This firm has tried, settled or defended numerous criminal cases. Steven W. Bowden is a former Assistant State Attorney with over thirty (30) years of experience in criminal matters and criminal defense ranging from first time misdemeanors to complex life felonies.

Our firm handles criminal defense in a number of areas including domestic violence, violation of probation (VOP), drug charges, sexual assault and battery, and a wide range of felony and serious misdemeanor charges.

As criminal defense lawyers, we appreciate the importance of defending the rights of the accused, and use all available means to ensure that clients receive outstanding legal representation and access to justice. While our firm knows Florida criminal law and procedure through many years of practice, we also understand that communication is sometimes half the battle when representing clients accused of crimes. Clients need to know where they stand at all times, so that they can properly consider all of their options and make good decisions.

Domestic violence (Criminal) - if you have been arrested for domestic violence then you
violated a civil injunction, which most often occurs because:

A) there was a “no contact” provision and you or someone on your behalf, contacted  that individual.
B) There is a distance limitation, meaning that you have now gotten too close to the party
who obtained the injunction or perhaps children or a place of business or residence.
C) The person who obtained the injunction may have contacted you or said something on
Facebook or Twitter or sent you an e-mail and you responded directly to them or through a third party.
D) All of the above are violations of a civil injunction, which could turn a limited civil
 injunction into a permanent injunction and can result in your arrest.

DVI BOND

Now you have been arrested and you are “pissed off.” We may be able to get you a bond hearing or out on bond (with a GPS monitor if it was a violation of a DVI). If you call the person who filed the complaint which resulted in your arrest or holds a domestic violence injunction or you contact them through an e-mail or call their work or tell their family how you feel about being arrested and how you feel it is unfair. More likely than not you will not get a bond. If the Judge is convinced you might be a threat you will sit in jail until the case is settled, which might take months.

Come in and see us. Even if you are still “angry” it’s free. We may have a solution and it is better to talk with an attorney before you do something that will make your situation worse.Probation Violations (VOP) can have serious consequences. We are highly experienced in dealing with habitual violators and probation violations. Whether you are in Florida or out of state, when you become aware of the VOP warrant, we can address a large portion of your issues prior to arrest and we’ll be ready for a bond hearing or disposition of your case that may minimize the time you might spend in jail or may eliminate it all together.

Sexual Assault often means any sexual act done against the will of another. It is usually unnecessary to show that the accuser physically resisted. Sexual assault may include public indecency, voyeurism, sexual imposition (e.g. touching when a person is impaired from drugs like Rohypnol, alcohol or mentally incapacitated), sexual battery (e.g. being pressured or tricked into engaging in sexual conduct), and sexual content with one who is unable to consent because of their age. If you are accused of sex assault, it is crucial that you seek the services of a criminal defense lawyer experienced in handling such crimes.

Drug Crimes include trafficking, distribution, possession, transportation, possession for sale, marijuana cultivation, and manufacturing.

Many criminal cases can be resolved through negotiations between a seasoned criminal lawyer and a reasonable prosecutor. But not all cases can or should be resolved in that manner. Experience in pre-trial motion practice, suppression hearings and jury trials is important to the effective defense of a person charged with having committed a crime. Our firm has that experience.

The firm's Pensacola, Florida location makes it convenient for military personnel from Naval Air Station Pensacola (NAS), Corry Station, Whiting Field, Hurlburt Field, and Eglin Air Force Base to come to our offices and meet with us.