Orlando Trial Lawyer Upholds Your Rights Under Marsy's Law

Reputable attorney asserts victims’ rights during criminal proceedings

It’s often said that victims of crime are violated twice: first by the offender and second by the justice system. In Florida, this scenario changed with enactment of Marsy’s Law, which guarantees the rights of victims to due process and to seek compensation for their losses. The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A. advocates for crime victims who demand that the justice system serve them as it was designed. 

The origins of Marsy’s Law

Florida is one of a dozen states that have adopted Marsy’s Law — named for Marsalee Nicholas, a University of California student killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Her brother, Dr. Henry T. Nicholas, the co-founder of Broadcom Corp., lobbied for the law, which was passed in California as Proposition 9, the Victim’s Bill of Rights Act of 2008. On November 6, 2018, Florida voters approved an amendment to the state constitution that adopted Marsy’s Law.

Victim’s rights under Marsy’s Law

From the moment a crime against them is committed, victims of crime in Florida are guaranteed the following rights:

  • The right to be informed of their rights
  • The right to retain an attorney
  • Standing to enforce their rights
  • Due process
  • Fairness, respect, and dignity during proceedings
  • Reasonable protection from the accused or his/her agents
  • Consideration of their safety as a factor in bail deliberations
  • The right to privacy
  • Notice of all public proceedings 
  • Attendance at all public proceedings
  • Notice of any release or escape
  • Discussion with the prosecutor regarding any disposition in the case
  • Information regarding any disposition
  • Input into the preparation of any presentence report
  • Notice of any appeal or postconviction procedure
  • Return of property no longer needed as evidence
  • Conduct of the criminal proceedings without unreasonable delay

Victims’ Right to Compensation

Marsy’s Law also guarantees victims the right to receive restitution for losses caused by the criminal conduct. Restitution might include damages for bodily injury, mental distress or financial loss. However, the right to compensation is subject to certain conditions. The victim must do the following:

  • Cooperate fully with the police and prosecutors
  • Report the crime within three days after it occurred, unless the victim had a good reason not to
  • File a claim within one year or, in some cases, two years

In addition, a victim not entitled to compensation if he or she was engaged in unlawful activity at the time of the crime, contributed to the commission of the crime or is a habitual offender.

A knowledgeable victim’s rights attorney can help you obtain restitution to the fullest extent available under the law. Although Mr. Yates has made his reputation as a criminal defense, he is just as determined to see the system respect the rights of victims. He regularly represents Marsy’s Law clients who want their voices heard and their rights upheld. 

Contact an experienced Marsy’s Law attorney in Orlando for a free consultation

The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A. provides skilled representation for victims of crime seeking to assert their rights under Marsy’s Law. To schedule a free consultation, call Tad A. Yates at 407-608-7777 or contact the firm online.

attorney

Mr. Yates is a past-President of the Orange County Bar Association and the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association. He previously served as Chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 9th Judicial Circuit. 

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Testimonials

  • When I met Tad Yates, I was frantic, scared and misinformed about the legalities of my case. He quickly reassured me that everything was going to be alright and started at once preparing my defense. Every time I needed to speak with him, he was there to give advice and inform me the status of my case. As a result of his hard work, he managed to get my case dismissed and this blemish off my record. If you’re thinking of hiring or consulting with Mr. Yates, your in great hands.

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  • Tad is an excellent attorney. Due to a momentary lapse in judgement, I was put in a bad position and could not be more grateful that I hired Tad. From the moment I met Tad, I knew that I was in great hands! Tad explained to me all possible outcomes of the case and really helped put my mind at ease. In the end, I wound up with a very positive outcome and I owe it all to him. Tad was always available when I needed to speak with him and I couldn’t be happier that I hired him. Without the help and guidance of Tad, I’m not sure where I would be today. Tad is not only an amazing attorney, but an all-around great person!

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  • I do not have enough words to describe how amazing the experience with this attorney was. He works very hard to obtain the best results for his clients. I could not have asked for better services. I had exceptional fast results, I highly recommend this attorney. Thank you again, Tad Yates.

  • After consulting with several different highly recommended lawyers, I decided to hire Tad. It was a decision that would truly effect my life in a very profound way. Tad never promised results, he did however layout his experience and give me his word he would put all his effort into my case. I felt that was the honesty I deserved. He was sincere, honest, and reliable. Every time we attended court he seemed to hold a very good relationship with all the court's people. My case with Tad lasted about 9 months. There were many times I wanted to break down, not knowing what the results would ultimately be; however Tad always personalized my case and would constantly provide me with assurance of his efforts. He was always extremely accessible. This gave me a lot of peace. The results of my case ended up being extremely satisfying. I was looking at losing everything, for good. I now have my peace, my freedom, and I am currently very successful. Even after my case, Tad kept tabs with me and ensured I was doing as I should. There is a handful of people God put in my life of whom helped me get to the next level, there is no denying Tad is one of them.

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  • Tad came highly recommended. Set up a consultation and after meeting him, hired him immediately. Tad is extremely knowledgeable, efficient and truly cares. He was always available to speak and support during a very difficult situation. Although he has many clients, he always made us feel important and took the time necessary to ensure our questions were answered and that we were comfortable with strategy and next steps. He ultimately achieved the desired result and we are forever grateful.

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  • When I met Tad Yates, I was frantic, scared and misinformed about the legalities of my case. He quickly reassured me that everything was going to be alright and started at once preparing my defense. Every time I needed to speak with him, he was there to give advice and inform me the status of my case. As a result of his hard work, he managed to get my case dismissed and this blemish off my record. If you’re thinking of hiring or consulting with Mr. Yates, your in great hands.- A.

    I was referred to Tad by a friend of the family. They told me what he did for them and assured me that he would do the same for me. He exceeded my expectations from start to finish. He used his knowledge of the law, professionalism and relationship skills to have my case completely dropped. No plea deals what so ever. He never once doubted me however he did explain exactly what we had to overcome. If you find yourself in a situation that could impact you for the rest of your life, whether you did anything wrong or not I would encourage you to give him a call.

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Ratings & Reviews

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Strongly recommend Tad Yates as an attorney as well as his office staff, Kathy. They are absolutely on top of their game. Very attentive, astute and courteous. The kindness and understanding shown by their office is incomparable. They have ...
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    — Louis .Tsantes

  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Time spent in any legal process can be stressful. Tad is a great communicator and put me at ease with the process. His knowledge and plan of action where exactly what I needed. I would definitely recommend giving his office a call if you ar...
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    — Client

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    I was highly recommended by a former Circuit Judge in Orlando to contact Mr Yates. He immediately took my call and put me at ease immediately. After his investigation into the matter he agreed to take my case. I never met him in person and ...
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    — Farrell Gordon

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    If you're reading this and you have a case pending, you need to stop immediately and call Tad's office. Take it from someone who has been there, Tad is a consummate professional and highly skilled tactician who will get you the best possibl...
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    — Brenden McDaniels

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    5.0/5.0

    Tad is fantastic. Not only did he get my case dismissed in a timely manner, but he also made himself available over the holidays to provide advice and refer me to another law firm. He truly cares about his clients. I would highly recommend ...
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    — Leah