Justice Doesn’t Stop: We Are Open and Ready to Fight

By: John Guidry

Hey Everyone, Stay safe out there. We are still open to help you, and we are doing everything we can to remain accessible to our clients.

• Boots on the Ground: I’ve even been to the Orange County Jail this week (I was happy they even let me inside…).
• Safety First: Of course, we are closely tracking public health concerns related to COVID-19.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions regarding our operations during this time:

1. Is your office currently open?

Yes, believe it or not. We are located downtown, right next to the Orange County Courthouse. We are maintaining normal business hours.

2. When and how can I contact you?

• Best Way: Phone: (407) 423-1117
• Second Best: Email: jguidrylaw@msn.com
• After Hours: We are available on weekends and evenings. If it is after hours, please call us rather than email, as we check the phone lines more frequently.

3. How can we meet?

We offer Zoom and FaceTime consultations for those who prefer to stay home. Are we accepting new clients? YES!

4. Are the courthouses still open?

Yes and No.

• Orange, Seminole, & Osceola: Open for criminal cases in a very limited capacity.
• Virtual Pretrials: Many judges are now conducting “Virtual Pretrials” to resolve cases without requiring you to physically come to court.
• Emergencies: If there is an urgent matter, we can usually get a judge to hear it, though every judge defines “emergency” differently.

5. What if I am sick or quarantined?

If you cannot come to court due to illness or exposure, please let me know immediately. I will make arrangements with the court to excuse your presence. This won’t be a problem, provided we notify them in advance.

Need updates on your case?

My clients have my personal cell phone number. Text or call anytime.

John’s 2026 Update: The Permanent Age of “Zoom Justice”

Note: In 2020, we thought Virtual Court was a temporary fix. In 2026, it is the factory setting.

1. The “Virtual Default” In 2020, “Virtual Pretrials” were an experiment.

• The 2026 Reality: Today, 90% of routine hearings (Arraignments, Status Checks, Motion Hearings) are held remotely via the Court’s secure platform.
• The Benefit: You no longer have to miss a whole day of work to say “Not Guilty.” You can log in from your car on your lunch break.
• The Risk: It is easy to treat Virtual Court too casually. Remember, even on Zoom, the Judge can see you. (Please, wear a shirt).

2. Jail Visits: The Video Kiosk I mentioned visiting the jail in person in 2020.

• The Change: In 2026, in-person jail visits by attorneys have become much rarer. Most facilities now push Video Visitation Kiosks.
• The Defense: While convenient, I still fight for In-Person Contact Visits for serious cases. Building trust through a screen is hard, and I prefer to look my clients in the eye when discussing life-altering decisions.

3. Automated Rescheduling In 2020, we called the Judicial Assistant to reschedule.

• The Tech: Today, courts use AI Case Management. If you are sick, we file a digital notice, and the system automatically generates the new date. It is faster, but it lacks the human touch of the old days.

We Are Still Here

Technology changes, viruses come and go, but the need for a strong defense remains. Whether on Zoom or in the courtroom, we are ready.

Call me at (407) 423-1117. Let’s talk.

About John Guidry II

John Guidry II is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founder of the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II, P.A., located in downtown Orlando next to the Orange County Courthouse, where he has practiced for over 30 years. With more than three decades of experience defending clients throughout Central Florida since 1993, Guidry has successfully defended thousands of cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties. He has built a reputation for his strategic approach to criminal defense, focusing on pretrial motions and case dismissals rather than jury trials.

Guidry earned both his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1993. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of Florida state criminal charges, with a particular emphasis on achieving favorable outcomes through thorough pretrial preparation and motion practice.

Beyond the courtroom, Guidry is a prolific legal educator who has authored over 400 articles on criminal defense topics. He shares his legal expertise through his popular YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, where he has built a substantial following of people eager to learn about the law. His educational content breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible information for the general public.

When not practicing law, Guidry enjoys tennis and pickleball, and loves to travel. Drawing from his background as a former recording studio owner and music video producer in the Orlando area, he brings a creative perspective to his legal practice and continues to apply his passion for video production to his educational content.