Law Office of Michelle Yard, PLLC

08/16/2026

Some of the best work I do never makes the news — because it ends before anything is ever filed. 🙌

This week, I closed out a federal matter for a client the best possible way: the U.S. Attorney's Office confirmed in writing that no case would be opened and no charges would be filed. No arrest. No indictment. No felony on the record. Just a client who gets to close this chapter and move forward with her life.

Here's what a lot of people don't realize: by the time charges are filed, many of your best options are already behind you. The window that matters most is often before an arrest — while an investigation is still open and decisions are still being made. That's what pre-arrest representation is all about. Getting the right advocate involved early can be the difference between a quiet resolution and a life-altering case.

If you or someone you love has been contacted by investigators, received a target letter, or thinks they may be under investigation — don't wait. The earlier we're in the room, the more we can do.

Grateful to end the week on this note. This is why I love the work I do. 💙

📞 Law Office of Michelle Yard, PLLC — Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney · Orlando, FL · (407) 488-6100

Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

07/26/2026

Another five-star review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Every so often a client's family puts their gratitude into words that remind me exactly why I do this work. I'm sharing this recent Google review because it captures what I strive for with every family who chooses me to represent them— not just a strong defense, but genuine care during the hardest moment of their lives.

To this family: thank you for trusting me with something so precious. It was my honor to stand in your corner.

If your family is facing a criminal matter in the Central Florida area and you need someone who will treat your crisis like it matters — because it does — I'm here.

📍 Law Office of Michelle Yard, PLLC | Orlando, FL

Every case is different and results may vary. This testimonial reflects one client's experience and is not a guarantee of any outcome.

07/25/2026

07/19/2026

I'm honored to share that I've been named to Doyle's Guide 2026 list of Leading Criminal Defense Lawyers in Orlando — and I'm recognized in the top tier as "Preeminent."
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These rankings come from my peers in the Orlando criminal law community. I'm thankful to be recognized by the people who know this work best!
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See the full list here: https://doylesguide.com/leading-criminal-defense-lawyers-orlando-2026/

Our 2026 rankings of Orlando's best Criminal Defense Lawyers as voted by the city's criminal law community.

06/02/2026

Another Lewd and Lascivous DISMISSAL!! 🌟⚖️

I was retained on a three count Lewd and Lascivious Molestation/Exhibition case with an Information that included allegations on two separate days. I successfully sought and obtained a severance, and then obtained a NOT GUILTY at trial on counts 1 and 2. Today, the State dismissed the last count, count 3 - resulting in the acquittal of my client on all 3 counts!!! ⚖️🌟

The attorney you choose makes a difference. If you find yourself facing terrible allegations, call me at (407) 488-6100.

05/22/2026

HUGE NOT GUILTY x2 TRIAL VERDICT!! 🌟⚖️ NINE Minute Jury Verdict ⚖️🌟

After a jury trial in Marion County on two counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Child, my client was fully acquitted of two horrible accusations, saving him from prison and being labeled as a predator. And the jury deliberated for less than ten minutes!

Much of this trial was shaped before opening statements began. I spent many hours interviewing my client and his family, investigating and deposing every state and defense witness, pulling and pouring over tons of recorded statements and records for state witnesses, and writing and fighting multiple pretrial motions to ensure my client’s trial would be fairly presented under the rules of evidence and law. For the trial, I drafted and argued twelve motions in limine. And it all led to the verdict that came back quickly last night - NOT GUILTY (x2)!

If you’re looking for a dedicated, caring, highly experienced criminal defense attorney who will listen, put in the work, and fight for you both pretrial and at trial, call or text me today at (407) 488-6100 🌟⚖️🌟

05/14/2026

🌟⚖️ SEXUAL BATTERY with “CONFESSION” — VICTORY!! ⚖️🌟

I took over a s*xual battery case in Marion County, Florida from another attorney who had been on it for months. My client, who had never been in trouble before, was being held in jail on a $3 million bond! When I reached out to the prior attorney to obtain the file, she told me there’s a written confession, highly cooperative alleged victim, and that I am not going to be able to get anywhere with this case.

But difficult cases don’t deter me. I listened carefully, always with an open mind, to my client. I meticulously reviewed the discovery again and again. I spent endless amounts of time reviewing the cell phone extraction and more than 5,000 text messages. The State’s discovery looked bad for us at face value alone.

Regardless, I spent dozens of hours in the jail with my client reviewing every piece of discovery, truly listening to my client’s side about why he purportedly “confessed” even though he was innocent, and really getting to know him and understand his side of the allegations. Then I undertook an intensive defense investigation involving gathering documentary and physical evidence from multiple states and disclosing our own defense discovery exhibits.

Right away, I moved for and received a substantial bond reduction. Then, I deposed every single witness - including the accuser and her witnesses. The State’s offer was 12 years prison plus s*x offender probation plus lifetime s*xual offender registration - and the State announced that it would never lower that offer.

I then drafted and filed more motions - to change venue, to sever the charges, to sanction the state for spoliation of evidence, and for an adverse inference jury instruction at trial.

I told the State the only offer we would accept would be to misdemeanor simple battery for time served. The State rejected our offer. So I pushed the case to trial.

My client’s family flew in from out of state for the trial. I prepared for trial and to win. Then, immediately before trial, without my asking for any offer, the State reached out to me and said it would accept my offer of misdemeanor simple battery for time served. My client accepted that on the morning of jury selection and walked away from a terrible s*xual battery allegation without spending a single day in prison, without any felony conviction, and without having to register as a s*xual offender for life.

All victories do not come after trial. This was a hard fought WIN in the face of terrible s*xual allegations and discovery that, at face value alone, contained a “confession.” But in criminal defense, you have to dig deep, keep an open mind, and be prepared to fight at trial. If you need a dauntless, board-certified criminal trial lawyer willing to fight for you no matter how the case may look at first, call or text me at (407) 488-6100 🌟

05/06/2026

🌟🌟 Another win! State’s WILLIAMS RULE EVIDENCE - EXCLUDED!! 🌟🌟

This week, in a multi-count lewd and lascivious molestation and exhibition case in Marion County, I SUCCESSFULLY opposed the State’s attempt to introduce highly prejudicial Williams Rule evidence from a past allegation at my client’s current trial.

Defense wins excluding “similar fact" evidence in cases involving serious allegations of s*xual misconduct with a minor are extremely rare in Florida - and can make all the difference in front of the jury.

Wins like this require proven expertise in criminal defense alongside intensive preparation, both in and out of court. Before this hearing, I learned every detail about the current and past allegations and I took lengthy depositions of both alleged child victims. Preventing the introduction of this type of purported evidence is critical to protecting a defendant’s right to a fair trial, ensuring that the case is decided on the facts at hand—not on unfair allegations from the past.

I remain committed to holding the State to its burden and safeguarding the constitutional rights of every client I represent ⚖️

05/03/2026

🌟🌟 First Degree Murder - DISMISSED!! 🌟🌟

After more than 20 years practicing criminal defense, moments like this never lose their meaning to me.

This week, the State DISMISSED a First Degree Murder indictment against my client — a charge that carries only one possible outcome upon conviction: life in prison, with no parole.

When I took this case, the stakes could not have been higher. I built the defense — conducting an extensive investigation, retaining a top forensic expert to consult with, taking dozens of depositions, and meticulously analyzing over a terabyte of digital evidence, including complex cell phone extractions.

Every detail mattered. Every assumption was challenged. Every angle was explored.

And it made the difference.

Today, my client is home!!

This result is a powerful reminder that serious charges demand serious defense. Experience, preparation, and persistence matter — especially when everything is on the line.

If you or someone you know is facing a life-altering criminal charge, you need to fight at the highest level. Call me for a free consultation.

04/07/2026

Another huge WIN!! 🌟⚖️🌟
SEXUAL BATTERY & FALSE IMPRISONMENT Case DISMISSED!!🌟⚖️🌟
Ocala, Marion County, Florida

My client was charged with two serious felonies: Sexual Battery with Force Likely to Cause Injury, and False Imprisonment. If convicted, he faced spending decades in prison and being placed on the s*x offender registry for the rest of his life. And he told me from day one that the allegations were false.

My client was in jail with no bond when he retained me. I got him a bond following a highly contested bond hearing that took place over two days, and at which the accuser testified. Thankfully, that bond meant my client did not have to wait in jail while I went to work on his defense.

I then conducted a thorough review and investigation of the allegations and evidence. I analyzed the accuser’s possible motives to lie. I visited the scene of the alleged offenses. I studied hours of police and witness video and audio evidence. I subpoenaed every state witness for deposition so I could individually question each of them under oath and on the record before trial. I interviewed defense witnesses. I consulted with a digital evidence expert. I carefully examined the forensic claims. And I methodically noted every inconsistency. All of this in preparation to fight these serious allegations at trial.

Today all my work came to fruition when the State reached the right result by DISMISSING ALL CHARGES!!

Justice requires looking beyond accusations. It requires scrutiny, preparation, and the willingness to challenge the narrative.

I am incredibly proud of, and grateful for, this result — and beyond happy for my client who has his complete freedom back.

Every criminal case deserves a dedicated and highly experienced defense attorney. If you need one, call or text me! 🌟⚖️🌟