What to Know about the Florida Arrest Process

Even if you do not consider the charges to be serious, an arrest is stressful. Police have a duty to protect the public, but they also have a duty to respect your rights when they arrest you. Most states follow similar guidelines when it comes to the arrest procedure, but if police arrest you in Florida, it is important to have an understanding of what the process will entail.

If police arrest you, it may be useful to contact an experienced Glades County criminal lawyer. A skilled attorney will have comprehensive knowledge of local laws, and he or she can defend your rights throughout the legal process.

The Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, P.A. is a respected Florida law firm that always puts its clients first. Mr. Raheb can assess your case and develop a comprehensive defense strategy. He can also help you avoid making key mistakes that could compromise your interests.

Even if you think the charges are not serious, the justice system can be unpredictable. Call us today at 866-949-0888 to schedule an appointment, and read on for more information regarding arrests in Florida.

The Florida Arrest Process

As in most states, police in Florida must have some form of probable cause before they can arrest someone. Probable cause generally means that officers have a good reason to believe the suspect is guilty, according to Online Sunshine. In these cases, a police officer needs to obtain a warrant to arrest a suspect.

There are certain circumstances when an officer does not need a warrant, including if he or she witnesses someone committing a crime. Regardless of the circumstances or the charges, police must inform the person they are arresting that he or she has a right to consult with a lawyer and does not have to talk to investigators. These Miranda rights form a key component of the U.S. Constitution, and some judges may throw a case out of court if police do not advise the suspect of these rights.

Police will then book the arrested suspect in a prison or detention center. They will take fingerprints and photograph the suspect, and it is likely that they will examine the suspect’s background and criminal record.

Bail Process

Florida suspects appear in court within 48 hours of arrest, according to Florida Statutes. At this stage, a judge will appoint an attorney to defend the suspect if he or she does not already have one.

The judge will also determine if there was probable cause for the arrest and may set bail. Once the suspect pays the bail, he or she is free to go, but the suspect must return on a date determined by the court.

Regardless of the criminal charges that you are facing, a Glades County criminal attorney may be able to provide invaluable insight. The Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, P.A. can help you develop a defense to your criminal charges, and we can defend your rights throughout the legal process. Call us today at 866-949-0888 to schedule an appointment.