Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Miramar

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Miramar, Florida?

  The non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Miramar is 954-764-4357.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Miramar, Florida?

  If you require a copy of a police report, you can either go to the Records Unit of the Miramar Police Department at 11765 City Hall Promenade during business hours or send an email to pdrecords@miramarpd.org. The Records Unit typically responds to email requests within one business day.

• What are non-violent drug charges in Miramar?

  Some examples of non-violent drug charges in Miramar are drug possession, drug trafficking, and drug selling. Possession occurs when the police find an illicit drug on someone’s person or when someone exercises control over illicit drugs. Possession with intent is when someone possesses a drug and intends to distribute it to others.

• What is the revocation period for a driver's license after a controlled substance possession conviction in Miramar?

  Pursuant to Fla. Stat. 322.055, any person convicted of possessing a controlled substance in Miramar shall have their driver's license revoked for one year by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. After the revocation period, the person may be eligible to receive a hardship license if they can meet certain requirements.

• Who is eligible to have their criminal record expunged or sealed in Miramar?

  The majority of juvenile records in Miramar are automatically expunged after a certain period. To petition a court to have a record sealed or expunged, a juvenile or adult must first acquire a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. However, it should be noted that several criteria disqualify an individual from obtaining this certificate, such as having a prior sealing or expungement of a criminal record or having been judged guilty of certain criminal offenses.

• Can someone with a criminal record obtain a concealed carry license in Miramar?

  It depends on the nature of the criminal record. If you have a misdemeanor on your record, you must wait three years before obtaining a concealed carry license in Miramar. A person with a felony record, however, is prohibited from having and obtaining a firearm in general.

• Are you required to answer police questions in Miramar?

  No. Individuals have the right to remain silent when questioned by police officers in Miramar. However, law enforcement officials may attempt to persuade individuals to provide information under the guise of eliminating them as potential suspects. They may resort to deception and other tactics to obtain information that can be used against the individual later. Therefore, it is imperative to exercise the right to remain silent and request legal representation.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.