Felony Defense

For those facing serious felony charges in West Palm Beach or elsewhere in Palm Beach County your world can feel turned upside down. Each and every aspect of your life may be at stake. At The Ishak Law Firm, Attorney Monica Ishak leads a fearless criminal defense team committed to protecting your rights every step of the way. She knows the local courts, understands the Florida laws that apply, and brings a fighter’s heart to your case.

Felony Defense Matters in Palm Beach County

Facing a felony in Florida is not just about going to court. Felonies come with severe penalties such as prison time, fines, permanent criminal records, immigration consequences and collateral impacts on your employment and civil rights. In West Palm Beach and across Palm Beach County the stakes are high and the system moves fast. Whether you are charged with a first degree felony punishable by up to 30 years under Florida Statutes section 775.082(3) or a third degree felony where up to five years are possible under section 775.082(5) every detail matters from the very start.

Monica Ishak brings real trial experience. She began her career as an Assistant Public Defender in the 15th Judicial Circuit handling numerous misdemeanor trials early on, and she quickly moved to handling felonies once jury trials resumed after COVID. She has tried serious cases, including a first-degree murder jury trial in private practice. Her path from public defender to private attorney trying complex cases gives her a well-rounded and depth-rich criminal trial background.

Our Felony Defense Practice in West Palm Beach

Comprehensive Criminal Defense Strategy

Monica litigates felony cases ranging from drug trafficking and violent crimes to white-collar offenses and firearm charges. Her approach is not generic. It begins with an exhaustive review of investigatory details and statutory interpretations.

She assesses whether the arrest was lawful under Florida Statutes section 901.151 regarding permissible arrests without a warrant in certain circumstances. She examines whether search warrants or probable cause were properly applied under Fourth Amendment principles and chapter 933 of Florida Statutes regarding execution of search warrants. She reviews whether confessions or admissions were obtained in accordance with constitutional safeguards. Every piece of the case is reviewed for weaknesses or opportunities to seek dismissal, suppression, or reduction.

Challenging the Evidence

In West Palm Beach courts prosecutors often rely on forensic tests, eyewitness accounts and police testimony. Monica scrutinizes testing methods, chain of custody procedures and witness reliability. She challenges laboratories following statutory requirements when drug analysis may lack scientific integrity. If the evidence includes a firearm, Florida law increases penalties when a weapon is used or possessed during a felony under section 775.087. She works aggressively to confront such enhancements with credible factual and legal arguments.

Defenses Tailored to You

Felony statutes in Florida allow for robust defenses. Monica uses arguments such as self-defense under chapter 776 when appropriate, defense of others or property if legally justified, claim of mistaken identity, duress or necessity, or improper procedure during arrest or investigation that triggers a motion to suppress. Each defense is selected based on statutory frameworks and case law specific to Florida and the facts of your case.

Valuable Local Insight in Palm Beach County Courts

Monica has deep familiarity with the judges and prosecutors in Palm Beach County courts including in West Palm Beach. She uses this understanding to adapt defense strategies to best align with judicial temperaments and local prosecutorial approaches. That local knowledge helps her shape motions and plea discussions in real time.

Thorough and Personalized Client Advocacy

Every client works directly with Attorney Ishak. She sets clear expectations, listens closely to your concerns, and explains the legal system and your options in plain terms. Whether it is negotiating reduced charges or seeking alternative resolutions, she is deeply committed to guiding you through each phase.

Typical Felony Cases We Handle

Monica Ishak and The Ishak Law Firm defend a wide array of felonies, including but not limited to violent felonies such as aggravated assault, armed robbery, attempted murder and other serious bodily injury offenses. Each charge raises the possibility of life-altering penalties. Cases often depend on complex forensic evidence and witness credibility, requiring relentless cross-examination and strategic use of reasonable doubt.

Drug trafficking and distribution cases under section 893.135 depend on substance type and quantity. Monica routinely assesses whether chain of custody errors or improper search procedures occurred to challenge prosecutions. She pushes for suppression when evidence was collected unlawfully or mischaracterized.

Many felonies become more severe when firearms are involved. Whether it is carrying a concealed firearm without a license under section 790.01 or possessing a weapon during a crime, Monica evaluates whether constitutional rights were violated or if the weapon enhancement can be invalidated through legal argument.

White-collar and fraud crimes such as embezzlement or fraud fall under sections like 817.034 or 812.014. These crimes require detailed examination of financial documentation, intent, and procedural integrity. Monica handles these cases with the precision understanding they require.

Theft crimes such as grand theft depend on valuation under section 812.014. Monica targets inconsistencies in evidence, valuation methods, or eyewitness identification to challenge charges and seek mitigation.

Violations of probation tied to underlying felonies also come with serious consequences. A new violation can trigger additional incarceration. Monica acts quickly to contest alleged violations, negotiate alternatives, and seek modifications.

Additional Challenges in Felony Cases

Collateral Consequences

A felony conviction in Palm Beach County does not end when you walk out of a courtroom. Loss of civil rights, including the right to vote and the right to possess firearms, can follow. Professional licenses may be revoked or denied. Employment prospects diminish, housing applications are often rejected, and immigration consequences can be devastating. For non-citizens a felony conviction may lead to deportation proceedings or denial of naturalization. Monica Ishak works to anticipate these collateral consequences when negotiating pleas or shaping defense strategies.

Sentencing Enhancements

Florida law includes habitual offender statutes and sentencing enhancements. A person convicted of multiple felonies can face enhanced penalties under section 775.084. A non-violent offense may suddenly carry decades in prison if prosecutors pursue such enhancements. Monica confronts these aggressive tactics head-on, arguing against their application whenever possible.

Pre-Trial Motions

Many felony cases in West Palm Beach are won or lost before trial. A motion to suppress can eliminate key evidence. A motion to dismiss can attack the legal sufficiency of charges. A stand-your-ground motion may result in full immunity from prosecution. Monica’s experience filing and winning such motions makes her uniquely prepared to capitalize on these opportunities for her clients.

Jury Trials

When a felony case proceeds to trial, the stakes are high. The State must prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt. Monica approaches jury selection with care, ensuring impartial jurors. She cross-examines witnesses with precision, introduces expert testimony where appropriate, and weaves together a compelling narrative for the defense. Her courtroom experience and comfort in front of juries set her apart from attorneys who may seek quick pleas rather than zealous advocacy.

What to Do Next

If you or someone you know is facing felony charges in West Palm Beach or Palm Beach County, the time to act is now. Early defense gives you stronger options. Contact The Ishak Law Firm for a confidential consultation. Monica Ishak will listen to your story, explain how Florida law applies including relevant felony degrees and procedural rights, and begin crafting your defense with expertise honed in Palm Beach courts.

Reach out by phone or through a secure contact form. Your future matters. Let an experienced felony defense attorney stand with you when it matters most.

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Fill out the contact form or call us at (561) 316-8433 to schedule your consultation.
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