Miami-Dade County boasts an array of Cinco De Mayo activities. While driving through Miami yesterday afternoon, I saw about a dozen bars and restaurants setting up for the night’s events. There were giant inflatable Corona bottles, stages, Mexican-themed decorations. All in the hopes of attracting large crowds and selling serious quantities of alcohol.
With all that alcohol invariably comes trouble. Common Cinco De Mayo arrests include DUI and disorderly intoxication. However, all manners of misdemeanors and felonies that are alcohol related are fair game.
As far as DUI is concerned, checkpoints may have been in effect last night. If you drive through a DUI checkpoint, officers may make DUI arrests if they suspect that you are driving while impaired. Checkpoints are also an opportunity for officers to arrest you for other driving offenses, such as driving while license suspended (DWLS) and no valid driver’s license (NVDL).
Police presence is always heavy on the evening of May 5, into the early morning hours of May 6.
If you were arrested for a felony on May 5 or May 6, expect an arraignment date during the first week of June. If arrested or issued a PTA (promise to appear) for a misdemeanor, expect an arraignment date during the first to second week of June.
Knowing when your court date is will drastically reduce the chances of getting a bench warrant. You may check your case status online to see when you must appear.
If you retain a private attorney, you may not have to appear at your arraignment.
Eric Matheny is a Miami criminal lawyer and Broward criminal lawyer. If you or a loved one were arrested on May 5, 2014, or May 6, 2014, in the Miami or Fort Lauderdale area, call Attorney Eric Matheny to discuss your case.