Practice Area
Criminal Defense
Pre-arrest, misdemeanor, and felony matters in Palm Beach and Broward counties. Answer a few questions below and we’ll look for a participating attorney suited to your matter.
Criminal Procedure in Florida
What actually happens after an arrest
Florida requires anyone taken into custody to be brought before a judge — in person or by video — within 24 hours of arrest. At that first appearance, the judge explains the charges, addresses appointment of counsel, and decides whether to set bail or hold the person pending trial.
From there, Florida’s speedy trial rule sets an outside deadline: generally 90 days for a misdemeanor or 175 days for a felony, measured from when charges are formally filed. A defendant can also file a formal “demand” for speedy trial, which shortens that window considerably.
Deadlines and procedures vary by charge and circumstances — confirm your specific situation with an attorney. This summary is based on Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.130 and 3.191.
What To Expect
What shapes a criminal defense matter
None of this is legal advice — only an attorney who has reviewed the specific charge and facts can advise you.
- 01
The first 24 hours matter
Florida requires anyone in custody to appear before a judge within 24 hours of arrest, where bail and pretrial release are addressed. Having an attorney involved early can materially affect that hearing.
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There's a clock on the case either way
Florida's speedy trial rule generally requires trial within 90 days for a misdemeanor or 175 days for a felony from the date charges are formally filed — deadlines that affect how a defense is built.
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Pre-arrest matters are still matters
If you're under investigation but haven't been arrested, an attorney can often intervene before charges are filed — this is different work than defending an existing charge, and timing matters.
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Prior charges can affect strategy and exposure
Whether this is a first offense or there are related prior charges can affect everything from bond to sentencing exposure — an attorney will want this history early.
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Tell us about your matter
This isn’t a request for legal advice, and it doesn’t obligate you to anything. We use your answers to look for a suitable participating attorney.
FAQ
Criminal defense referral questions
Is this service a law firm?+
No. EzuLaw is a lawyer referral service. We connect you with participating, independently practicing Florida attorneys — we don't represent you, and we don't provide legal advice.
I haven't been arrested yet — can you still help?+
Yes. Pre-arrest and under-investigation matters are common, and early attorney involvement can sometimes prevent charges from being filed at all. Submit an inquiry and note that you haven't been arrested.
How fast will I hear back if someone is in custody?+
We flag in-custody inquiries for priority review given Florida's 24-hour first appearance requirement. That said, if a hearing is imminent, don't wait on us — contact an attorney or the public defender's office directly.
Will you tell me where the attorney is located before I talk to them?+
Yes. If we identify a participating attorney for your matter, we disclose that attorney's name, firm, and location (city/county) to you as part of the referral, before any next step.
Does consultation with a listed attorney create representation?+
No. An attorney-client relationship is only created if and when that specific attorney agrees to take your case. Read our full referral service disclosures for details.