If you’ve been arrested in Jupiter or the surrounding northern Palm Beach County area, the choices you make in the next few days can shape the rest of your life. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. is a 10-attorney team built from former state prosecutors and former public defenders, with 143+ years of combined criminal defense experience and over 500 combined jury trials. We’ve earned over 1,000 five-star reviews online from clients who once sat where you’re sitting now — scared, uncertain, and unsure who to trust.
Here’s what matters right now: we’ve handled cases from first-time misdemeanors to serious felonies across Palm Beach County courts, including matters heard at the North County Courthouse in Palm Beach Gardens. Our team includes former Broward and Palm Beach County prosecutors who know how the State builds a case — because they used to build them. Call (561) 557-8686 for a free, confidential consultation. We answer 24/7, including weekends.
On This Page:
- What’s at stake
- How we defend your case
- Charges we handle in Jupiter
- Case results and outcomes
- The criminal process in Florida
- Bail and pretrial release
- Local court guide
- What it costs
- Our promise to you
- Frequently asked questions
Key Takeaways
- Florida penalties follow the offense degree under Fla. Stat. § 775.082 — up to 5 years for a third-degree felony, 15 for a second-degree, 30 for a first-degree — and the Criminal Punishment Code scoresheet sets the floor.
- After a DUI arrest, you have 10 days from the notice of suspension to request an FLHSMV review (Fla. Stat. § 322.2615) — a separate track that moves faster than the criminal case.
- Jupiter-area misdemeanor and traffic cases are heard at the North County Courthouse in Palm Beach Gardens; all felonies go to the Main Courthouse in West Palm Beach.
- A withhold of adjudication (Fla. Stat. § 948.01) is not a conviction under Florida law and can preserve sealing eligibility — but federal immigration law may still treat it as a conviction.
- The window that matters most is before the State Attorney’s filing decision — in our documented results, early pre-filing work has led to charges being reduced, dropped, or never filed.
The window that matters most is before the State Attorney’s filing decision — in our documented results, early pre-filing work has led to charges being reduced, dropped, or never filed.
What Are the Real Consequences of a Criminal Charge in Jupiter?
A criminal conviction in Florida follows you long after any sentence ends. Under Fla. Stat. § 775.082, a third-degree felony carries up to 5 years in prison, a second-degree felony up to 15 years, and a first-degree felony up to 30 years — with life exposure on the most serious charges. First-degree misdemeanors carry up to a year in county jail. The penalty you face is driven by the degree of the offense, and Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code scoresheet (§ 921.0024) sets the floor while the statutory degree sets the ceiling.
But prison is only part of the picture. The collateral fallout is often what devastates a person’s life.
A felony conviction strips your right to own a firearm, can end a professional license, and shows up on every background check an employer or landlord runs. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, a plea that seems minor can trigger deportation or bar reentry. These immigration consequences of a conviction can attach even to a “withhold of adjudication” — federal law may treat it as a conviction regardless of what Florida calls it.
Here’s what most people underestimate: the record itself. Even after a case ends, an arrest lives in public databases unless you take legal action to seal or expunge it. That’s a separate process with its own eligibility rules.
One firm-experience insight: in our years of defending clients across northern Palm Beach County, the single most common regret we hear is that people talked to investigators before calling a lawyer. What feels like “clearing things up” almost always hands the State evidence it didn’t have.
If you’re feeling the weight of all this, that’s the right instinct. The relief comes from having a plan. That’s what the next section is about.
How Does the Meltzer & Bell Prosecution File Reversal Work?
We defend criminal cases using a named method we call The Meltzer & Bell Prosecution File Reversal — we take apart the State’s case using the exact playbook our own former prosecutors used to build cases like it. This isn’t a slogan. It’s a five-step process grounded in the fact that several of our attorneys spent years inside the State Attorney’s Office.
Step 1: Prosecution Playbook Deconstruction
Because Lawrence Meltzer, Ari Goldberg, and Danielle Schey prosecuted cases for the State, we read a case file the way the prosecutor assigned to it will. Lawrence Meltzer spent 4+ years as an Assistant State Attorney and Special Unit Prosecutor in Broward County. Ari Goldberg prosecuted hundreds of cases in Palm Beach County’s 15th Judicial Circuit. That insider view lets us anticipate charging decisions and use points most firms discover only after the State moves.
Step 2: Brady Material Extraction
Brady material is evidence the prosecution possesses that tends to show you’re not guilty or undermines its own witnesses — and under Brady v. Maryland, the State is legally required to hand it over. Our former public defenders spent years fighting discovery battles, so we know where exculpatory evidence hides in police reports, lab files, and body-camera footage.
Step 3: Fourth Amendment Suppression Audit
Led by Stephan Dobrinsky’s track record of successful suppression motions, we scrutinize every stop, search, and seizure for constitutional defects. A motion to suppress is a formal request asking the judge to bar illegally obtained evidence from trial. When a traffic stop or search violates the Fourth Amendment, the evidence it produced can be thrown out — which can gut the State’s case before trial begins.
Step 4: Plea Architecture vs. Trial Verdict Calculus
With over 500 combined jury trials behind our team, we don’t negotiate from a position of bluffing. We model realistic trial outcomes first, then use that analysis to push for better plea terms or prepare to try the case.
Step 5: Board-Certified Trial Execution
When resolution requires a jury, our firm includes a Florida Bar Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney — a distinction fewer than 1% of Florida lawyers hold. Most defense firms simply cannot put that credential in front of a jury.
Not sure where your case fits in this process? That’s exactly what a free consultation is for. No pressure, no obligation — just honest answers about your options. Call (561) 557-8686.
What Types of Criminal Charges Do We Defend in Jupiter?
We handle the full range of criminal matters, from traffic offenses to life felonies. Below are the practice areas we defend across Jupiter and northern Palm Beach County, each with its own dedicated page.
DUI and Alcohol-Related Charges
DUI under Fla. Stat. § 316.193 means driving with your normal faculties impaired, or with a breath or blood alcohol level of .08 or higher. A first conviction carries up to 6 months in jail and a $500–$1,000 fine, rising to 9 months and a steeper fine with a BAC of .15 or higher or a minor in the vehicle. A third DUI within 10 years of a prior becomes a third-degree felony. Our DUI defense work covers breath-test challenges, field sobriety issues, and the administrative license fight. Learn more about our approach to DUI defense.
Drug Crimes
From simple possession to trafficking with mandatory minimums, drug charges carry hidden consequences. A drug conviction triggers a driver license suspension under Fla. Stat. § 322.055 — for 6 months, or until you complete a DCF-approved treatment program — even when no vehicle was involved.
Violent Crimes and Assault or Battery
Assault under Fla. Stat. § 784.011 is an intentional threat that puts someone in fear of imminent violence — no touching required. Battery under Fla. Stat. § 784.03 is actual, unwanted physical contact. A second battery conviction becomes a felony. Partner Stephan Dobrinsky has secured Stand Your Ground dismissals in serious violent-crime cases.
Other Charges We Handle
- Sex crimes — allegations carrying prison and lifetime registration exposure
- Domestic violence — including firearm and no-contact consequences (domestic violence defense)
- White collar and economic crimes — fraud, embezzlement (embezzlement defense)
- Theft and property crimes — the felony line in Florida is $750 under Fla. Stat. § 812.014
- Federal crimes — investigated by agencies like the FBI or DEA (federal defense)
- Weapon crimes — including felon-in-possession under Fla. Stat. § 790.23
- Juvenile crime — handled through the juvenile justice system
- Traffic crimes — reckless driving, DWLS, and hit-and-run (the traffic stop)
Whatever you’re facing, our team has defended it before. See our full range of criminal defense services.
What Outcomes Has Our Firm Achieved in Criminal Cases?
Past results never guarantee future outcomes, but they show what focused defense work can accomplish. The table below reflects real, documented results from cases our firm has handled in Palm Beach County.
| Charge | Result | Case Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 4th DUI Crash + Leaving the Scene (Felony) | Reduced to misdemeanor, no jail | Negotiated a resolution combining treatment and house arrest; client avoided a felony conviction (Palm Beach, 2018) |
| DUI (Fifth Offense, Felony) | No jail | Initial offer was 9 months county jail; mitigation documents helped secure house arrest instead (Palm Beach, 2018) |
| DUI, Possession of Marijuana, Paraphernalia | DUI dismissed, charges reduced | A 3-page pre-filing letter convinced the State to drop the DUI and drug charges (Palm Beach, 2014) |
| DUI (single charge) | Charges dropped, no conviction | Firm filed appearance and pre-filing letter within 24 hours; State declined to file (Palm Beach, 2014) |
One number worth remembering: the average all-in cost of a DUI is approximately $10,000 when you account for fines, fees, and insurance increases (NHTSA). Early, aggressive defense is not an expense — it’s how you protect against the far larger cost of getting it wrong.
Court deadlines move fast. The longer you wait, the fewer options remain. Call (561) 557-8686 to understand where you stand.
How Does the Criminal Case Process Work in Florida?
A Florida criminal case moves through predictable stages, and knowing them helps you act at the right moments. The process runs from arrest through arraignment, discovery, pretrial motions, and either a plea or trial — and roughly 90% to 95% of criminal cases resolve by plea rather than trial.
Arraignment is your first formal court appearance, where you hear the charges and enter a plea. In Florida, this often happens shortly after arrest or by mail through your attorney.
Here’s the typical sequence:
- Arrest and booking — you’re taken into custody and processed
- First appearance — within 24 hours, a judge reviews probable cause and sets bond
- Filing decision — the State Attorney decides what charges, if any, to formally file
- Arraignment — you enter a plea
- Discovery — both sides exchange evidence, including any Brady material
- Pretrial motions — including motions to suppress or dismiss
- Plea negotiation or trial — resolution by agreement or before a jury
The filing decision stage is where early defense work pays off most. In several of our documented case results, a well-timed pre-filing letter to the State Attorney’s Office led to charges being dropped or never filed at all. Our firm walks you through this whole sequence — see our overview of the Florida criminal process.
How long does a criminal case take in Florida? Most misdemeanor cases resolve in a few months, while serious felonies can take a year or more. The timeline depends on charge complexity, discovery disputes, and whether the case goes to trial. Having counsel does not lengthen the process — it shapes what you receive at the end of it.
What Are Your Rights After a Jupiter Arrest?
You have constitutional protections the moment you’re detained, and using them is not an admission of guilt. Under the Fifth Amendment, you have the right to remain silent, and under the Sixth Amendment, you have the right to an attorney — police must read your Miranda rights before a custodial interrogation, and statements taken without them may be suppressed.
Miranda rights are the warnings police must give before questioning someone in custody: the right to stay silent and the right to a lawyer. If officers skip them and question you anyway, your defense attorney can move to keep those statements out of court.
The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. If PBSO deputies or Jupiter Police searched your car, home, or phone without a valid warrant, consent, or legal exception, the evidence they found may be challengeable. This is where Stephan Dobrinsky’s suppression work comes in — a defective stop can unravel the State’s entire case.
What should you do right after an arrest? Say as little as possible, ask for a lawyer, and do not consent to searches. Politely declining to answer questions is your constitutional right and cannot be used against you at trial. Then call a defense attorney before making any statement or decision.
How Do Bail and Pretrial Release Work in Palm Beach County?
After a Jupiter arrest, a judge decides at your first appearance whether you’ll be released and on what terms. Florida judges can order release on cash bail, a surety bond through a bondsman, or release on your own recognizance (ROR) for lower-level offenses — and bond amounts follow a county schedule that a judge can adjust up or down.
For certain charges, the State may demand a Nebbia hearing — a proceeding requiring you to prove the money used for bond came from a legitimate source before you can post it. This catches many families off guard. We handle these hearings and can prepare the documentation the court requires. Read more about Nebbia hearings.
| Release Type | How It Works | Best For
|
|---|---|---|
| Own Recognizance (ROR) | Released on a promise to appear, no money down | First-time, low-level offenses |
| Cash Bail | Full bond amount paid to the court | Cases with available funds |
| Surety Bond | Bondsman posts bond for a fee (typically 10%) | When cash isn’t available |
| Nebbia Hold | Bond set but funds source must be proven | Drug and financial cases |
Getting release terms right early keeps you out of jail while your case is pending — and lets you help build your own defense.
Defending in the 15th Judicial Circuit: Your Local Court Guide
Criminal cases arising in Jupiter are prosecuted in Palm Beach County’s 15th Judicial Circuit. Misdemeanor and traffic matters from the Jupiter area are typically heard at the North County Courthouse at 3188 PGA Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens, while felonies are heard at the Main Courthouse in West Palm Beach.
Knowing the local terrain matters. Jupiter sits along the I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike corridors, and traffic-related stops on these routes and along Indiantown Road generate a steady stream of DUI and drug arrests. Arrests in town involve the Jupiter Police Department and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, and cases funnel into the 15th Circuit’s intake and filing units in West Palm Beach.
Because Ari Goldberg and Danielle Schey both prosecuted in Palm Beach County, we know how this circuit’s State Attorney’s Office evaluates and files cases. That familiarity shapes how and when we approach the filing attorney — often the difference between a charge being filed as written or reduced before arraignment. For a fuller picture of the agencies involved, see our list of local law enforcement agencies.
Key insight: in our experience, the northern Palm Beach County intake process gives an engaged defense attorney a genuine window to influence charging before formal filing. That window closes fast, which is why the first 48 hours after arrest carry so much weight.
Can You Clear a Criminal Record After the Case Ends?
In many situations, yes — Florida law allows qualifying records to be sealed or expunged, restoring employment and housing opportunities. Under Fla. Stat. § 943.059, a record can be sealed if you’ve never been adjudicated guilty of any offense, and under Fla. Stat. § 943.0585, charges that were dismissed, dropped, or ended in acquittal may be expunged — both require an FDLE certificate of eligibility and are one-time relief.
Withhold of adjudication under Fla. Stat. § 948.01 is when a judge imposes probation without formally convicting you — you’re not adjudicated guilty under Florida law, which can preserve sealing eligibility later. This is one reason how a case resolves matters as much as whether it resolves.
Certain offenses are permanently ineligible for sealing or expunction under Fla. Stat. § 943.0584, including sexual offenses and enumerated violent felonies. An adjudicated conviction can never be expunged. We evaluate your eligibility as part of the overall defense strategy — learn more about record sealing and expungement.
What Does a Jupiter Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?
Cost is one of the first things people worry about, and we believe in being straight with you. Your first consultation is free and confidential, and we discuss the fee structure in writing during that first call — many criminal matters are handled on a flat fee so you know the total cost upfront.
We also offer payment plans to make representation accessible. During your consultation, we’ll walk through your specific situation and explain exactly what your defense would involve and cost — no surprises.
Going without a lawyer is rarely the cheaper path. The cost of a conviction — lost job opportunities, license consequences, a permanent record — almost always exceeds the cost of mounting a proper defense. And if you’ve already received an offer from the State, an early plea without counsel often locks in consequences you didn’t fully understand.
Worried it’s too late or your case isn’t “serious enough”? We don’t gatekeep. Every consultation is a real conversation about what you’re facing. Call (561) 557-8686 — we answer 24/7.
Our Three Promises to You
When you hire our firm, you get more than a name on a card. We make three concrete commitments:
We answer, and we answer fast. You can reach us 24/7, including weekends. When you call about a fresh arrest, we move quickly — several of our documented results came from filing an appearance and contacting the State within 24 hours.
An experienced attorney handles your case. Our team includes former prosecutors, former public defenders, and a Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney. You’re represented by lawyers who have tried cases to verdict, not passed off to an inexperienced associate.
We tell you the truth. No inflated promises. We give you an honest read on your exposure, your options, and the realistic range of outcomes — even when it’s not what you hoped to hear.
Our firm has been featured on WPTV, WPEC, and CBS News for our work on high-profile criminal matters, and we hold recognition including AV Preeminent ratings and Super Lawyers selections. But the credential that matters most is the trust of the 1,000+ clients who’ve left us five-star reviews.
Meet Your Criminal Defense Team
Our attorneys have built cases as prosecutors and fought them as public defenders.
- Steven Bell — Shareholder and former Broward County public defender with over 20 years of criminal defense experience, having defended thousands of clients across Florida.
- Lawrence Meltzer — Shareholder and former Broward County Assistant State Attorney and Special Unit Prosecutor, bringing insider knowledge of prosecution strategy to DUI and felony defense.
- Ari Goldberg — Shareholder and former Palm Beach County prosecutor who tried multiple felonies and now handles complex matters including DUI Manslaughter and Vehicular Homicide.
- Stephan Dobrinsky — Partner with 13+ years of experience, focused on Fourth Amendment suppression motions and Stand Your Ground defenses, with a record of dismissals and acquittals.
- Whitney Duteau — Partner and Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney (Florida Bar, 2025) with over a decade of exclusive criminal defense experience and a history of unlikely acquittals.
Our full 10-attorney team, including former prosecutors and public defenders with over 143 years of combined experience, stands ready to defend your case. Learn more about the whole firm on our main criminal defense page.
The information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contact a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation.
Take the First Step Toward Your Defense
Every day that passes after an arrest is a day the State can use to strengthen its case while your options narrow. If you’re facing charges anywhere in Jupiter or northern Palm Beach County — including matters headed to the North County Courthouse — the time to act is now.
Meltzer & Bell, P.A. offers a free, confidential consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney. We’ll listen to your situation, explain your options, and discuss the fee structure openly. Call (561) 557-8686 today — we answer 24/7 — or contact us online to schedule your free case review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I go to jail for a criminal charge in Jupiter?
Not necessarily. Whether you face jail depends on the charge, your record, and how the case is defended. In several documented cases, our firm negotiated resolutions involving probation, house arrest, or treatment instead of jail — including a fifth-offense DUI where the initial offer was 9 months in county jail. Under Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code, the scoresheet sets the minimum and many first-time and lower-level offenses allow non-jail outcomes.
How much does a Jupiter criminal defense lawyer cost?
Your first consultation is free and confidential. Many criminal matters are handled on a flat fee so you know the total cost upfront, and we offer payment plans to make representation accessible. We discuss the exact fee structure in writing during your first call. Contingency fees do not apply to criminal cases, so you’ll always know your costs before moving forward.
What should I do immediately after being arrested?
Stay silent, ask for a lawyer, and do not consent to any searches. Under the Fifth and Sixth Amendments, you have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel. Politely declining to answer questions cannot be used against you at trial. Then call a defense attorney before making any statement — early intervention can influence the State’s filing decision.
How long do I have to challenge a DUI license suspension?
Florida law generally gives a driver 10 days after the notice of suspension is issued to request a formal or informal review with FLHSMV under Fla. Stat. § 322.2615. In breath-test and refusal cases the DUI citation serves as that notice at arrest; in blood-test cases the notice arrives later by mail. The suspension begins on the notice date, requesting review does not by itself stop it, and the temporary permit expires at midnight of the 10th day.
Can the police search my car without a warrant?
Sometimes, but only under specific exceptions such as consent, probable cause, or a search incident to arrest. Under the Fourth Amendment, searches without a valid warrant, consent, or legal exception may be unlawful. If deputies searched your vehicle improperly, your attorney can file a motion to suppress the evidence, which can significantly weaken or gut the State’s case.
What’s the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Florida?
A felony carries more than one year of potential prison time and severe collateral consequences, while a misdemeanor carries up to one year in county jail. Under Fla. Stat. § 775.082, felony exposure ranges from up to 5 years (third-degree) to 30 years or life. Felonies also strip firearm rights and can end professional licenses, so the classification matters enormously.
Can I get my criminal record sealed or expunged?
Possibly. Under Fla. Stat. § 943.059, records can be sealed if you were never adjudicated guilty of any offense, and under Fla. Stat. § 943.0585, dismissed or acquitted charges may be expunged. Both require an FDLE certificate of eligibility and are one-time relief. Certain offenses are permanently ineligible under Fla. Stat. § 943.0584, so eligibility should be reviewed case by case.
Do I really need a lawyer if I plan to plead guilty?
Yes. Even if you intend to resolve the case, an attorney can often negotiate reduced charges, a withhold of adjudication, or alternatives to jail that a self-represented person would never be offered. A withhold under Fla. Stat. § 948.01 can preserve your record and future sealing eligibility. Pleading guilty without counsel frequently locks in consequences people don’t fully understand.
Where will my Jupiter criminal case be heard?
It depends on the charge. Misdemeanor and traffic matters from the Jupiter area are generally heard at the North County Courthouse at 3188 PGA Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens, while felonies are heard at the Main Courthouse in West Palm Beach. All cases proceed through Palm Beach County’s 15th Judicial Circuit.
How long will my criminal case take?
Most misdemeanor cases resolve within a few months, while serious felonies can take a year or longer depending on complexity, discovery disputes, and whether the case goes to trial. Roughly 90% to 95% of criminal cases resolve by plea rather than trial. Having an attorney does not lengthen the process — it shapes the outcome.
What happens if I can’t afford bail?
You have options. Florida judges can order release on your own recognizance for lower-level offenses, or you can use a surety bond through a bondsman who posts bond for a fee. For some drug and financial cases, a Nebbia hearing may require you to prove your bond funds came from a legitimate source. We can help present the documentation the court requires.
Does the firm handle federal criminal charges?
Yes. Our firm defends federal cases investigated by agencies like the FBI, DEA, and ATF, which typically carry harsher penalties than state charges. Federal matters involve different procedures, sentencing guidelines, and mandatory minimums. Our attorneys have federal court experience and can defend charges ranging from drug conspiracy to fraud.
