Katz & Associates · Stuart, Florida
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Stuart, FL
Understand the charge. Have a plan for what comes next.
An arrest or a call from an investigator can leave you unsure what to say or do. Our attorneys help people in Stuart and Martin County understand their situation, respond to the allegations, and prepare a defense.
Experienced Defense
Courtroom Ready
Personalized Legal Strategy
Serving Stuart & The Treasure Coast
A conversation about your case
You need answers you can act on.
You may have release papers, a court date, or only a message asking you to call the police. Start with what you know. You do not have to work out the legal issues before speaking with us.
At Katz & Associates, we listen to your account, review the paperwork, and explain what needs attention. That includes concerns about work, driving, family contact, and the record a case could leave behind.
Cases we handle
Defense for the charge you are facing
We represent adults and young people accused of crimes in Stuart and Martin County. Each case starts with the facts behind the allegation.
DUI arrests
A DUI arrest can raise issues with both the criminal case and your license. We review the stop, test records, and your options for responding.
Drug charges
Where was the substance found? Who had access? What does testing show? We examine these questions in possession, prescription-drug, and other drug cases.
Assault & battery
We look at the full encounter, including witnesses, video, injuries, and whether lawful self-defense could apply. Your account is part of that review.
Domestic violence
An accusation involving a partner or relative may also affect where you stay and whom you can contact. We address the defense and explain court-ordered limits.
Theft & shoplifting
Store footage, receipts, and identification may matter. We examine what the state says was taken and the evidence of intent, ownership, and value.
Fraud allegations
A disputed transaction needs a careful review of who knew what and who had authority. We examine financial records, communications, and the alleged conduct.
Juvenile cases
Parents need to know what a charge could mean for their child. We help families address court requirements, school concerns, and available defense options.
Misdemeanors & felonies
A misdemeanor is still a criminal case. For either type of charge, we explain the possible penalties and the facts that could affect your options.
Before the next conversation or hearing
A few decisions deserve attention now.
You can get legal advice before an arrest or formal charge. If you have already been released, check your papers for court dates and restrictions. A later hearing does not mean every issue can wait.
Police want your account
Ask to speak with a lawyer before discussing the allegations. Keep the investigator’s name and messages so an attorney can help you respond. If you have already spoken, tell us what was said so we can assess it.
A release order limits contact
Follow the written terms, even if the other person reaches out. A no-contact order stays in effect until the court changes it or it otherwise ends under the law. Ask your lawyer how to address home or child-contact concerns within those limits.
Florida release conditions ↗A DUI license suspension
We can help you understand the papers, the risks, and the next step.
Call 772-933-5289 ↗Understanding the Martin County court process
What each stage asks of you
This is a guide to common stages in an adult Florida state case. The order and timing can vary. Your attorney can explain your current stage and prepare you for the next one.
01
The initial hearing
Unless lawfully released earlier, an arrested adult generally appears before a judge within 24 hours. The court addresses counsel and release or detention. This hearing does not decide guilt.
02
The charge and plea
At arraignment, the formal charge and plea are addressed. Review the charge with your lawyer and confirm whether you must attend. Hiring counsel does not automatically excuse you.
03
Preparing the defense
Your lawyer reviews the evidence and any legal challenges. Share records and witness details with your attorney, including information that may be missing from the police account.
04
Deciding how to proceed
A case may end by dismissal, an agreement, or trial. Before a plea, discuss the terms and consequences. Available choices depend on the evidence, charge, and law.
Confirm where and when to appear.
The Martin County courthouse is at 100 SE Ocean Boulevard in Stuart. Check the instructions on your notice, including whether an appearance is in person or remote. Ask your attorney to resolve any conflicting information.
Life does not pause for a court case
“You may be thinking about tomorrow’s shift, getting home to your children, or how to tell your family. Those concerns matter when we discuss your defense.”
You deserve advice that makes sense for your life, as well as your case.
Making an informed decision
Before you accept a plea
Wanting the case over is understandable. Before accepting an offer, you need to know what it requires, what your lawyer could challenge, and how it may affect life after court.
What does the evidence support?
We check the police account against the available evidence. Video, messages, test records, or a witness may add context. We assess the proof and whether a legal challenge could affect what the state can use.
What would the terms require?
Ask whether an offer includes jail, probation, fines, classes, or other limits. If a diversion program is an option, ask who qualifies and what you must complete. A first charge does not guarantee acceptance.
What happens outside the courtroom?
Raise concerns about a professional license, driving for work, housing, or immigration status before any plea. Different outcomes can have different effects. Your lawyer needs those details to give you useful advice.
Our attorneys help you compare the choices and the risks of each. No lawyer can promise a dismissal or a particular sentence.
Before you hire a lawyer
The questions that can be hard to ask
You can ask about fees, who would handle your case, and the choices ahead. A clear conversation should help you decide whether to move forward.
What will it cost to hire your firm?
The charge, evidence to review, hearings, and trial work can affect the fee. Before hiring the firm, ask what the fee includes and when payment is due. Check whether trial, experts, or a separate license matter would cost more.
If private counsel is beyond your budget, ask the court whether you qualify for a court-appointed lawyer. Keep required court dates while arranging help.
Can I call for a relative who is in jail?
Yes. Have their full name, booking details, and any papers ready when you call. We can explain how to arrange legal help. The person facing the charge would be the client. If you plan to pay the fee, ask what the lawyer can discuss with you.
I was charged while visiting Stuart. Do I need to return?
Living elsewhere does not remove your court obligations. Your lawyer can check which appearances require your attendance and whether a waiver or remote appearance is available for a particular hearing. Do not assume permission or make travel plans based only on a general calendar entry.
What if my partner wants the charge dropped?
Does a dismissal clear my record?
How long could the case take?
There is no sound estimate from the charge’s name alone. The evidence still needed, court schedule, legal motions, and trial preparation all matter. After reviewing your case, your attorney can explain the next milestone, what may cause delays, and what you can do while waiting.
Talk with our Stuart office
Let’s work out where to begin.
Bring the questions you need answered. We can discuss what happened, the help you need, and what representation would involve.
If you have a court date, release order, or police request, mention it when you call. You can still contact us without a complete set of papers.
Request a consultation
Leave your contact details and a brief description of the help you need.