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,...
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Russell A. Spatz
of The Miami-dade State Attorney
Miami Criminal Law Blog
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,...
Most Common Criminal Charges in Miami and How to Handle Them
Miami is a vibrant city known for its beaches, nightlife, and cultural diversity. But with such a fast-paced environment, it’s also a place where criminal charges frequently arise. Whether it’s a local resident facing an arrest or a tourist caught in an unexpected...
Understanding the Juvenile Justice Process in Florida
When a young person is accused of breaking the law, their case is handled very differently from that of an adult. Florida’s juvenile justice system is designed with rehabilitation in mind, aiming to help minors learn from mistakes and reduce the likelihood of...
Is It True That “If the Victim Doesn’t Press Charges, the Case Goes Away”?
This is one of the most common misconceptions in criminal law and one that can lead to serious confusion or false hope. You may have heard someone say, “If the victim doesn’t want to press charges, the case gets dropped.” While that might sound logical, it’s not how...
What Happens at an Arraignment in Florida?
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Florida, one of the first formal steps in your case is the arraignment. It may sound intimidating, but an arraignment is simply a hearing where the court officially informs you of the charges against you and asks how you wish to...






