Half of the country is covered in snow during the winter season, which
is why millions of Americans travel to Florida because it is sunny and
warm all year round. From amusement parks to beaches, there is an abundance
of fun activities in the state.
However, what happens when having too much fun results in an arrest by
local authorities? Not only does being charged with a crime in Florida
ruin your vacation, but could also mean having to travel back-in-forth
from your home and Florida to deal with the criminal proceedings.
If you were arrested for a criminal offense while on vacation in Florida,
it is imperative to obtain legal representation from a local
criminal defense attorney. The main benefit of hiring a local lawyer is he/she can appear
in court on your behalf, which means you don’t have to travel to
Florida for any court appearances.
The following are instances when a lawyer can appear on your behalf:
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You were arrested for a misdemeanor offense – For many misdemeanor crimes, law enforcement may issue a “Promise
to Appear” (PTA), which is not a physical arrest but a technical
one. A PTA enables you to waive your court appearance in writing and allow
your attorney to represent you in court—and even accept a plea deal—on
your behalf. While you are back home and dealing with the daily grind,
your lawyer in Florida can investigate your arrest, collect evidence,
and develop a strong defense strategy to help you get the best outcome possible.
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Your alleged crime is eligible for Pre-Trial Diversion (PTD) – Even if you were arrested for a felony offense, it is possible
to qualify for PTD. If you do qualify, it is possible to waive your presence
for specific matters. But when it comes to trial and other court dates,
attendance might be recommended, rather than required.
Regarding
DUI charges, Florida may issue an Interstate Drivers License Compact to make
sure you appear in court. If you fail to show up for court, your driver’s
license from your home state will be suspended and an arrest warrant will
be issued.
At the
Law Offices of Robert Stepniak, we are committed to helping you get your life back on track after making
a mistake while vacationing in Florida. With nearly two decades of legal
experience, our Daytona Beach criminal defense attorney has helped thousands
of clients obtain favorable results.
For more information about out-of-state crimes,
contact us and schedule a free consultation today.