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...
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Russell A. Spatz
of The Miami-dade State Attorney
Miami Criminal Law Blog
What Really Happens During the First 48 Hours After an Arrest
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...
Florida’s Toughest Counties for Criminal Defendants
When facing criminal charges in Florida, where your case is heard can matter a lot. Not all counties or judicial circuits treat criminal cases the same way: some have significantly higher conviction rates, different prosecutorial attitudes, and unique local procedures...
Holiday Travel Arrests: How Being Charged Away From Home Can Complicate Your Case
Holiday travel is supposed to be a break from routine, a chance to unwind, see family, or enjoy a change of scenery. But when an arrest happens away from home, the legal consequences can feel overwhelming very quickly. What might have been a manageable situation...
What Happens When the Police Make a Mistake?
When the police make a mistake, the consequences can be serious, and not just for the person under investigation. Errors by law enforcement can jeopardize constitutional rights, weaken the prosecution’s case, and in some circumstances lead to charges being reduced,...
How Long Can You Be Detained Without Being Charged in Florida?
Being arrested or detained is one of the most stressful experiences anyone can face. You may not know what’s happening, how long you can be held, or when you’ll get a chance to speak to a lawyer or see a judge. Understanding your rights and how long law enforcement...
Can You Expunge or Seal a Criminal Record in Florida?
Having a criminal record can follow you for years, affecting your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, apply for a professional license, or even volunteer at your child’s school. But in Florida, certain people may be eligible to seal or expunge their criminal...
What Is Pretrial Diversion and Can You Qualify?
Facing criminal charges in Florida is overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time being arrested or charged with an offense. However, not every case ends in a conviction or even a trial. In certain situations, defendants may have the opportunity to participate in...
How Mental Health and Addiction Are Handled in Criminal Court
Mental health conditions and addiction often make criminal cases more complicated. Courts across Florida are recognizing that simply punishing someone doesn’t always address the root cause of offending behavior. Over time, both statutes and specialized court programs...
Do First-Time Offenders Always Get Leniency?
A common misconception about the criminal justice system is that first-time offenders automatically receive a lighter sentence or a “free pass.” While having no prior record can be a significant advantage, leniency is not guaranteed. In Florida, including Miami-Dade,...






