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Attorneys Defending California Residents Charged with Crimes in Florida

Numerous California residents travel to Florida each year for vacations or business matters, and sometimes, their trips end with criminal charges filed. Musca Law understands the complexities involved in these situations for people living out of state, and we have the experience to handle the proceedings as smoothly as possible. Regardless of the level of charges — from traffic violations to felony offenses — we can help.

We have attorneys licensed in both Florida and California, which provides a unique benefit to our California clients. In many cases, we are able to resolve our California clients’ cases without them having to travel back to Florida. If you live in California and have been charged with a crime in Florida, contact our office now for a consultation with one of our dual-licensed attorneys.

Common Charges for Out-of-State Residents

Whether traveling to Florida for business or a personal getaway, California visitors want to enjoy themselves and take advantage of the state’s many attractions. Unfortunately, law enforcement might become involved in your visit. Even on a brief trip, circumstances can quickly turn, and you might find yourself arrested or facing criminal charges.

Musca Law has seen a range of charges result from Californians’ trips to Florida. Our office has experience defending out-of-state residents against the following types of common charges (among others):

  • Traffic offenses (Speeding, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, etc.)
  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Boating under the influence (BUI)
  • Drug possession (Actual or constructive possession of marijuana, cocaine, prescription drugs, etc.)
  • Solicitation (Solicitation of a prostitute or solicitation of a minor)
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Theft (Shoplifting, petit theft or grand theft)
  • Trespassing
  • Assault
  • Battery
  • Probation violation (Violation of probation associated with prior crime committed while living in or visiting Florida)

It is important not to ignore any of these charges, as Florida prosecutors will not relent. The problem will not go away when you head back to California. We know how to handle cases for California residents in a manner that affects their lives as little as possible. We recognize our clients need timely results, and we work to ease the burdens on them, so they can focus on matters at home.

Florida Warrants and Extradition

If a visitor is not arrested at the scene by a Florida law enforcement officer, a warrant for the person’s arrest might be issued. Depending on the circumstances involved, this might be a misdemeanor warrant or a felony warrant.

  • Misdemeanor warrant – Misdemeanors in Florida are punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. The potential penalties will depend on the level of misdemeanor (second degree, first degree). A misdemeanor warrant might be issued for crimes such as petit theft or driving with a suspended license.
     
  • Felony warrant – Felonies in Florida are punishable by a minimum of one year in prison and fines up to $10,000. The penalties will also depend on the level of felony (third degree, second degree, first degree). A felony warrant might be issued for crimes such as drug possession or grand theft.

In many cases, the accused will know that a warrant is outstanding. However, there are situations in which a visitor will return home, not knowing about the warrant, and he or she will be arrested during a routine traffic stop.

Depending on the nature of the charges, the state might seek extradition back to Florida. These cases might find a person sitting in jail in his or her home state for months while extradition arrangements are made in Florida. Extradition is also an expensive process, the costs of which are often placed back on the defendant. There are options to avoid extradition or to at least speed up the process, so you do not have to wait in jail.

How Musca Law Can Help

Musca Law’s lawyers provide an advantage to California residents with charges pending in Florida because we can assist our clients in both states. If you have been arrested in California and Florida is seeking extradition, we will immediately move for the Florida court to withdraw the warrant so you can be released and return to Florida on your own. This will help you avoid a long and uncertain period of time in jail, as well as the expense and unrest of extradition proceedings.

We can also have one of our California-licensed attorneys petition a judge in your jurisdiction for release on bond. You can then have the opportunity to travel back to Florida voluntarily, rather than by way of extradition. Our office will work with the local prosecutor on your Florida case, as well, to reduce or drop the charges.

Especially if your case does not involve a felony or possible extradition, we can do much of the work on the phone and online. In a lot of cases, we are able to help California residents resolve their Florida charges without having to travel back to Florida. We will request that the court excuse you from any appearances in Florida, which will allow our lawyers to appear for you. This considerably lowers the stress involved in a Florida criminal case when you live in California.

Outside of the logistics of your presence in the state during your Florida proceedings, our office will carefully handle your case from beginning to end. We will fight against the charges to protect your rights and preserve your liberties. When you hire our firm, you can be confident that you have a skilled advocate on your side with experience in both Florida and California. We will work to find the best outcome for you with the least disruption to your life.

Contact Musca Law Today for Your Florida Defense Needs!

If you are a California resident facing criminal charges in Florida, count on Musca Law for your defense needs. Our attorneys collectively have more than 150 years of criminal defense experience, and we provide superior representation to in-state and out-of-state clients. We offer free case consultations and can schedule yours today when you call (888) 484-5057.

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