Law Office of Michelle Yard, PLLC

10/07/2026

Another Victory!! ⭐ ⚖ ⭐ Often, winning the trial is only half the fight.

Recently I had the honor of standing beside my client through one of the hardest things a person can face — defending against serious sexual accusations that put his freedom, his name, and his relationship with his family on the line.

After a hard-fought jury trial, he was fully acquitted. But an acquittal doesn't always undo everything an accusation sets in motion. Injunctions can linger long after the verdict — quietly restricting where a person can go and even keeping a parent from everyday moments with their own children.

So we kept going. This time the fight was to dissolve those remaining restrictions, and we did — over the objection of three separate attorneys on the other side. After a contested hearing, the court GRANTED my motion and lifted every condition, giving my client his life back.

Here's why this matters: the system doesn't reset itself. When someone is cleared, somebody still has to do the work of making them whole — dismantling the consequences an allegation leaves behind.

If you or someone you love is facing accusations and wondering what comes next, you don't have to walk through it alone.

📍 Law Office of Michelle Yard, PLLC — (407) 488-6100 — michelleyard.com

Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

09/29/2026

Fifteen years ago I handled my first juvenile life without parole resentencing, and it is still one of my absolute favorite things I get to do as a lawyer. 🌅 This week, I finished another juvenile sentencing review on a homicide case - and my client was immediately RELEASED and is now home with his family.

There is a special kind of hope in these cases. Florida law recognizes that a child is not the same person at fifteen that they will be at forty — that people can grow, change, and become someone new. Getting to stand beside a person who has done exactly that, and help a court see the whole of who they have become, is a privilege every single time.

If someone you love received a long sentence for something they did as a child, there may be a path you do not know about yet. It is called a juvenile sentence review — and it is worth understanding.

As a lawyer Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law by The Florida Bar, this is some of the most meaningful work I do — and I have handled dozens of juvenile resentencing/review cases. I am always glad to talk it through, just give me a call. 💛

09/07/2026

🌟 Another Oral Argument GRANTED for Michelle Yard, Esq. 🌟

On October 23, I'll argue a homicide appeal before a three-judge panel of the Sixth DCA in Naples — my first argument in Florida's newest appellate court.

Why that matters: the overwhelming majority of appeals are decided on the briefs alone. When a court sets a case for oral argument, it's a signal that the issues are close enough — and consequential enough — that the judges want to press both sides in person, out loud, with follow-up questions.

The case involves self-defense and Florida's Stand Your Ground law. That body of law has shifted meaningfully in recent years — who carries the burden, what immunity actually protects, and how a jury is told to think about a defendant's right to protect himself. Florida's district courts are still working through those questions, and appellate decisions in this area shape what happens in trial courtrooms across the state for long to come.

Twenty minutes a side. No script survives the first question.

One more thing makes this argument special: it's set as a **Law Day** argument. Students will be in the gallery, and at the close of each case they're invited to question the attorneys directly. Explaining to a room of young people why the presumption of innocence and the right to defend yourself matter may be the most important thing I say that morning ⚖🌟

I've argued many times in the Florida's Fifth DCA and the United States Eleventh Circuit. I'm looking forward to arguing this important case in the Sixth DCA.

**Law Office of Michelle Yard, PLLC** — State & Federal: Trials · Appeals · Post-Conviction

08/22/2026

Another five-star review! ⚖🌟⚖

This one came from a mother — not a client, but the person who sat in the gallery, waited for every phone call, and carried the fear that comes with watching your child face serious felony sexual allegations in the criminal justice system.

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"There were days when I felt overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty, and Michelle never treated us like we were just another case… When my son finally came home, it felt like our family could breathe again."

Criminal defense isn't only about the person charged. It's about the families waiting at home, hoping someone will fight as hard for their loved one as they would themselves.

Thank you for trusting me with your family. It's an honor I don't take lightly. 🤍

📞 If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges, call or text me at (407) 488-6100 for a confidential consultation.

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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 🌟⚖️🌟