Out-of-State Offenders

When a person is arrested away from his or her home state, it could feel like an overwhelming experience. He or she could be confused about the next step in the criminal process and choosing the best way to handle the charges. Whether you were arrested at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa International Airport or anywhere else in the Tampa Bay area, you have options.

As a tourist, out-of-state visitor or an international citizen, there are certain ways you can deal with Florida charges. You may be able to waive your presences in court or even satisfy the penalties associated with the charges from your home state. A St. Petersburg criminal defense attorney can help ease the pain of the process.

St. Petersburg Tourist Defense Attorney

If you are an out-of-state visitor facing criminal charges in Florida, contact a St. Petersburg tourist lawyer at Morris Law Firm, P.A.. The firm can work with you from your home state to help ensure the charges are handled properly. They understand the situation can be stressful, so the team is dedicated to helping make the process simple.

Melinda Morris and her legal team at Morris Law Firm, P.A. can help you throughout the legal process. They can take action immediately and begin helping solve your legal troubles. They can ease the impact by resolving an outstanding warrant, setting court dates for your schedule, waiving the need for your appearance in Florida or fighting to reduce or dismiss charges against you.

Call (727) 592-5885 to schedule a free case evaluation. Morris Law Firm, P.A. represents clients throughout the Tampa Bay area, including St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Pinellas County, Tampa, Hillsborough County and areas throughout other surrounding counties.

Information About Out-of-State Offenses

• Possible Tourist Crimes in Florida
• Out-of-State DUI
• Penalties for Florida Offenses

Possible Tourist Crimes in Florida

When a person is on vacation in Florida, he or she still could be arrested for allegedly breaking the law. This means a person could face misdemeanor or even felony charges in a state where he or she does not reside. Some charges often are associated with tourists, but a person could face any of the criminal charges on Florida’s book.

Some possible tourist offenses could include:

• DUI Defense
• Disorderly conduct
• Resisting arrest
• Marijuana possession
• Assault
• Robbery
• Domestic violence
• Shoplifting
• Indecent exposure
• Drug possession

Out-of-State DUI

Being on vacation can mean doing things you would not normally do. However, if a person makes a decision to drink and drive, he or she still could face severe consequences. In fact, Florida has some of the harshest laws for getting behind the wheel intoxicated or impaired.

Drivers can be considered under the influence when they are driving or are in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol to the point where your normal faculties are impaired. If a person fails a field sobriety test or a chemical test, he or she also could face DUI charges.

In Florida, a first DUI offense is considered a second-degree misdemeanor, and a second offense is a first-degree misdemeanor. This could mean penalties such as jail time, fines, community service, driver’s license suspension and even an ignition interlock device.

However, a St. Petersburg DUI defense lawyer can help you through the court requirements. Even though you are not a Florida resident, you will be required to attend all court dates. If you are not represented by an attorney, your presence will be required. An attorney, however, could appear on your behalf.

Additionally, a local attorney will be able to handle the paperwork, as well as bargain for reduced charges. The attorneys at Morris Law Firm, P.A. are skilled in handling DUI cases and can work on your behalf to get favorable results. With a strong defense and skilled legal counsel, you may not have to return to Florida to handle your charges.

Penalties for Florida Offenses

Penalties for criminal charges vary in Florida based on several different factors, including whether the crime is a misdemeanor or a felony and if the accused has a prior offense on his or her criminal record. Additionally, first-time offenders could have the penalties reduced.

Some possible penalties could include:

• Second-degree misdemeanor: Not more than 60 days in jail, fine up to $500 or both
• First-degree misdemeanor: Up to one year in jail, fine not more than $1,000 or both
• Third-degree felony: Up to five years in prison, fine up to $5,000 or both
• Second-degree felony: Up to 15 years in prison, fine not more than $10,000 or both
• First-degree felony: Up to 30 years in prison, fine up to $10,000 or both

Finding A Pinellas County Out-of-State Defense Lawyer

If you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offense while visiting Florida, contact a St. Petersburg tourist defense attorney at Morris Law Firm, P.A.. Melinda Morris and her legal team have experience handling a variety of cases in the Sunshine State, and they can help you combat your criminal charges. 

Call (727) 592-5885 to schedule a free case evaluation today.