Criminal defense for adults in Jensen Beach

Jensen Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer

Your defense stays yours, even when family helps.

Katz & Associates helps adults facing felony and misdemeanor charges in Jensen Beach. We review what the state claims, what may support the defense and the choices you need to make. If a relative is helping arrange counsel, we can explain how that support fits around the client’s role.

Call about your own case or tell us whom you are helping. Start with the charge, county and any date that needs attention.

Call 772-933-5289 Request a defense conversation

If someone is in custody, tell us the facility and any booking details you have.

The case comes first

Give counsel the full account, including the difficult parts.

Katz handles drug and DUI cases, assault, battery, domestic allegations, theft and fraud. Our criminal defense practice covers both misdemeanors and felonies. You can ask how the firm would examine the charge and prepare if the case goes to trial.

Separate what was seen from what was repeated

If an encounter is disputed, a relative may be a witness, a source of records or someone who heard about it later. Say which. We examine direct knowledge, conflicting details and gaps in each account. A supportive account still needs careful review.

Look beyond the short version

A full recording may show what happened before a confrontation. Earlier messages may explain a later exchange. Katz reviews the available material for missing context, issues of intent and any lawful defense, including self-defense when the facts raise it. Preserve original files rather than editing a version to make your point.

Ask what work the defense needs

We look at possible challenges to a search or statement. We also review what the state plans to use and which witnesses may matter. At trial, counsel can question those witnesses and present defense evidence. Before a plea, weigh the proof, risks and terms you would accept.

Find the correct case

Match the paperwork to the county handling it.

Use the county and case number on the actual papers. A Jensen Beach mailing address alone does not identify the court. Under Florida’s venue law, trial generally takes place where the offense occurred, subject to exceptions.

A family caller does not need to complete a records search before contacting the firm. Share the person’s name, facility and documents already on hand, and ask what else is needed.

For a Martin County case

Choose Court Records on the Martin Clerk’s records page. It leads to criminal dockets and available non-confidential case documents. Ask about a needed record that is not available online.

For a St. Lucie County case

Choose Court Cases in the St. Lucie public search, rather than Official Records. The Clerk’s records guidance explains that one county clerk cannot access another county’s court files, even within the same circuit.

Support without taking over

The client decides. Family can help make the next step possible.

Key choices belong to the adult client

After consulting the lawyer, the client decides the plea, whether to give up a jury trial and whether to testify. Those choices are set out in Florida Bar rule 4-1.2. Counsel explains the risks and options; a relative’s preference cannot replace the client’s decision.

Practical help has a real place

A supporter can help arrange contact, keep documents organized and ask about paying legal fees. Tell the firm what role you hope to play. A parent, spouse or person paying the bill does not gain control of an adult’s defense through that role alone.

If a court order gives someone power to act for the client, show it to counsel. That may be a guardianship order or another grant of authority. Counsel should review its scope and any capacity concerns before explaining how that person may assist.

Fees, updates and private advice

Agree on the arrangement before someone else pays.

Payment and representation are different roles

Florida’s third-party payment rule requires informed client consent, the lawyer’s independence and protection of client information. Ask who the client will be, what the fee covers and how the terms will be recorded. Paying a fee does not entitle a supporter to direct the defense or receive case information.

Ask who should join a legal conversation

Lawyer-client privilege can depend on why another person is present. Privilege may still apply when sharing with that person helps provide legal services or is reasonably needed to pass along the message. Being family is not enough by itself. Ask counsel before bringing someone into a discussion or forwarding legal advice. Privilege is not the same as the lawyer’s duty to protect case information. Both have legal exceptions.

Two people charged need a conflict check

If relatives face charges from the same event, their accounts or interests may differ. Under Florida’s conflict rules, one lawyer must assess whether representing both is permitted. Consent cannot cure every conflict. Raise this before making a joint defense plan.

When the client is in jail

Arrange lawyer contact through the proper channel.

Ordinary mail is not legal mail

The Martin jail’s mail rules allow ordinary mail to be read or rejected. Legal mail has separate requirements, including current sender verification. A family letter does not become legal mail because it describes a case. Ask counsel how legal documents should be sent.

Personal visits and professional visits differ

The St. Lucie jail visit guide has separate routes for personal and professional visits. Its on-site professional video system requires documentation and confirmation. Do not assume a family video visit is private legal contact. Tell counsel where the person is held and ask how attorney contact should be arranged.

Check the order before carrying a message

A no-contact restriction may cover messages passed through relatives. Florida’s release law addresses indirect contact. Have counsel review the actual order before anyone tries to reach the protected person. If you know a witness, give counsel the details and ask how the person should be approached.
Call about arranging attorney contact
Michael Katz Esq

Michael Katz

Firm founder

Choosing Katz & Associates

Ask for an explanation you can use.

Michael Katz founded the firm in 2005. Its approach is clear, practical advice tailored to the client. Bring the charge and the question you most need answered. Ask what work the defense needs, who would do it and how the fee applies.

If a relative makes the first call, we can discuss how to arrange contact with the adult seeking counsel. Ask how updates and private conversations would be handled once the client and firm agree on representation.

Learn about Michael Katz and the firm.

Planning the first conversation

Questions about cost and existing counsel

What if our family cannot afford private counsel?

Ask the court whether the adult qualifies for appointed counsel in the pending case, and ask the clerk how to apply. A relative does not have to commit to funding the defense before raising that question. If you contact a private firm, ask about any consultation charge and the proposed legal fee before agreeing to pay.

What if another lawyer already represents the person?

Tell the firm that before discussing a new engagement. Explain whether the adult client is seeking another opinion or considering a change. Ask how any change of counsel would be handled. A call to a different firm does not itself cancel an existing court date.

For clients and those helping them

Tell us who needs counsel
and what needs attention.

Contact Katz & Associates about an adult criminal case in Jensen Beach. Say whether you are the person facing the charge or a supporter. Include the county, custody status and any approaching court or license deadline so the first discussion can start with the pressing concern.

Call Katz at 772-933-5289

For an office visit, ask about meeting in Stuart. If the person is jailed, ask how lawyer contact would work there.

Request a defense conversation

Tell us who is seeking counsel, your role and how to contact you.

For a custody concern or a close deadline, call the firm. Do not rely on a form reply arriving before the required date.
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This page gives general legal information. Advice depends on the facts and who seeks counsel. A form request alone does not create an attorney-client relationship.