Florida is one of the nation’s top destinations for tourists. Every year, some of those tourists end up in legal trouble, which can be a disorienting experience under the best of circumstances. When you’re not in your home area, it’s even worse.
Many charges against tourists are misdemeanor violations. These include some marijuana charges, shoplifting and the possession of alcohol while underage. While this is still a serious issue, you may be released at the scene with a Notice to Appear.
What are your obligations under a Notice to Appear?
If you are given a Notice to Appear, you are still required to return to Florida to attend a court hearing — unless you hire a criminal defense attorney and waive your right to be present in court. This is one of the biggest ways that a defense attorney who handles cases involving tourists can be helpful because it leaves you free to return to your life and attend to other matters while the case proceeds.
What happens once the court hears the case?
Misdemeanor charges carry a variety of possible penalties, including fines, community service and jail time up to a year. However, your sentence will depend largely on the circumstances of the crime and your past criminal history, if any.
Your attorney will work with you to determine what possible defenses you may have to the charges and help you understand your options. Some of the possible positive outcomes include a complete dismissal of your case or a plea bargain that allows you to avoid jail time.
What happens if you just don’t show up for court at all?
Keep in mind, if you fail to show up at court at all — or don’t follow the proper procedure for a Notice to Appear and arrange for an attorney to attend court on your behalf — a bench warrant will be issued for your arrest.
That will only compound your troubles, so make certain that you talk to a defense attorney before you leave the area.