Visiting the state of Florida should be a wonderful experience for out of state residents and tourists. Beautiful beaches, great sports and endless shopping have made Florida an international destination. Although everyone would love to visit Florida and leave without incident, some are not so lucky and get into a situation where a criminal offense is alleged.
For many reasons this can be a huge strain on your ability to go back to your home state or country and move on with your life. An out of state arrest may require multiple court appearances, as well as the necessity of dealing with the penalties that result from a conviction.
With all the negatives that come with a non-resident arrest in Florida, protecting yourself by working with a local criminal defense attorney can make a difficult and complicated situation much simpler and easy to deal with. An attorney can represent you in court and provide professional legal advice during what is likely a very stressful time in your life.
An out of state arrest is always going to be an inconvenient and troublesome situation. It can not only ruin plans and create other short-term issues, it can also come back to haunt you if not taken care of in the proper fashion. Having a Florida criminal defense attorney from Roelke Law will allow you to approach this difficult time in your life with a sense of confidence and security knowing that you are well taken care of.
William Roelke and staff know that the most critical window during the criminal process is the first few days following the arrest, particularly when it comes to out of state defendants, and will act accordingly in a timely and efficient manner. The firm handles every aspect of your case and will appear for you in court if your presence is not required. Proactive as a rule, Roelke Law provides immediate and aggressive representation from the very start.
Located in Jacksonville, the firm proudly represents out of state and international travelers who have been arrested in cities throughout Northeastern Florida. This includes, among many others, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Baldwin, St. Augustine Beach, Orange Park, Green Cove Springs, Keystone Heights and Fernandina Beach.
The firm also offers free and confidential consultation as a way to discuss the facts of your case and possible options going forward. To schedule a time to speak with an attorney, call (904) 354-0333 or send an online message today.
There are some particular offenses usually linked to out of state and tourist arrests while in Florida. Some of the most common of these includes:
DUI – According to Florida Statute §316.193, an individual can be charged with their first driving under the influence (DUI) offense if their blood or breath alcohol concentration (BAC) is over the legal limit or their normal faculties are impaired, and they are in actual physical control of a vehicle on a Florida road.
Disorderly Intoxication – According to §856.011(3)), this offense occurs whenever an individual who has been drinking either 1) puts a person or property in danger or 2) causes a disturbance in a public place or on public transportation.
Resisting Arrest – According to 843.01, whoever knowingly and willfully resists, obstructs, or opposes any officer or other person legally authorized to execute process of any legal duty, by offering or doing violence to the person, is guilty of a felony of the third degree.
Marijuana Possession – According to Fla. Stat. § 893.13, an individual can be charged with this offense if they have actual or constructive possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana. This offense is punishable as a misdemeanor of the first degree.
Robbery – According to Fla. Stat. § 812.13, an individual can be charged with this offense if they forcefully or violently take personal property from another person with the intent to keep that property or permanently deprive the rightful owner of the property. A conviction for this offense can result in a felony of the first or second degree.
Assault – According to Fla. Stat. § 784.011, an individual can be charged with this offense if they intentionally cause violence to another person or threaten violence against another person, cause the person to be fearful of the threatened violence, and the alleged offender must be capable of committing the act of violence. A conviction for this offense can result in a misdemeanor of the second degree.
The following are the potential penalties for various crimes committed in the state of Florida:
Misdemeanor of the Second Degree – A conviction for this offense can result in a jail sentence not more than 60 days and/or a fine up to $500.
Misdemeanor of the First Degree – A conviction for this offense can result in jail term up to one year and/or a fine not more than $1,000.
Felony of the Third Degree – A conviction for an offense in this degree can result in a prison sentence up to five years and/or a fine not more $5,000.
Felony of the Second Degree – A conviction for an offense in this degree can result in a prison sentence up to 15 years and/or a fine not more than $10,000.
Felony of the First Degree – A conviction for an offense in this degree can result in a prison sentence not more than 30 years or life and/or a fine up to $10,000.
If you or a loved one has been arrested while visiting the state of Florida and would like to solve this issue in a way that allows you to go home as soon as possible and move on with your life, call Roelke Law, P.A. today.
Offering comprehensive yet cost-effective service allows the firm to provide a great value while taking responsibility for your entire defense. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses and exhaustively going over relevant documentation and arrest record to spot discrepancies or mistakes.
William proudlyrepresents individuals who have been arrested throughout Northeastern Florida, including Duval County, St. John County, Clay County and Nassau County. To schedule a time to speak with an attorney in the form of a free and confidential consultation, please call (904) 354-0333.
