Criminal Law in Miami

Important information from Brent Horst, Miami criminal law attorney

Most of us have a fairly good understanding of what criminal laws entail, even if we never expect to face charges based on them.  These statutes are applied to punish criminals and protect the public from harm.  Penalties for ignoring them can be relatively minor, as in the case of misdemeanors, or they can mean the loss of liberty and even life, if you are convicted of a felony.

If you find yourself in trouble, Brent Horst and his firm can help.  Having practiced as a Miami criminal attorney for more than 20 years, and with more than 200 cases to his credit, he has both the skill and legal acumen to help you with the following:

• Informing you of your rights under Florida laws
• Preventing those rights from being violated
• Using his experience to mount your defense

Ten must-know Florida statutes and criminal law facts

In Miami, rules surrounding criminal law and its enforcement are complex.  The following are several facts about these laws that you should know:

• In order to enter your home, law enforcement officers must either have your permission, or have probably cause to believe that evidence of a crime can be found there.
• Under most circumstances, you can refuse police officers entry into your home if they do not have a valid warrant.
• You can be charged with drug crimes simply for carrying certain amounts of prescription medication.
• Even a person innocent of the crimes accused can accidentally incriminate themselves by making the wrong statements.
• Possessing anabolic steroids without a valid prescription is considered a third-degree felony under Florida Statute section 893.
• Third degree felonies are punishable by up to five years in a state prison.
• Being arrested and being charged is not the same thing.  It is possible to suffer one, but not the other.
• It is possible to have your Miami criminal defense lawyer contact the prosecutor to negotiate against having charges filed against you.
• Under Florida laws, you have the right to waive your opening statement at a trial.  However, this approach is not typically recommended by criminal law attorneys in Miami.
• All courtrooms in Miami are open to the public.

Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney today

Skillful Miami criminal law attorneys can mean the difference between freedom and incarceration.  If you are charged with drug crimes, sex crimes, or felonies, you need an experienced criminal attorney on your side.  Contact Brent Horst, Attorney at Law, online, or call 305-809-7503.  His law firm is proud to serve clients in Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach, and Miami Dade County.