After an arrest in Florida, one of the first important steps in the criminal process is the first appearance hearing. For a person who has been arrested and has not already been lawfully released, Florida generally requires that they be brought before a judge within...
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Russell A. Spatz
of The Miami-dade State Attorney
Miami Criminal Law Blog
How to Choose the Right Criminal Defense Attorney
Choosing a criminal defense attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make after an arrest or criminal charge. The attorney you hire will not simply appear with you in court. They may investigate the allegations, review police reports and evidence,...
What Are Florida’s Self-Defense Laws?
Florida's self-defense laws are among the most well-known and frequently misunderstood in the country. While many people have heard of the state's "Stand Your Ground" law, self-defense in Florida involves much more than a single statute. The law outlines when force...
Is It Better to Plead Guilty or Fight the Case?
One of the most important decisions a person will face after being charged with a crime is whether to plead guilty or fight the case. It’s a question that doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. Every criminal case is different, and the right decision depends on the...
What Prosecutors Look for When Building a Criminal Case
When most people think about a criminal case, they picture police officers gathering evidence and making arrests. In reality, an arrest is often just the beginning. Before a case moves forward, prosecutors must evaluate the evidence, assess the strength of the...
Can You Record Someone Without Consent in Florida?
In an age where nearly everyone carries a smartphone, recording conversations has become easier than ever. Whether you're trying to document a dispute, preserve evidence, or simply protect yourself, you may wonder whether it's legal to record another person without...
What Is a No-Contact Order and How Serious Is It?
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...
What Happens If You Ignore a Subpoena in Florida?
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...
Can a Case Be Reopened After It’s Closed?
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...
What Makes a Charge a Felony in Florida?
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...






