How a Florida Trooper’s Law Defense Lawyer Can Help You Fight a Felony Animal Restraint Charge
Trooper’s Law is one of the most aggressively enforced new animal protection laws in Florida. Passed in 2025 in response to tragedies during past hurricane seasons, the law raises the stakes for pet owners by making it a felony to leave a dog restrained outdoors during a declared state of emergency.
Many people charged under Trooper’s Law are not criminals. They are ordinary Floridians who tried to act responsibly during a chaotic event—only to face felony prosecution afterward. I have represented clients across Florida who were shocked to find themselves accused of animal cruelty when they believed they had done their best.
The reality is, prosecutors are under pressure to enforce this law harshly, and police often make snap judgments. That’s why it’s critical to understand how the law works, what defenses may apply, and how hiring a private criminal defense attorney can protect your rights and your future.
Florida Trooper’s Law Frequently Asked Questions
What is Trooper’s Law and why is it now a felony?
Trooper’s Law, formally known as Senate Bill 150, makes it a third-degree felony to knowingly leave a dog tethered, caged, or otherwise restrained outside and unattended during a declared state of emergency. The law was passed after a dog named “Trooper” died while restrained during a hurricane. A felony conviction under this law can result in up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine. The goal of the law is to protect animals, but the impact on people facing these charges is severe and permanent.
Does Trooper’s Law apply if I evacuated before the emergency was declared?
Timing matters. If you left home before the Governor issued the emergency declaration, you may have a valid defense. Prosecutors must prove you knowingly left your dog restrained during the actual state of emergency. Travel records, receipts, and communications can help demonstrate that you were already gone and unaware of the declaration. These details can make a major difference in your case.
What if I tried to evacuate with my dog but couldn’t?
Many people make every effort to bring their pets, but emergencies don’t always go as planned. If you ran into roadblocks, shelter restrictions, or transportation problems, and you can show that you intended to care for your pet, those facts matter. Proof such as shelter policies, blocked roads, or medical issues can support a defense based on impossibility. This is where legal counsel becomes essential—to present your full story.
Can I be charged with more than one crime under Trooper’s Law?
Yes. In many cases, prosecutors file multiple charges based on the same event. You could face a charge under Trooper’s Law and additional charges under Florida Statutes §828.12 (animal cruelty) or §828.13 (confinement without care). These charges can stack and increase your risk of prison time. A private attorney can work to reduce the charges, fight for dismissals, or negotiate one consolidated resolution.
Will judges go easy on first-time offenders?
Not necessarily. Because Trooper’s Law is new, prosecutors and judges may take an aggressive stance to “send a message.” However, with the right legal strategy, many first-time offenders may be eligible for reduced charges, pretrial diversion, or probation. The key is presenting strong mitigation and showing that you acted in good faith during an emergency.
What if police came onto my property without a warrant?
Your constitutional rights still apply. If officers entered private property without a valid warrant or without emergency justification, your attorney can challenge the legality of the search. Evidence gathered illegally may be suppressed, which could lead to dismissal of the charges. We review every detail of the law enforcement response to ensure your rights weren’t violated.
Does Trooper’s Law require proof that I intended to harm the animal?
No. The statute focuses on whether you knowingly left your dog restrained outside during a declared emergency. The law doesn’t require prosecutors to show malice, only that you left the dog in those conditions during the restricted timeframe. That’s why many cases turn on proving that you didn’t “knowingly” do so—or that you made reasonable arrangements but something went wrong beyond your control.
What if I arranged for someone else to take care of my dog?
That’s an important defense. If you made plans for a neighbor, friend, or family member to check on your dog or take them in, and they failed to follow through, that may show you did not knowingly abandon the dog. Documented communication, such as text messages or emails, can help support your defense. We’ve won dismissals using exactly this kind of evidence.
Could I lose my job or license if convicted?
Yes. A third-degree felony conviction can have major collateral consequences. You may lose professional licenses, face restrictions on firearms, be disqualified from certain careers, and appear in criminal databases or background checks. Many of these consequences are permanent. That’s why we fight to avoid any felony record whenever possible.
Should I hire a private Florida Trooper’s Law Defense Lawyer if this is my first charge?
Absolutely. Even if prosecutors seem open to leniency, you need someone on your side who knows how to protect your record and your rights. These charges are serious. Without a private attorney, you could face prison time, a felony conviction, or lifelong consequences. We work to secure dismissals, reduced charges, or probation-based outcomes before things spiral.
Being charged under Florida’s Trooper’s Law can feel overwhelming. You may feel judged before you’ve had a chance to explain yourself. The public sees headlines, but the court sees evidence—and that’s where we focus.
As your defense attorney, I bring your side of the story forward. I understand the chaos that comes with evacuations, and I know how quickly prosecutors move to punish people under this new law. If you’re facing a felony animal restraint charge, the best move you can make is hiring an experienced private attorney who can act immediately, investigate thoroughly, and fight for the best possible outcome.
This law is new. There are still legal questions about how it’s applied. You do not have to be the test case prosecutors use to send a message.
Call Our Florida Trooper’s Law Defense Lawyer Today
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Musca Law, P.A. has a team of experienced criminal defense attorneys dedicated to defending people charged with a criminal or traffic offense. We are available 24/7/365 at 1-888-484-5057 for your FREE consultation.
We have over 30 office locations across the state and serve every county in Florida, including Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Hialeah, Port St. Lucie, Cape Coral, Tallahassee, Fort Lauderdale, and the Florida Panhandle.
The sooner you call, the sooner we can start building your defense.