Charged With A Crime? We're Ready To Fight.
You Have Been Arrested: Now What?
If you are like many people charged with a crime, it is your first experience on this side of the law. Not only is being arrested and charged with a crime stressful, but not knowing what comes next can cause a great deal of anxiety. When you know what to expect, you can be better prepared to move forward and do what needs to be done.
Categories of Crime
In Florida and elsewhere, there are two categories of crime: misdemeanors and felonies.
A misdemeanor is a lesser offense. The penalties for this class of crime are less than a year in prison, fines, community service, or some combination of the three.
A felony is a serious offense. These crimes include murder, kidnapping, robbery, domestic violence, and arson. The penalty for these crimes is at least a single year in prison, hefty fines, or a combination of the two. Some crimes may be classified as a misdemeanor but be “bumped” to a felony depending on the specific set of circumstances.
Arrested and Booked
When you are arrested, you will be taken to the police station or jail in many cases. You will be booked. This process includes being photographed and having your fingerprints taken. Your phone will be confiscated along with most of your belongings, and you will be required to pay a certain amount of money to be released from custody.
Arraignment
The next step in the process is your arraignment. This must occur within a certain time frame. If you have not been able to post bail, your arraignment may be sooner than if you had. During the arraignment, you are asked to enter a plea.
- Mute plea: you may enter a mute plea in place of a not guilty plea. You are not admitting to the correctness of the process.
- No contest: you do not admit guilt, but you do not admit to the charges.
- Not guilty: you are claiming that you did not commit the crime.
- Guilty: you accept the facts as presented and you concur that you committed the crime.
Trial
If you plead anything other than guilty, you will move forward to trial. This will take place within 175 days of your arrest in most cases. During this time, you and your attorney may attempt a plea bargain. If an agreement cannot be reached, you will appear at trial.
If you have been arrested for a crime, our expert criminal defense attorneys are here to fight for your rights. Call our offices now for your free case evaluation. We are ready to defend you in court.
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Decades of Trusted Service. Hundreds of Grateful Voices.
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“David Katz sets the standard by which all other defense attorney's must measure. He not only knows his craft and has the experience to back it up, he relishes forcing his opponents to follow the law towards the best outcome for his clients.”- Karate K.
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“Christine Vazquez took on our case with a 24hr commitment. She put everything on the line to hold the judicial system accountable.”- Phil W.
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“I can’t thank attorneys Christine Vazquez and David Katz enough for the incredible job they did on my DUI case.”- Gabriel H.
Why Hire Katz & Phillips?
Some important reasons to secure experienced representation include:
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Board-Certified* Attorneys
Our founding attorneys are two of three board-certified* DUI defense lawyers in the state.
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Former Prosecution Experience
As former prosecutors, we bring an invaluable perspective and skillset to every case.
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High Success Rate in Criminal Defense
With a 90%+ success rate, our proven track record of success speaks for itself.
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Decades of Experience
With more than 10,000 cases handled, our advocates are well versed in criminal law to help you navigate your case with care and efficiency.
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Always Responsive
Our team is available to take your call and address any questions or concerns you have.
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Financing Available
The last thing you need during a criminal case is financial stress. Our firm offers financing with no credit check required.
Meet Your Dedicated Defense Team
Led by two of Florida's Board-Certified* DUI Experts, Our attorneys bring together more than 50 years of success, defending clients across Florida against criminal and DUI charges.
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DUI Charges Reduced
The court deemed all other conditions satisfied so M.A. did not have to go on probation at all and walked out of courthouse with a fine and fees to pay, and the case behind her.
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Case Dismissed
J.A.R. had had a previous DUI conviction and was facing mandatory jail time if convicted of this offense. In reviewing the discovery provided by the state, our team found several issues with the police investigation, and realized that our clients’ rights had been violated.
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All Charges Dropped
In reviewing the evidence provided by the State our team realized that T.R.’s rights had been violated when she was immediately illegally arrested by the Trooper. Further, there were many other errors made by the Trooper which would result in the evidence gathered being suppressed.
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All Charges Dropped
In this case, our client, R.H., was out with friends. A family member who was angry with him tracked his location by tracking his cell phone, called the police, told them he was very drunk, and led the police right to his car. The officers stopped his car and eventually arrested him.
Our Case Results
Two of Florida’s only Board-Certified* DUI Defense experts fighting for you.
- DUI Charges Reduced
- Case Dismissed
- All Charges Dropped
- All Charges Dropped
