From West Palm Beach to Miami, tourists and visitors love to come to Southeast Florida to experience the sunny surroundings on a vacation or business trip. Unfortunately, sometimes the vacation is abruptly cut short by a criminal arrest or citation. If you find yourself in legal trouble in Florida, we can help you resolve the charges and put this experience and memory behind you.
Common offenses that ensnare out of town visitors to Southeast Florida revolve around the tourist nightlife and alcohol. These include DUI, disorderly intoxication, disorderly conduct, bar fights (battery or assault), domestic disputes, and controlled substance possession, among other serious crimes. What ever you may be facing, the team at Meltzer & Bell, P.A. can help you maneuver the legal system in a state in which you don’t reside.
Palm Beach Tourist Lawyer
You may have issues getting out of jail with no loved ones nearby or determining what to do after you have been bailed out and return home. Call us at (561) 557-8686 for a no-obligation, free consultation. Our goal is to limit the case’s impact in your life by resolving any outstanding warrant, setting appropriate court dates for your schedule, waiving the need for your appearance in Florida, and reducing or dismissing charges against you.
Call us today if you have been arrested in the tourist beach havens of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, or any of the surrounding areas.
Information for Visitor Arrests
Out of Town Arrest – Misdemeanor Offense
With a misdemeanor charge in Florida, which includes DUI, possession of small amounts of marijuana, simple battery, assault, and disorderly conduct, you shall not be imprisoned for greater than one year. If you are a first-time offender, we will heavily stress your lack of criminal background in order to get the case dismissed or adjudicated without a finding of guilt.
With documents including a Written Waiver of Appearance by Defendant and power of attorney, Meltzer & Bell, P.A. can represent you through the entire court proceedings without your returning to Florida.
The prosecutors in your case may allow you to access pre-trial diversion in which you do not enter a guilty plea, but complete a probationary period, pay a fine, attend counseling or a class, or some other punishment, until the charges are dismissed entirely. DUI cases are not eligible for pre-trial intervention in Palm Beach County.
Out of Town Arrest – Felony Offense
Felony offenses are more serious and carry a greater likelihood of prison time. In no instance should you admit defeat, however, as a competent criminal defense lawyer may be able to secure a lesser charge or work with the prosecutor to endorse probation rather than prison time. A prison sentence greater than one year must be served in a Florida penitentiary.
Examples of felony offenses include: cocaine possession, oxycodone possession, marijuana distribution, aggravated assault, battery, resisting an officer with violence, grand theft, and burglary.
For felony offenses, Meltzer & Bell, P.A. is able to represent an out of state visitor without the need to appear in Florida up to a certain point. The judge may require the defendant to be present for trial.
Experienced Southeast Florida Defense Firm Handling Out of Town Visitor Arrests
The criminal justice system is a formidable opponent no matter the situation. If you find yourself facing charges in another state, you do not have to go it alone. Let us represent you in Florida so that the incident that occurred on your trip does not follow you home or force you to return to handcuffs.
Time is of the essence for out of state visitors as a court date or warrant may be imminent. Call us today at (561) 557-8686 for a free consultation and put your case into the hands of Meltzer & Bell, P.A..