People think that getting arrested is a cut-and-dried proposition. Cops slap handcuffs on your, you are taken to a police station and booked, and then you have to post a bond to get released.
It is not always that straightforward.
In the State of Florida, police officers may issue you a Promise to Appear (PTA), also known as a Notice to Appear or Criminal Citation, for most non-violent misdemeanor offenses, as well as criminal traffic offenses, such as No Valid Drivers License (NVDL) and Driving While License Suspended (DWLS).
If you are issued a Promise to Appear or a Criminal Citation, make no mistake about it - you HAVE been arrested.
This is a criminal charge for which a court appearance is required. This is not some traffic ticket that you can just pay.
Failure to appear in court will result in the issuance of a warrant for your arrest.
If you are arrested - be it physically or through the issuance of a Promise To Appear - you need to take the proper steps to ensure that your reputation, freedom, and criminal record are protected.
Eric Matheny is a criminal defense attorney serving Clients in South Florida. Contact Attorney Eric Matheny to discuss your case.