Katz & Associates · Florida criminal defense
Florida Criminal Defense Lawyers
Worried about what a charge could mean for you?
Jail, work, your family, your record. The worry rarely stops at the courthouse. Katz & Associates can help you understand the charge, weigh your options, and prepare a defense.
You can ask for help before you have all the answers.
Strategic defense
Local court knowledge
Personalized legal strategy
Focused on protecting your rights
When you need help
What needs attention right now?
A call from an investigator or a night in jail can leave you unsure what to do. Start with the situation you are facing. Our attorneys can help you understand the next decision.
The police want to talk.
Before discussing the allegations, ask to speak with a lawyer. We can advise you about the requested interview and how to respond. If you already gave a statement, tell your attorney what was said. You can still seek help.
You have been arrested.
Keep your release papers and court notices. We can explain the charge, any restrictions, and what is due next. Follow a no-contact order even if the other person reaches out. Only the court can change that order.
Florida release conditions ↗Someone you love is in custody.
You may be trying to help with very little information. A name, booking information, and any paperwork you have can help start the conversation. We can discuss the charge, the next appearance, and questions about release.
DUI paperwork may include a separate license deadline.
Our approach to your defense
“When your future feels uncertain, you deserve to be heard. We start by listening to what happened and what worries you, then help you understand your options and the next step in your defense.”
Katz & Associates
Working with Katz & Associates
Your concerns belong in the conversation.
You may be worried about missing work, seeing your children, or explaining an arrest to your family. We want to understand what the case means for your life, as well as what the state says happened.
Our attorneys can help you weigh the evidence, the choices in front of you, and the consequences of a proposed resolution. You should understand why a step is being recommended before you decide.
Room to explain your side.
Discuss what happened, what the report may leave out, and what concerns you most.
Advice you can understand.
Ask what an option involves, what it could change, and what risks remain.
Clear next steps.
Understand the next court step, which dates matter, and which decisions need your input.
Florida criminal defense
Criminal charges we handle
The charge gives us a starting point. The evidence and your circumstances shape the defense. Our attorneys assist with the following matters.
DUI & drunk driving
We examine the stop, sobriety exercises, and breath or blood tests. We also help you understand issues raised by a separate license suspension.
Drug crimes
We defend possession, trafficking, and prescription-drug charges. The search, lab results, and proof of who possessed the drugs can affect the case.
Assault & battery
We examine the sequence of events, witness accounts, recordings, and injuries, including whether self-defense may apply.
Domestic violence
Defense for allegations involving a partner or family member, with attention to the evidence, release conditions, and no-contact restrictions.
Theft & property crimes
Help with shoplifting, theft, burglary, robbery, and other property allegations. We look at identification, ownership, permission, intent, and value.
Fraud & white collar crimes
Defense involving financial allegations, identity theft, or embezzlement. Records, account access, and communications can help explain a disputed transaction.
Juvenile crimes
We help young people and their families understand the charge and what comes next. That includes court, release terms, and concerns about school.
Felony & misdemeanor defense
We review the charge, the evidence, and your prior record. Then we explain the defense options and penalties that may apply.
You do not need to know the legal name for what happened before you contact us.
Let’s talk about how we can help.
Tell us what happened and what is worrying you. We can discuss your options for representation and where to begin.
Building your defense
What could change the defense?
Our attorneys examine the facts the state must prove. Details can change how the evidence is understood. Who had access to an account? What happened before a recording began? How did an officer obtain evidence?
You do not have to work out the legal argument yourself. Bring your account and the records you have. We can examine how they fit together.
How evidence was obtained
A stop, search, or interview may raise questions about your rights. When the law supports a challenge, your attorney can ask the court to exclude evidence. Excluding evidence does not automatically end a case.
What the records actually show
Messages, video, witness accounts, and test results may support or conflict with an allegation. We look at the sequence of events and what may be missing. Keep original records and tell your attorney about footage that could be overwritten.
What each option would mean
A proposed plea, a possible diversion program, and a trial involve different choices. We can explain the terms, the evidence, and potential effects on your life so you can make an informed decision.
Understanding the process
What happens after an arrest in Florida?
You do not need to learn the entire court system at once. These are common stages in an adult state criminal case. Your attorney can explain which stage you are in and what comes next.
01
First appearance
An arrested adult generally goes before a judge within 24 hours unless lawfully released earlier. The court addresses rights, counsel, and release or detention.
02
Charges and your plea
The court addresses the formal charge and your plea. Your attorney can explain what you are accused of and when you must attend court.
03
Evidence and motions
The defense reviews the state’s evidence and investigates the facts. Legal challenges may be raised before decisions about a plea or trial.
04
Resolution or trial
The case may end through dismissal, an agreement, or a trial. The available paths depend on the charge, evidence, and applicable law.
The concerns behind the charge
What could this mean for my life?
Your questions may reach well beyond a court date. Talk with us about the risks you face, the choices you have, and the things you need to protect.
Could I go to jail?
Jail is possible for many charges, but the charge’s name alone does not tell you what will happen. Release while a case is pending is separate from any sentence. The offense, evidence, prior record, and sentencing rules matter. Ask your attorney to explain the exposure in your case.
Will this stay on my record?
What about work and family?
Tell your attorney about a job that requires driving, a professional license, school, or concerns about contact with your children. Release terms and case outcomes can affect these differently. If immigration status is a concern, raise it before any plea decision.
Can a charge be reduced or dismissed?
What does it cost to hire a defense lawyer?
You can discuss the fee and what it includes before deciding to hire the firm. The charge, evidence, hearings, and trial preparation affect the work required. Ask which payment terms are available. Also ask whether a trial, an expert, or a separate license matter would add costs.
If you cannot afford a private lawyer, ask the court whether you qualify for a court-appointed lawyer. Keep required court dates while you arrange help.
Do I have to attend every court date?
Do not assume that hiring a lawyer excuses an appearance. Your attorney can confirm when you must attend and whether a waiver is available for a particular hearing. Follow the court’s notice and your attorney’s instructions.
How long will the case take?
There is no reliable estimate until your lawyer reviews the case. Missing records, hearings, negotiations, and trial dates can affect how long it takes. Ask what is scheduled, what the case is waiting on, and when to expect an update.
Can I get help before charges are filed?
Yes. You can seek advice about an investigation, police contact, or documents you have received before an arrest or formal charge. An attorney can advise you about responding and preserving relevant records. Early representation does not guarantee that charges will be avoided.
A place to start
Tell us what is worrying you.
You do not need a polished explanation or a complete case file. Start with what happened and the question you most need answered.
Talk with our team about the help you need and how we would represent you. We can explain who would handle the case, what the work involves, and how fees work.
If you have them, keep these nearby:
• Your court or release papers.
• The next court date or request from police.
• A short account of what happened.
Missing paperwork does not prevent you from calling.
Request a consultation
Leave your contact details and a brief description of the help you need.
Our Florida offices
Connect with our team.
Martin County & the Treasure Coast
Stuart
770 SE Indian Street
Suite A-16
Stuart, FL 34997
Broward County & South Florida
Pompano Beach
1600 S Federal Highway
Suite 1145
Pompano Beach, FL 33062
Orlando & Central Florida
Orlando
5401 S Kirkman Road
Suite 665
Orlando, FL 32819