Florida’s beaches, theme parks, and historic sites attract millions of visitors every year, to say nothing of its many business opportunities. Unfortunately, some visitors will have their trips upended due to an arrest. Being arrested far from home is a stressful event, but it’s not one that has to upend your life. Let’s explore some of the steps you can take to protect your rights and seek a fair resolution to the charges against you.
Remain Calm and Cooperate with Law Enforcement
After an arrest, you can help your interests by remaining calm, respectful, and cooperative. Arguing with the police, pleading for them to let you go, or resisting arrest may worsen your situation, such as adding charges of resisting arrest or obstructing law enforcement to your criminal case. You will have an opportunity to contest your charges in court during your case.
Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
You should exercise your right to remain silent after an arrest since police and prosecutors can use anything you say to officers or investigators against you in court. You cannot talk your way out of an arrest or charge; talking to the police or answering questions will only give investigators more evidence to support the prosecution’s case. While in police custody, you should politely inform the officers that you wish to exercise your right to remain silent and will not answer any questions.
Ask to Speak with a Florida Criminal Defense Attorney
You should also exercise your right to legal counsel. After an arrest, you have the right to talk to an attorney before any police questioning occurs and to have your attorney present if you agree to sit for questioning. When you get arrested while visiting Florida, you need a local criminal defense attorney who is knowledgeable of Florida criminal law and procedure and licensed to practice in Florida courts. You can make your prosecution easier by seeking a Florida criminal defense attorney experienced with handling charges against out-of-state visitors.
Understand Your Criminal Charges
When Florida prosecutors charge you with crimes you allegedly committed while visiting Florida, you should take the time to understand the nature of your charges and the potential outcomes. A Florida criminal defense lawyer can explain the details of your criminal charges, what the prosecution must prove to secure a conviction, and the potential sentence you might face if convicted. Florida classifies criminal offenses as misdemeanors or felonies, with misdemeanors including less severe crimes and less harsh punishments and felonies including more severe crimes and significant prison terms and fines.
A lawyer can also research your case to determine whether an arrest and conviction may have consequences for you in your home state, such as a suspension of your driver’s license or loss of gun ownership rights.
Review Your Conditions of Release
Suppose you secure a release from custody pending trial on your criminal charges. In that case, you should familiarize yourself with the conditions of your release, including whether you may travel back to your home state or country to await trial. Reviewing your pre-trial release conditions can help you avoid actions that may result in a Florida court revoking your release and issuing a warrant for your arrest.
Attend All Required Court Hearings
Finally, you should make arrangements to attend all required court hearings. Your criminal defense attorney can advise you whether you must appear in person for a scheduled court hearing or whether you can appear remotely or have your lawyer appear on your behalf.
Contact The Sombathy Law Firm Today for Help
If you’ve been arrested during a visit or vacation to Florida, you need experienced local legal advocacy and support to protect your rights and interests. Contact The Sombathy Law Firm today for a confidential consultation with a knowledgeable, dedicated criminal defense attorney to discuss your options for resolving your charges.
