Harold “Hal” Uhrig
Exprience counts. Former cop, prosecutor, and Police Atty. 49 years experience.
- Biography
After attending the United States Coast Guard Academy, I transferred to the University of Florida. There, I worked my way through college and law school as a full-time police officer and police Sgt. On graduation, I was appointed the first attorney for the Gainesville Police Department. Later, I was appointed General Counsel for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and Legal Advisor to the 10 city police agencies in Orange County, Florida. I attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and did a post-doctoral program at Case Western Reserve University in Public Safety Law. I’m a Past President of the Fla. Assn. of Police Attorneys, and a Past Vice President of the Central Florida Criminal Justice Council. I taught in the Florida Regional Police Academies throughout Central Florida. I taught Constitutional Law in the undergraduate Criminal Justice Program at Columbia College, and Criminal Law & Procedure in the Masters in Criminal Justice Program at Rollins College. I was a prosecutor in two Florida Judicial circuits and an Assistant Attorney General for The State of Florida. For two years I was a legal analyst for Fox News. I even spent three years as an Assistant Public Defender to gain additional trial experience. It was my privilege to be defense counsel in the nation’s first 4 DNA evidence trials. With 49 years in the practice of law, I have handled over 200 criminal trials. While representing George Zimmerman, I had the opportunity to appear on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, and Fox News from New York.
I have been a law firm owner for over 40 years, and have had the privilege of handling thousands of cases and participating in hundreds of trials. Currently, I am the founder of Associated Law Groups, d/b/a The Defense Group, with offices in Orlando and Tavares, Florida. We handle criminal law matters all over Central Florida.
On a personal level, I have been happily married to the love of my life for over 58 years. We have four children and 11 grandchildren.
- Practice Areas
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- Domestic Violence Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Victims Rights
- DUI & DWI
- Traffic Tickets
- Suspended License
- Fees
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Free Consultation
We provide more than a mere “consultation.” We review your arrest affivdavit, provide an initial analysis of your case, and a strategy session as to the options going forward. We will quote you a flat fee (excluding possible trial fees) and advise of our payment plan. We find that most of our clients appreciate a flat and certain fee upfront so they can plan for the financial impact of a criminal case. This consultation can be in person, by video conference or by phone in the discretion of the cllient. - Credit Cards Accepted
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Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
We accept all major credit cards.
- Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
- Florida
- The Florida Bar
- ID Number: 0196256
- Since 1975
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- Languages
- English:
Spoken, Written - Spanish:
Spoken, Written
- Professional Experience
- Owne/Trial Lawyer
- The Defense Group
-
2000 –
2024
- I have practiced criminal defense law, representing persons accused of crimes throughout Central Florida. The name of the firm has been amended a few times but the principals have remained constant. Even the staff has been reliable and constant with three staff members having been with the form for over 17 years.
- Chief Legal Officer
- Prudential Trustees, Ltd.
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1996 –
2000
- I was a founding principal and chief legal officer for a private trustee company organized and located in Nassau, Bahamas. I organized International Business Companies, drafted asset protection trusts, and helped administer a private trustee company for high-net-worth individuals to protect their assets. In early 2000 we dissolved the company as a result of legislative changed in Bahamian law.
- Owner/Trial Attorney
- Hal Uhrig, PA
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1984 –
1996
- Practiced both criminal defense and family law in Winter Park and Maitland Florida. In 1992 I became one of the first 12 Board Certified FamilyLawyers in Central Florida.
- Office of Public Defender- 9thJudicial Circuit
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1980 –
1984
- I served as an Assistant Public Defender, defending individuals charged with crimes in Orange County. I represented defendants in cases from trespassing to murder. In three and a half years I have a success rate in excess of 90%. I served as a Division Chief (supervisor) in both the County Court division and the Circuit Court division.
- Assistant Attorney General
- Florida Attorney General Office
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1979 –
1980
- Prosecuted RICO and organized crime cases Statewide for the Office of Attorney General.
- Adjunct Professor
- Rollins College
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1977 –
1979
- I taught Criminal Law & Procedure and Constitutional Law (related to Criminal Law) in the Masters in Criminal Justice program at Rollins. 100% of my students were law enforcement officers ranked Lt. and above.
- General Counsel
- Orange County Sheriff’s Office
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1976 –
1979
- As General Counsel I was the Chief Legal Officer for the Sheriff and Jail. I was also the Legal Advisor to the 10 municipal law enforcement agencies in Orange County for over 3 yrs. I was President of the Fla. Assn of Police Attorneys, and a Certified Instructor in the Police Academy. During this time I was also an Assistant State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
- Assistant State Attorney
- Office of State Attorney- 9th Judicial Circuit- Orlando Office
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1976 –
1979
- As an Assistant State Attorney, I participated in the prosecution of arrestees in Orange County Florida. I also handled all of the extradition cases in the county for over 3 years.
- Adjunct Professor
- Columbia College
-
1975 –
1979
- Taught Constitutional Law and Criminal Law in the BS in Criminal Justice program at Columbia College
- Education
- University of Florida
- J.D. (1974) | Law
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1972
–
1974 - Activities: Worked full-time as a Gainesville Police Officer throughout school. Also participated in the Prosecutors Student Practice program, prosecuting misdemeanors under the direction of a full-time Assistant State Attorney.
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- University of Florida
- B.S. (1972) | Political Science & English
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1968
–
1974 - Activities: Carried a double major while working full-time as a Gainesville Police Officer and Sgt.
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- Professional Associations
- National College of DUI Defense
- member
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2016 –
Current - Activities: This is a trade association that presents seminars, practice guides, and current information related to the defense of DUI cases. It makes available access to a brief bank that assists in filing quality motions in the defense of DUI. It also creates a network of lawyers who practice in the area of DUI Defense.
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- Lake County Bar Association
- Member
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2014 –
Current - Activities: The LCBA has regular meetings, luncheons, and related events where members can join together, network, and share. At some of these events, speakers are invited to share their professional experience. Social events such as golf outings are also part of the mix.
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- Central Florida Association Of Criminal Defense Lawyers (CFACDL)
- Member
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1989 –
Current - Activities: As the most “local” level this organization sponsors gatherings of local criminal defense lawyers and provides a platform for practitioners to share information about the law, local courthouses, etc.
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- Seminole County Inns of Court
- membe
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1988 –
Current - Activities: The Seminole County Inns of Court is a professional membership organization that promotes professionalism and competency in the practice of law. There are monthly meetings, usually dinner meetings, where high quality programs are presented to the membership.
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- Seminole County Bar Association
- Member
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1985 –
Current - Activities: Like most local bar associations the SCBA holds regular luncheons where members can meet, network, share, and commune. Members regularly share important information about local practice issues, the law, judges, and upcoming seminars and events.
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- Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
- Mmeber
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1984 –
Current - Activities: The organization co-sponsors seminars and facilitates networking among members throughout the state. The Association also distributes information updating Florida statutes that affect criminal defense practice.
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- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Member
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1981 –
Current - Activities: The NACDL provides seminars and other practice and research resources available to members. They also have regional events where seminars are presented and there are networking opportunities for members. Pro bono representation is encouraged.
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- Orange County Bar association
- Member
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1976 –
Current - Activities: As a local bar association, the OCBA has monthly meetings, numerous subcommittees, and opportunities for networking, mentoring, and professional development. The monthly meetings feature speakers from throughout the criminal justice system in Central Florida.
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The Florida Bar
 # 0196256
- Member
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1975 –
Current -
- Websites & Blogs
- Website
- The Defense Group
- Contact & Address
- Rate This Lawyer