ryan M. Cardoso can help. He proudly serves people throughout Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties, including in West Pensacola, Cantonment, Brent, Bellview, Ferry Pass, Century, Gulf Breeze, Milton, Navarre, Jay, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville. In addition to his work as a criminal defense and domestic violence injunction attorney, Ryan also can assist auto accident victims across Florida in bringing negligence claims or pursuing PIP benefits. People who seek his guidance in a criminal or civil matter are treated with the respect and attention that they deserve, never being viewed as just another case on the docket. We offer a free consultation to help you learn about the rights and remedies available to you. Call us at (850) 466-2073 or contact us online to set up an appointment.