What to Do if You Are Arrested in Florida

What to Do if You Are Arrested in Florida

Being arrested can be a scary and overwhelming experience. You may feel anxious, confused about your rights, and unsure what to do next. This article will explain the key steps to take if you are arrested in Florida.

Remain Silent and Ask for a Lawyer

If arrested, you have the right to remain silent per the 5th Amendment. Anything you say can be used against you, so say nothing until you speak to a lawyer[1].

Clearly state you wish to invoke your right to remain silent and that you want to speak to an attorney. Then say nothing further until you have counsel.

Do Not Resist Arrest

As difficult as it feels, do not physically resist arrest even if you believe it is unjustified. This can lead to additional charges.

Your recourse is through the legal system. Comply peacefully, get legal help, and fight the charges in court.

Know Your Rights During Police Questioning

Police may legally question you without reading any rights if you are not in custody. But during formal arrest and interrogation, they must read you Miranda rights[2]:

• Right to remain silent
• Anything you say can be used against you
• Right to an attorney during questioning
• If cannot afford an attorney, one can be appointed

Invoke these rights and say nothing more until your lawyer is present.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

Load more

Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Gather Information

Try to write down or remember key details like what you were arrested for, time/date/location, officer badge numbers, and names of witnesses[3].

This information will help your defense attorney later.

Arrange for Bail

Within 24 hours, you will go before a judge who decides whether to set bail for release. The bail amount depends on the charges and your criminal history.

Have a family member or friend contact a bail bondsman to arrange payment of bail when set by the court.

Do Not Make Plea Decisions Without an Attorney

Prosecutors may try to get you to plead guilty before getting a lawyer. Never accept or decline a plea deal without consulting your attorney first[4].

A lawyer negotiates better deals and defends your rights.

Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately

The most important step is contacting an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible after arrest[5].

A lawyer protects your rights, works to get charges reduced or dismissed, and starts building your defense.

Request a Probable Cause Hearing

Within 21 days of arrest, your attorney can request a probable cause hearing to challenge if there was legal justification for your arrest[6].

If the judge agrees there was no probable cause, the case may get dismissed.

Do Not Talk to Police Without Your Lawyer

After your arrest, police may try contacting you directly to get information or a confession. Never talk to them without your attorney present.

Be polite but firm that your lawyer handles communication going forward.

Start Preparing Your Defense

Work closely with your lawyer to identify witnesses, gather evidence, build timelines, and take any other steps to refute the charges and build your case.

Thorough preparation and a proactive strategy are key to the best outcome.

Seek Counseling if Needed

The trauma of getting arrested can take an emotional toll. Seek counseling or mental health support if struggling to cope.

Focus on taking care of yourself throughout the legal process.

Understand the Charges and Potential Penalties

Research the exact charges brought against you and the potential mandatory minimum and maximum penalties you face if convicted.

This allows you to make informed decisions when weighing options like plea bargains.

Don’t Lose Hope

Getting arrested feels devastating, but it’s not the end. With an experienced criminal defense lawyer guiding you, many people beat charges and move on with life.

Stay positive and keep fighting through each step of the process.

Let me know if you have any other questions about what to do when arrested in Florida! I’m happy to help any way I can.