Miami Beach is a world-renowned tourist destination for New Year's Eve. But with all the fun comes a number of potential criminal problems. DUI, disorderly intoxication, just to name a few.
If you are visiting Miami or Fort Lauderdale, an arrest can pose a number of problems. You will be given a court date, which means you may have to return to Miami-Dade County to address your case.
However, if you retain a criminal defense attorney, your physical presence in court may be able to be waived.
The point is, police are out in full force on New Year's Eve in Miami, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. If you are arrested, it can not only ruin your vacation, it could ruin your life.
Once you are out of custody, the first thing you need to do is consult with a criminal lawyer to see what can be done to best defend yourself against harmful allegations.
If you have been charged with a DUI - time is of the essence. Your only have 10 days to preserve your driving privilege. Even if you do not have a Florida driver's license, your home state license can be suspended for a Florida DUI.
New Year's Eve is a time for celebration with friends and family, but a good time can very easily turn into a nightmare. Don't try to navigate the criminal court process on your own!
If you or a loved one were arrested in Miami, Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, or anywhere in the Greater Miami-Dade/Broward County area on New Year's Eve 2017, call me to discuss your options.
Eric Matheny is a former Miami-Dade prosecutor. He practices criminal defense exclusively and serves clients in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach.