Spatz Law Firm, PL
type: channel
description: Miami-Dade Criminal Defense and Family Law Attorney
date: 2026-05-22T19:30:27Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
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items: What Is a No-Contact Order and How Serious Is It?
items: What Happens If You Ignore a Subpoena in Florida?
items: Can a Case Be Reopened After It’s Closed?
items: What Makes a Charge a Felony in Florida?
items: Can You Leave the State While a Criminal Case Is Pending?
items: Can You Get Out of Jail Without Paying Full Bail?
items: How to Find Out If You Have a Warrant in Florida
items: What Happens If You Miss a Court Date in Florida?
items: How Texts, DMs, and Social Media Posts Can Be Used Against You
items: What Really Happens During the First 48 Hours After an Arrest

What Is a No-Contact Order and How Serious Is It?
type: item
creator: isabelortega
date: 2026-05-22T19:30:27Z
subject: Uncategorized
description: After an arrest in Florida, particularly in cases involving domestic violence, harassment, stalking, or threats. Courts often impose what is known as a no-contact order. Many people underestimate how serious these orders are. Some assume that if the other person wants to communicate, the restriction no longer matters. Others believe casual contact or indirect communication is harmless. In reality, violating… The post What Is a No-Contact Order and How Serious Is It? first appeared on Spatz Law Firm, PL.
encoded: After an arrest in Florida, particularly in cases involving domestic violence, harassment, stalking, or threats. Courts often impose what is known as a no-contact order. Many people underestimate how serious these orders are. Some assume that if the other person wants to communicate, the restriction no longer matters. Others believe casual contact or indirect communication is harmless. In reality, violating a no-contact order can lead to immediate arrest, additional criminal charges, and significant damage to your case. Even unintentional contact can create serious legal consequences. Understanding what a no-contact order actually means and how strictly Florida courts enforce them is critical if you are facing criminal charges. What Is a No-Contact Order? A no-contact order is a court-imposed condition that prohibits a defendant from communicating with or approaching a specific person. These orders are commonly issued shortly after an arrest as part of bond or pretrial release conditions. In Florida, no-contact orders are especially common in cases involving: Domestic violence Dating violence Stalking or cyberstalking Harassment or threats Assault or battery allegations The purpose of the order is to prevent further conflict, protect alleged victims, and preserve the integrity of the case while it is pending. What Does “No Contact” Actually Mean? Many people assume the order only prohibits in-person interaction. In reality, Florida courts interpret “contact” very broadly. A no-contact order typically prohibits: Phone calls Text messages Emails Social media messages or comments Communication through third parties Physical proximity to the protected person Any direct or indirect attempt to communicate This includes seemingly harmless communication such as apologizing, checking in, or responding to messages initiated by the other person. One of the most misunderstood aspects of these orders is that the protected person cannot “override” the order themselves. Even if th…

What Happens If You Ignore a Subpoena in Florida?
type: item
creator: isabelortega
date: 2026-05-13T18:35:04Z
subject: Criminal Defense Lawyer
description: Receiving a subpoena can feel intimidating, especially if you are not directly charged with a crime or involved in a lawsuit. Many people assume that if they ignore it, the issue will simply go away. In Florida, however, a subpoena is a legally enforceable court order, not a request. Failing to respond properly can lead to serious legal consequences, including… The post What Happens If You Ignore a Subpoena in Florida? first appeared on Spatz Law Firm, PL.
encoded: Receiving a subpoena can feel intimidating, especially if you are not directly charged with a crime or involved in a lawsuit. Many people assume that if they ignore it, the issue will simply go away. In Florida, however, a subpoena is a legally enforceable court order, not a request. Failing to respond properly can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines, contempt of court, and even arrest warrants in some situations. Whether you received a subpoena to testify, produce documents, or appear in court, understanding your obligations is critical. What Is a Subpoena? A subpoena is a legal document requiring a person to do one or more of the following: Appear in court to testify Provide documents, records, or evidence Appear for a deposition or legal proceeding Subpoenas are commonly issued in criminal cases, civil lawsuits, family law matters, and investigations. In Florida, they may be issued by attorneys, prosecutors, or the court itself depending on the type of case. Once properly served, a subpoena becomes legally binding. Ignoring a Subpoena Is Not the Same as Declining an Invitation One of the biggest misconceptions is that a subpoena can simply be disregarded if the person does not want to get involved. In reality, ignoring a subpoena can place you in direct conflict with the court. Courts rely on subpoenas to gather evidence, secure witness testimony, and ensure legal proceedings move forward fairly. When someone fails to appear or comply, judges may view it as interference with the judicial process. Even if you believe the subpoena is unnecessary, unfair, or unrelated to you, failing to respond is rarely the right approach. What Happens If You Fail to Appear? If you ignore a subpoena requiring you to appear in court or at a deposition, the judge may take immediate action. In many cases, the court can issue an order to show cause, requiring you to explain why you failed to comply. If your absence is not adequately justified, the judge may hold you in …

Can a Case Be Reopened After It’s Closed?
type: item
creator: isabelortega
date: 2026-04-21T18:44:01Z
subject: Criminal Defense
description: Many people assume that once a criminal case is closed, it’s over for good. In reality, that’s not always the case. Under certain circumstances, a case can be revisited, challenged, or even reopened, but the process is complex and depends heavily on how the case was resolved in the first place. If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a past… The post Can a Case Be Reopened After It’s Closed? first appeared on Spatz Law Firm, PL.
encoded: Many people assume that once a criminal case is closed, it’s over for good. In reality, that’s not always the case. Under certain circumstances, a case can be revisited, challenged, or even reopened, but the process is complex and depends heavily on how the case was resolved in the first place. If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a past case, or new information has come to light, understanding when and how a case can be reopened is critical. What Does “Closed” Really Mean? A case can be considered “closed” in several different ways. It may have been dismissed, resolved through a plea agreement, or concluded after a trial and verdict. Each of these outcomes carries different legal implications when it comes to reopening the case. A dismissal generally means the charges were dropped, although prosecutors may sometimes have the option to refile under certain conditions. A plea or conviction, on the other hand, creates a final judgment, making it more difficult, but not impossible, to revisit the case. Understanding how your case ended is the first step in determining what options may still be available. When Can a Case Be Reopened? There is no single rule that allows all closed cases to be reopened. Instead, courts rely on specific legal mechanisms that apply in limited situations. Newly Discovered Evidence One of the most common reasons a case may be revisited is the discovery of new evidence that could significantly impact the outcome. This evidence must not have been available at the time of the original case and must be strong enough to potentially change the result. For example, new witness testimony, forensic evidence, or technological developments, such as DNA testing, can form the basis for reopening a case. Legal Errors or Constitutional Violations If there were serious legal mistakes during the original case, it may be possible to challenge the outcome. This can include violations of constitutional rights, such as unlawful searches, improper admission of …

What Makes a Charge a Felony in Florida?
type: item
creator: isabelortega
date: 2026-04-13T18:27:07Z
subject: Criminal Charges
description: Not all criminal charges are treated equally. In Florida, one of the most important distinctions in criminal law is whether an offense is classified as a misdemeanor or a felony. While both are serious, a felony carries significantly greater consequences, both immediately and long-term. If you or someone you know is facing charges, understanding what makes an offense a felony… The post What Makes a Charge a Felony in Florida? first appeared on Spatz Law Firm, PL.
encoded: Not all criminal charges are treated equally. In Florida, one of the most important distinctions in criminal law is whether an offense is classified as a misdemeanor or a felony. While both are serious, a felony carries significantly greater consequences, both immediately and long-term. If you or someone you know is facing charges, understanding what makes an offense a felony in Florida is essential to understanding what’s at stake and how the case may unfold. What is a Felony in Florida? Under Florida law, a felony is generally defined as a criminal offense punishable by more than one year in prison. These cases are handled in circuit court and often involve more complex procedures, stricter penalties, and higher stakes than misdemeanor cases. While the definition may seem straightforward, the way a charge becomes classified as a felony involves several legal factors, including the nature of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and sometimes the defendant’s prior record. How Florida Classifies Felonies Florida organizes felony offenses into different degrees, each carrying its own range of penalties. The severity of the charge directly impacts potential sentencing. Florida felony classifications include: Third-Degree Felony: Punishable by up to 5 years in prison, 5 years of probation, and fines up to $5,000. These are often considered the least severe felonies but still carry serious consequences. Second-Degree Felony: Punishable by up to 15 years in prison and significant fines. These charges typically involve more serious conduct or harm. First-Degree Felony: Punishable by up to 30 years in prison. In certain cases, such as those involving weapons or repeat offenders, penalties can be even more severe. Life Felony and Capital Felony: These are the most serious categories. Life felonies can result in life imprisonment, while capital felonies may carry life without parole or, in the most extreme cases, the death penalty. The classification is determined by F…

Can You Leave the State While a Criminal Case Is Pending?
type: item
creator: isabelortega
date: 2026-03-27T20:04:14Z
subject: Criminal Charges
description: If you’re facing criminal charges, one of the most common and practical questions is whether you’re allowed to travel, especially out of state. Whether it’s for work, family obligations, or personal reasons, travel can become complicated once a case is pending. The answer is not always straightforward. In Florida, whether you can leave the state depends on the specific conditions… The post Can You Leave the State While a Criminal Case Is Pending? first appeared on Spatz Law Firm, PL.
encoded: If you’re facing criminal charges, one of the most common and practical questions is whether you’re allowed to travel, especially out of state. Whether it’s for work, family obligations, or personal reasons, travel can become complicated once a case is pending. The answer is not always straightforward. In Florida, whether you can leave the state depends on the specific conditions of your release, the nature of your charges, and how your case is being handled. What might be allowed in one case could lead to serious consequences in another. What Determines Your Ability to Travel? After an arrest, most individuals are released either on bond, on their own recognizance, or through a pretrial release program. Each of these forms of release typically comes with conditions, and those conditions often address travel. Some defendants are allowed to move freely within Florida but are restricted from leaving the state. Others may be prohibited from traveling outside a specific county. In more restrictive cases, especially involving serious charges, the court may require permission before any travel at all. The key point is this: your ability to leave the state is governed by the terms set by the judge, not personal convenience. Where to Find Your Travel Restrictions Travel restrictions are usually outlined in your bond paperwork, release order, or pretrial supervision agreement. These documents may include language that limits travel to a specific geographic area or requires advance approval for any trips. In some cases, the restriction is explicit, for example, “no travel outside the State of Florida without court approval.” In others, it may be broader, requiring you to remain under supervision or available for court at all times. If there is any uncertainty, it is critical to clarify with your attorney before making travel plans. What Happens If You Leave Without Permission? Leaving the state in violation of your release conditions is a serious matter. Even if your intentio…

Can You Get Out of Jail Without Paying Full Bail?
type: item
creator: isabelortega
date: 2026-03-10T19:53:39Z
subject: Criminal Charges
subject: Criminal Defense Lawyer
description: For many people, the biggest concern after an arrest is simple: How do I get out of jail as quickly as possible? What often comes as a surprise is that release does not always require paying the full bail amount upfront. Florida law provides several options for pretrial release, and understanding them can make a significant difference in both your… The post Can You Get Out of Jail Without Paying Full Bail? first appeared on Spatz Law Firm, PL.
encoded: For many people, the biggest concern after an arrest is simple: How do I get out of jail as quickly as possible? What often comes as a surprise is that release does not always require paying the full bail amount upfront. Florida law provides several options for pretrial release, and understanding them can make a significant difference in both your finances and your freedom. If you or a loved one has been arrested, knowing your options early can help you make smarter, faster decisions. Understanding How Bail Works in Florida After an arrest, a judge typically sets a bail amount during your first appearance. Bail is meant to ensure that you return to court while allowing you to remain out of custody during your case. The amount is not random, as judges consider factors such as the seriousness of the charge, prior criminal history, ties to the community, and whether the person is considered a flight risk or a danger to others. While bail can sometimes be affordable, in many cases it is set at an amount that most people cannot easily pay in full. That’s where alternative options come into play. Do You Have to Pay the Full Bail Amount? Not Always Many defendants never actually pay the full bail amount out of pocket. Florida allows for different types of release depending on the circumstances of the case. Surety Bond (Using a Bail Bondsman) This is one of the most common options. Instead of paying the full bail amount, you pay a percentage, typically around 10%, to a licensed bail bondsman. The bondsman then posts the full bond on your behalf. It’s important to understand that this fee is non-refundable. Even if your case is dismissed, the money paid to the bondsman is the cost of securing your release. Release on Recognizance (ROR) In some cases, the judge may allow you to be released without paying any money at all. This is called release on your own recognizance. Essentially, you are released based on your promise to return to court. This option is more likely for indi…

How to Find Out If You Have a Warrant in Florida
type: item
date: 2026-02-20T15:00:23Z
subject: Uncategorized
description: Many people in Florida worry about whether a warrant might exist for their arrest, but aren’t sure how to find out safely. Maybe you missed a court date, had a past case you never followed up on, or heard from someone that law enforcement is looking for you. Whatever the reason, ignoring the possibility of a warrant can make matters… The post How to Find Out If You Have a Warrant in Florida first appeared on Spatz Law Firm, PL.
encoded: Many people in Florida worry about whether a warrant might exist for their arrest, but aren’t sure how to find out safely. Maybe you missed a court date, had a past case you never followed up on, or heard from someone that law enforcement is looking for you. Whatever the reason, ignoring the possibility of a warrant can make matters worse. Understanding how warrants work in Florida, and how to check for one the right way, can help you protect yourself and take control of the situation before it escalates. What Is a Warrant? A warrant is a legal document signed by a judge that authorizes law enforcement to take a specific action. Most commonly, this means an arrest warrant, which allows police to detain you and bring you before the court. Warrants are typically issued when: A judge finds probable cause that a crime was committed Someone misses a required court appearance A person violates probation or bond conditions A defendant fails to comply with court orders Once issued, a warrant can remain active indefinitely until it is resolved. Common Signs You Might Have a Warrant Sometimes people are completely unaware that a warrant exists. Other times, there are warning signs. These may include receiving notice of a missed court date, being told by a bondsman or attorney that there’s an issue, or hearing from family members that police have asked about you. In some cases, people only discover a warrant after being stopped for a traffic violation or during a background check. If you suspect a warrant, it’s far better to check proactively than to wait for an unexpected arrest. Ways to Find Out If You Have a Warrant in Florida Online Court and Clerk Databases Many Florida counties provide online access to court records through the Clerk of Court or local court websites. These databases may show active cases, missed hearings, or bench warrants. However, not all warrants appear online, and some information may be delayed or incomplete. Contacting the Clerk of Court You can ca…

What Happens If You Miss a Court Date in Florida?
type: item
date: 2026-02-09T20:28:16Z
subject: Criminal Defense Lawyer
description: Missing a court date in Florida is more serious than many people realize. Whether the original charge is minor or major, failing to appear in court can quickly create new legal problems on top of the ones you’re already facing. Judges expect defendants to take court appearances seriously, and the system has built-in consequences when someone doesn’t show up. If… The post What Happens If You Miss a Court Date in Florida? first appeared on Spatz Law Firm, PL.
encoded: Missing a court date in Florida is more serious than many people realize. Whether the original charge is minor or major, failing to appear in court can quickly create new legal problems on top of the ones you’re already facing. Judges expect defendants to take court appearances seriously, and the system has built-in consequences when someone doesn’t show up. If you’ve missed a date or are worried you might, understanding what happens next can help you act quickly and limit the damage. Why Court Dates Matter So Much Every court date is a formal legal obligation. When you’re released after an arrest, given a citation, or allowed to remain free while your case is pending, you’re agreeing to appear in court as required. Judges schedule hearings to move cases forward, review evidence, address motions, and ensure defendants are complying with the conditions of release. When someone doesn’t appear, it disrupts the process and signals to the court that the person may not be taking the matter seriously. Immediate Consequences of Missing Court In many Florida cases, the judge can take action the same day you fail to appear. 1. A Bench Warrant May Be Issued The most common consequence is a bench warrant for your arrest. This authorizes law enforcement to pick you up and bring you before the court. You might not even know a warrant exists until: You’re pulled over for a traffic stop Your name is run during a background check Police show up at your home or workplace Once a warrant is issued, the situation becomes more complicated and stressful. 2. Bond Can Be Revoked If you were out on bond, the judge can revoke it. That means you could be taken into custody and required to post a new, and often higher, bond to be released again. 3. New Criminal Charges Failing to appear can itself be charged as a separate crime in Florida. In some situations, it can even rise to a felony, especially if the underlying case is a felony. Does the Type of Case Matter? Yes. The seriousness of the co…

How Texts, DMs, and Social Media Posts Can Be Used Against You
type: item
creator: isabelortega
date: 2026-01-26T19:56:20Z
subject: Criminal Charges
subject: Criminal Defense
description: In today’s digital world, criminal cases are rarely built on physical evidence alone. Text messages, direct messages, emails, and social media activity are now some of the most powerful and most misunderstood forms of evidence used by prosecutors. Many defendants are surprised to learn that a casual text, a deleted message, or a private DM can play a central role… The post How Texts, DMs, and Social Media Posts Can Be Used Against You first appeared on Spatz Law Firm, PL.
encoded: In today’s digital world, criminal cases are rarely built on physical evidence alone. Text messages, direct messages, emails, and social media activity are now some of the most powerful and most misunderstood forms of evidence used by prosecutors. Many defendants are surprised to learn that a casual text, a deleted message, or a private DM can play a central role in a criminal case. Understanding how digital communications are collected, interpreted, and introduced in court is critical to protecting yourself before and after an arrest. Why Digital Messages Are So Powerful in Criminal Cases Unlike verbal statements, digital communications create a permanent record. Prosecutors value texts and social media posts because they appear to come directly from the defendant, often without the pressure of police questioning. Messages are commonly used to establish intent, knowledge, motive, relationships, and timelines. Even when a message does not explicitly admit wrongdoing, prosecutors may argue that tone, emojis, slang, or timing reveals state of mind. What many people don’t realize is that context is often supplied by the prosecution, not the sender. A message written jokingly, emotionally, or sarcastically can later be framed as serious or incriminating when removed from its original context. Private Conversations That Aren’t Always Private Text messages and direct messages are frequently introduced as evidence in cases involving drug charges, domestic disputes, theft, fraud, and violent offenses. Law enforcement may obtain these messages through search warrants, subpoenas to phone carriers or platforms, consent searches, or by accessing devices during an arrest. Once seized, messages are rarely presented in full. Instead, investigators often extract selected portions that support their theory of the case. Innocent explanations, surrounding conversations, or missing context may be excluded unless the defense actively challenges the presentation. Another common misconcep…

What Really Happens During the First 48 Hours After an Arrest
type: item
creator: isabelortega
date: 2026-01-12T18:11:27Z
subject: Criminal Defense Lawyer
description: The first 24 to 48 hours after an arrest are some of the most important and dangerous hours in any criminal case. What happens during this window can shape the entire outcome, from the charges that are filed to the evidence that is allowed in court. Understanding what really happens behind the scenes can help you protect your rights and… The post What Really Happens During the First 48 Hours After an Arrest first appeared on Spatz Law Firm, PL.
encoded: The first 24 to 48 hours after an arrest are some of the most important and dangerous hours in any criminal case. What happens during this window can shape the entire outcome, from the charges that are filed to the evidence that is allowed in court. Understanding what really happens behind the scenes can help you protect your rights and avoid mistakes that may follow you for years. 1. The Arrest The moment an officer places you under arrest, your constitutional protections begin. Police must have probable cause to arrest you, and once you are in custody, you gain the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. What many people do not realize is that police are trained to gather as much information as possible immediately after an arrest. Casual questions, comments made in the patrol car, or statements to officers during transport can all become evidence, even before you ever reach a police station. This is often the first critical mistake defendants make: talking in hopes of “clearing things up.” In practice, those statements frequently become the strongest evidence used against them. 2. Booking Process Once at the jail or police station, the booking process begins. This involves recording personal information, taking fingerprints and photographs, logging personal property, and entering the arrest into law enforcement databases. Booking may appear routine, but it has important legal consequences. The formal charges are typically recorded at this stage, and errors made here, incorrect offense codes, mistaken identities, or improper classification of charges, can affect bond eligibility and court scheduling. In some cases, booking can take several hours or longer, especially during weekends, holidays, or mass-arrest events. During this time, defendants may not yet have access to an attorney, but they still retain the right to remain silent. 3. Interrogation and Questioning Interrogation often happens during the first several hours after arrest. Officers may c…